Do you have a dog that you leave at home all day while you’re gone to work? If so, have you ever considered sending them to daycare? Dog daycare has many benefits for both the dog and the owner. In this article, we will discuss:
- What dog daycare is;
- The benefits of sending your dog to daycare;
- How to start your very own dog daycare business;
- And more!
We hope that after reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what dog daycare is and whether or not it’s the right choice for your furry friend!
So, let’s get started!
What is Dog Daycare?
Dog daycare is a service where dogs are supervised and cared for while their owners are away during the workday. It provides a safe environment where your dog can play, socialize, and get some much-needed physical exercise throughout the day. Additionally, dog daycare staff will also take care of basic needs, such as:
- Feeding your dog on time
- Making sure they have enough water
- Supervising playtime
- Providing lots of love and attention!
Benefits of Doggy Daycare
There are numerous benefits to sending your pup to dog daycare. Some of these include:
1 – Exercise and Stimulation
Dog daycare provides a great way for your dog to get physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Daycare staff will make sure your pup is getting plenty of playtime, which can help prevent destructive behaviors at home due to boredom or lack of activity.
2 – Socialization
At daycare, dogs are able to interact with other dogs in a safe and supervised environment. In turn, this can help teach them how to properly socialize, as well as build confidence and reduce anxiety when in the presence of other dogs.
3 – Stress Reduction
Being away from their owners can be stressful for dogs. Dog daycare helps keep stress levels low by providing a fun and stimulating environment for them to enjoy. This can also lead to better overall behavior at home!
Pro Tip: Does your dog display signs of separation anxiety? Here’s how you can help them overcome it!
Types of Dog Daycare: In-Home vs. Commercial
When it comes to dog daycare, there are two main types: in-home and commercial.
In-Home Dog Daycare
In-home services are typically run by individuals who can provide personalized care for your pup. The benefit of this type of daycare is that it often feels more like home, making it easier on the dog and providing a sense of comfort.
Commercial Dog Daycare
On the other hand, commercial daycares offer larger facilities with multiple staff members to supervise playtime. These typically have more amenities, such as pools and agility courses, which provide a great way for your pup to get physical exercise.
How Much Does Dog Daycare Cost?
The cost of dog daycare will depend on the provider and the services they offer. Most providers will charge you based on an hourly rate, but some may also offer daily or weekly rates. Be sure to ask around and compare prices before making a decision!
Generally speaking, though, you can expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $50 for a full day for dog daycare. And if you need to leave your dog overnight for whatever reason, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per night.
Finding a Dog Daycare Near You
Now that you know the benefits of sending your pup to daycare, it’s time to find one near you! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to go about this.
You can start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Additionally, you can also do a quick search online for local dog daycare providers in your area. Just make sure to read reviews and check out customer testimonials before making your decision.
Once you find a daycare that interests you, be sure to set up a visit. It’s important to get a feel for the place and make sure it is the right fit for you and your pooch!
How to Know if Your Dog Likes Daycare
When it comes to daycare, not all dogs are created equal. Some may love the interaction and stimulation of a group setting. In the same breath, others may prefer more individualized attention.
Here are a few positive signs that your pup is enjoying their time at daycare:
- They’re excited when you drop them off
- They don’t seem anxious when you pick them up
- They come home tired out from all the playtime
What to Do if Your Dog Doesn’t Seem to Like Daycare
If your pup is not taking to daycare as well as you’d hoped, don’t worry! Here are some tips that may help them adjust:
- Start out slow – try taking them for just a few hours at first and gradually increase the time until they become more comfortable with the new environment
- Provide comfort items – bring their favorite toy or blanket from home to help them feel more secure
- Talk to the daycare staff – they may be able to offer some insight into ways you can help your pup acclimate If none of these tips seem to work, it’s possible that daycare just isn’t the right fit for your dog.
- Consider starting your own dog daycare business – Who better for your dog to feel comfortable with than you? Plus, then you’ll get to be your own boss – and constantly be surrounded by other adorable dogs, too!
How to Start a Dog Daycare Business
If you’re thinking of starting your own dog daycare business, there are some key things you should consider first:
1 – Location and Facility
First, you’ll need to find a suitable location for your facility. This should include plenty of room for dogs to play, run around, and stay overnight if needed. It should also be near other amenities such as parks and veterinarians in case of emergencies.
2 – Startup Costs
Next, you’ll need to consider the costs associated with starting up a dog daycare business, such as:
- Licenses
- Insurance
- Marketing materials
- Equipment and supplies
- Staff wages, etc.
The amount of money you’ll need to start up your business will ultimately depend on the size of the facility, number of staff members, and other factors. That said, in the United States, the average startup costs – as well as costs for the first year – for a small business tend to be around $40,000.
