Is it your first time taking your dog to daycare? Dropping off your four-legged friend at our Santa Monica doggy daycare can help your pup release energy while you’re away at work or other events, but requires a little bit of prep work. Animal Kingdom SM has put together a quick dog daycare checklist to help you prepare for your dog’s first day.
Vaccination Records
When it comes to dog boarding and daycare, vaccines are required to not only protect your dog, but other dogs at the facility as well.Vaccines are essential to preventing the spread of contagious diseases like Bordetella or Parvovirus. Since dogs will be near or playing together during daycare, vaccines are necessary to prevent sickness, especially for puppies, dogs with compromised immune systems, or senior dogs. This safety measure ensures your dog is protected while also providing peace of mind.
Temperament Test
A temperament test evaluates how your dog reacts to various environments, strangers, noises, and so on. This test focuses on dog behavior, such as how stable, shy, friendly, or aggressive they may be. The test also gauges how protective a dog is towards itself or others. A dog’s temperament is often shaped by their breed, genetics, environment, and socialization as a puppy. Your dog can be tested by a certified trainer, behaviorist, or organizations like the American Temperament Test Society who will take the dog on a controlled walk to test their reaction to strangers, noises, and other stimuli. A dog’s temperament is important when attending our Santa Monica dog daycare, so that all dogs remain neutral or friendly towards one another.
Spay and Neuter
Spaying and neutering dogs not only prevents breeding, but helps reduce aggression, marking, and even assists with health. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs that are spayed or neutered are less at risk for certain types of cancer. Of course, spaying and neutering also prevents overpopulation and pregnancy.
Medication
You wouldn’t want to forget to pack your dog’s medication if it’s necessary for allergies, preventing heartworms, or pain relief. Like with a human, if a dog requires a medication while at daycare, then please be sure to let us know! We will dispense pills and apply eye drops per the requirements provided by your vet.
Leash and Collar
Leashes and collars help the staff with arrival, departure, walks, and identification. Quick-release or side-squeeze collars are recommended as they are constructed for easy removal, which makes them user-friendly for busy doggy daycare employees, or even as a general safety precaution.
Sweater
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to the cold like chihuahuas and dachshunds. If your darling dog is more prone to feeling a chill in the air, then style them with a comfy sweater. Animal Kingdom SM offers both indoor and outdoor play, so in colder seasons, a sweater is a nice way to keep your short-haired furry friend warm and happy.
Dog Food
We do not provide dogs with meals at our Santa Monica dog daycare unless provided by their owners. The reason being is each dog has their own diet and changing food can potentially cause dogs upset stomachs. We want your dog to continue with their normal feeding routine, so be sure to bring their favorite food, or stop by our retail store to pick up a new bag.
Now that you’ve gone through our checklist, you’re ready for your dog’s first day at daycare. With their vaccine records, leash and collar, any medications, and perhaps even a sweater, your dog will be well taken care of throughout the day.