Difference between Dog Boarding & Daycare
Difference between Dog Boarding and daycare (Expert Guide)
Leaving your dog at a safe boarding facility is the best thing you can do when you’re away on vacation. No matter what kind of dog you have, the possibility of anxiety at the new place is always there. This is where dog boarding and daycare services come in handy.
Whenever you decide to leave your dog behind, dog boarding & daycare centers provide valuable benefits. However, some dog owners get confused in choosing between these two. Both dog boarding and dog daycare facilities have their advantages to discuss.
The happiness and care of your pooch can be achieved through boarding and daycare even when you’re not at home. This article will help in clearing your confusion regarding the difference between dog boarding and doggy daycare services.
Introduction to Dog Boarding
Before we go into the details of dog boarding advantages, you need to have an idea about what dog boarding is. Dog boarding is the provision of comfortable living and care by professional dog handlers when you’re away on your next tour.
If you are about to leave your home for a few days, dog boarding is a suitable option. This is because dog boarding offers a vast number of benefits. Some of them are:
Dog Boarding Advantages
24/7 Monitoring & Care
What differentiates dog boarding from daycare is the amount of time your dog spends in the provided facility. Dog boarding setups are open all days a week and run under the supervision of professional dog handlers and caring staff.
Your dog will be monitored throughout his stay at the facility for his living, feeding, and medication routine. Dog boarding comes in handy when you don’t have enough time to keep your dog with a pet sitter at home for his daily care.
Good Socialization Environment
When you are leaving your dog at a boarding facility, it doesn’t mean he will be alone there. Dog boarding is a great way for your pooch to make some new friends. Constant socialization is crucial for a dog to make him feel less stressed about separation anxiety.
Dog boarding facilities also take good care of dogs who have shy personalities. Each dog is carefully assessed for his behavior before going into the boarding service. Based on that, a shy dog will have a personal staff member to assist him in walks and playing activities.
Physical Health Maintenance
If you’re worried about your dog not being able to play and do physical activities, you’re not alone. Dog boarding brings your mind to ease with regular updates regarding your dog’s physical health status.
Most of the dog boarding facilities are equipped with various exercise platforms. The dogs are rotated in groups for a regular exercise session daily. This will keep the dog fit and healthy whenever you come back to hug him after your tour.
Ideal Feeding & Living Management
There is no point in keeping a dog at home when he can’t have a normal routine without you. Dog boarding services are equipped with kennels and comfortable beds for your dog to enjoy his stay.
At the same time, some boarding services also provide clean blankets and comforters for the night. You have the option to bring your favorite toys to a boarding facility to make your pet feel like he is at home.
Almost every dog boarding has several food brands available in case the food runs out. During the admission of each dog, the staff will inquire about the normal feeding routine of your dog at home. The feeding schedule of each dog will be proceeded based on that routine.
Access to Medication & Veterinary Services
Dog boarding is a great place if your dog is suffering from an underlying disease or illness. Leaving your dog in illness can be stressful knowing there is no one at home for his medication. Luckily, dog boarding facilities eliminate your hustle by carefully monitoring and providing medications.
Most of the dog boarding facilities have regular access to a nearby veterinarian. Some of them have an appointed vet right at the facility for dealing with emergencies. All of these advantages make dog boarding suitable if you have to go away for a few days.
Introduction to Dog Daycare
In the US, many dog daycare services are running as family-owned businesses. Some of them are highly reputable with a good number of clients each month. A dog daycare facility is just like dog boarding except your dog will stay here for a short while or overnight.
Dog daycare services also have some advantages and are suitable based on your preferences. Keep reading below to learn more about dog daycare benefits.
Dog Daycare Advantages
Ideal for Working Pet Owners
One of the biggest benefits of dog daycare services is the satisfaction they give while you’re at work. Unlike dog boarding, dog daycare services offer a limited-time stay at the facility. This can be during the day or overnight daycare.
In my opinion, if you’re a working individual who stays out of home throughout the day, dog daycare may be a better option. You can work wherever you want satisfactorily without stress about your dog not being taken care of. At the end of the day, your dog will be ready to come back home and have some cuddles.
Constant Supervision During Stay
Unlike at home, dog daycare is the best alternative when you don’t want your pooch to stay at home. Dog daycare services are also under the supervision of professional dog handlers just like dog boarding facilities.
Your pooch will get all the love and care without your presence by playing and socializing. The facilitators are trained enough to handle any emergency and can promptly respond to your questions and emergencies.
Social Interaction & Daily Exercises
Dog daycare facility has a fixed number of dogs that they keep during the day or overnight. Isn’t it amazing that your dog will stay in a playful company rather than staying at home? Dog Daycare is a great way for your dog to keep up with the ongoing interaction.
The socialization and physical activity routines at dog daycare are vital for the good mental health of dogs. The dogs will stay together and love to run around in fenced open areas. Dog daycare facilities offer both on-leash and off-leash runs for dogs to stay joyful.
Dog Training & Behavior Correction
In many renowned dog daycare facilities, you have the option to apply for training & behavior correction classes. This is especially important for puppies who need to be trained at an early age for various reasons.
Additionally, dog daycare can provide a soothing and training environment for dogs with behavioral problems. They will be supervised by professional trainers to correct their bad vices and incorrect behaviors that can’t be corrected at home.
Encourage Ideal Routine Development
A dog staying at home will continuously experience boredom and anxiety when you’re away. You might only give him enough time on your day off from work when he can enjoy his normal playing routine.
A dog daycare encourages and trains the dogs to build a normal healthy routine. If you regularly keep your dog at a daycare facility during the day, you will feel the difference. Your dog will stay in a happy mood and live his life to the maximum.
Dog Boarding vs. Daycare – Which Is Better?
Choosing between dog daycare and boarding greatly depends on the time you want to stay away from home. Dog boarding is suitable for individuals who need to keep a check on their dogs during their absence for a few days to weeks.
On the other hand, dog daycare is best if you have a busy work schedule during the day or night. Daycares are usually for overnight or during-the-day stays for dogs. Depending upon your preference, you can choose which one is better for your furry friend.
Additionally, you must remember that both dog boarding and daycare only accept dog stays if your dog has an updated vaccination record. If your dog has an outdated vaccination record, be sure to complete it by booking an appointment with your veterinarian.
Most of the dog boarding and daycare services also have strict policies regarding unneutered and non-spayed dogs. Some of them only allow admissions of neutered and spayed dogs due to safety concerns. If your dog is not neutered or spayed, make sure to choose a boarding or daycare service that can accept your fur buddy.
