Traveling Dogs: Doggie Daycare

For those of us who travel with our dogs, and want them to have the funnest days in the funnest places, we have the task of finding doggie daycare. While a simple Google search might suffice, it can be challenging in rural areas and for certain dogs to find great places for daycare!

Thankfully I have had a variety of daycare experiences for Chloe, all of which has helped her grow into the amazing, confident travel dog that she is today!

Here is a step by step guide for all travelers to find your next daycare option on the road ♡

Step 1: Does your travel location have anyone who offers Rover?

Rover is an app you can download on your phone, that lists people who are interested in offering doggy daycare or boarding.

Rover is the first place I look for a couple reasons. First, if I have to fly home in an emergency, Rover daycares are usually very reliable one on one care, where Chloe might even get to share the human’s bed! Rover also offers meet and greets, so I know exactly the situation I’m bringing my girl into and have the chance to ask questions in person, and gage reactions. It also gives the opportunity to meet the person’s dog, and make sure the pets are instant best furry friends. Make sure to:

Look at reviews
Do a meet and greet
Ask the hard questions-
- How much supervision do they offer,
- Do they discipline their dogs and how,
- What planned activities will happen during the day?
Determine if it’s a good fit for your dog, and be honest.
- Will your dog be crated when he/she’s alone and is your pup comfortable with that?
- Do they use a water spray bottle on their dog, while yours has a massive fear of water?
  - Both are reasons why I opted against rovers, in favor of something different!

Step 2: Does your travel location have a standard daycare setting?

After looking at Rover options, you’ve decided against it! Now what? Thankfully you also can check out those standard doggy daycare settings.

Typical doggy daycares have a large outdoor area, an indoor space if the weather is bad, and an area to kennel or board dogs overnight. Most daycares require a “temperament test” on your pups first day, and I’ve found it’s a good time to ask the hard questions and assess the daycare’s situation! You might find out:

Is there constant supervision offered for playing dogs?
How do they handle doggy “time outs”
Do they offer training classes using positive reinforcement?
Are there cameras to watch the dogs while you work?

While these aren’t all necessary to have in place, the supervision and separating anxious dogs are important to know about! Most facilities have a LOT of dogs playing at once, and are on the expensive side of the equation- so if you’re still not finding a good fit for you and your pup…

Step 3: Ask Around! Call: the humane society, local trainers or people who board and train.

Chloe and I have found ourselves in the situation of “there is no actual doggy daycare in this town!” We have learned that a phone call is never ill placed, and when you’re in healthcare during a pandemic, there are many folks willing to help you and your dog!

Even before the pandemic, Chloe and I called a local kennel asking if they’d offer doggy daycare. They referred us to a woman who fostered dogs for them often, and had a beautiful yard space and many dogs to socialize with. Chloen LOVED the situation as a puppy, and it was only 10$ per day! We also called a local board and train kennel, and the man was amazing. He had a special “VIP” room that Chloe would play in all day. He’d take her for multiple walks, and with my permission, used her great training skills to help the struggling dogs learn! It was 18$ per day, and very much worth it.

Step 4: Ask for help! Make a Facebook post in a community group, or ask your neighbors.

So, you’ve chosen a contract in the middle of nowhere. There is no Rover, doggy daycare, and noone turning up using word of mouth. This is why we have Facebook! (Yes, the only reason is for our dogs, of course!). Hop on to that local Facebook group, and ask your neighbors if they’d be willing to spend time with your dog during the week. With many people unemployed, struggling for finances or just wanting an extra dose of joy in their life, doggy daycare can make a huge difference! I have offered anywhere from 20-30$ per day, which is the average rate on Rover. If you’re an RV person, many campground hosts will offer to check on your dog, or spend time with them too! Never hesitate to get in touch with the locals, because they bring the real fun into the traveling dog life.

Daycare is fun!

We all choose doggy daycare for different reasons- maybe we’re off to a new travel contract that offers 4, 10’s or maybe we just want that extra exercise for our pups! Why do you like to use doggy daycare while traveling? No matter the reason why you’re looking for doggy daycare, I hope this step by step guide helps you locate the best option for your pup! Enjoy all your traveling escapades! Comment where your next dog friendly travel assignment is located! In the meantime, happy trails and happy tails to you all. ❤

Barking Embarkers