3 – Services
Another critical thing to consider is the type of services you want to offer customers. For example, do you plan to provide overnight boarding? What about training and/or grooming services? How about transportation to and from your facility?
Once you have a solid business plan in place, you’ll be ready to start taking on customers and begin providing pet parents with the best dog daycare services around!
Interested in professional dog grooming and/or dog training? Become fully trained and certified with QC Pet Studies‘ self-paced, online Dog Grooming Course and/or Dog Training Course!
4 – Staffing
In the beginning, you may be able to manage the day-to-day operations of your business on your own. However, as you expand and take on more clients, you’ll likely need additional help. Make sure to find staff members who are passionate about animals and have plenty of experience in handling all different kinds of dogs.
Once you begin adding staff to your business, it’s important that you understand how to keep them safe and comfortable. For instance, make sure you provide them with the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and training to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle any potential emergency.
5 – Rules and Regulations
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations related to dog daycare businesses in your area, including any licenses or permits you may need.
Once you have all of this information in order, you can start the process of opening your own dog daycare business!
PRO TIP: To learn even more about starting your own dog daycare business, make sure to check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide!
How to Open a Dog Daycare at Home
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up your own business, you can always consider opening a dog daycare in your own home. While this may seem simpler, it does come with its own set of challenges and considerations.
For starters, make sure that you have enough space for all the dogs that will be visiting your house. You’ll also need to consider the safety of both your guests and your own pet(s), as well as whether or not you have enough staff members to help manage everything.
You will likely also need to follow specific protocols related to vaccinations and other health matters. So, make sure that you understand all of these before taking on any clients!
Joining an Existing Doggy Daycare Business
Now, maybe you’re reading all this and thinking to yourself, “I want to work in a dog daycare – but I don’t want to run one…”
No problem! You can always join an existing doggy daycare business and help out with the day-to-day operations.
That said, it’s important to remember that dog daycare facilities require a specific skill set. So, make sure you understand exactly what will be expected of you before taking on any job. And don’t forget to ask plenty of questions!
Tips for Applying at Doggy Daycares
You can start your job search by reading through local listings or inquiring at doggy daycares in your area. To ensure you have the best chance of getting hired, make sure to bring a positive attitude and plenty of energy to any interviews.
Also, don’t forget to research the company beforehand so that you know what services they offer, what their goals and values are, and how you can contribute to their success.
Finally, make sure you have a good understanding of the safety protocols you’ll be expected to follow when working with their furry guests.
Tips for Nailing Your Job Interview
When interviewing for a job at a doggy daycare, the first thing you need to do is show up on time. Preferably, showing up a bit early is often seen as a sign of respect (so we highly recommend doing this if you can). Also, make sure you dress the part! While it may not be necessary to wear anything too formal, you don’t want to show up in a T-shirt and jeans either.
Next, make sure you come prepared. This means having your resume ready and being able to answer any questions that may arise. Specifically, you can expect questions about your experience and qualifications, as well as some more general questions about your skills and personality.
So, be sure to highlight any certifications or other special training that make you stand out from the crowd! And don’t forget to talk about why you are passionate about working in a doggy daycare – and what makes YOU the perfect fit for the job.
How Much Do Dog Daycare Workers Make?
When it comes to salaries, most doggy daycare workers make between $8-$12 an hour. However, this can vary greatly depending on the size of the business you work for and what other duties you may be asked to perform (like managing special events or overseeing certain areas).
If you run your own dog daycare, however, your salary will be determined by the number of clients you have, the services you offer, and how much business you bring in. With that in mind, you can potentially make a LOT more money if you’re able to attract a steady stream of doggy clients.
In Canada, for example, the annual salary for a dog daycare owner ranges anywhere from $23,000 CAD to $126,000 CAD! Similarly, dog daycare owners in the United States can rake in anywhere from $30,000 USD to over $100,000 USD per year!
The Importance of Getting Certified
It’s important to note that no matter what type of job you pursue in the doggy daycare industry, getting certified is always a good idea. This will not only show potential employers that you are serious about your career; it can also open up more opportunities for advancement.
What’s more, the right certification course will also arm you with business training. This includes everything from customer service and safety protocols to the fundamentals of running a successful business.
So, if you’re looking to make a serious career out of doggy daycare, taking the time to get certified is definitely worth your while!
PRO TIP: Earn YOUR internationally-recognized certification in as little as 12 short weeks with QC Pet Studies’ self-paced, online Dog Daycare Course!
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – a beginner’s guide to dog daycare! It’s definitely not an easy field to break into. But with the right knowledge and some hard work, you can make a great living working in a doggy daycare!
Whether you’re looking to join an existing business or start your own, remember that taking the time to get certified and becoming knowledgeable about the industry is always a worthwhile investment.
Got any questions or comments for us? Drop them down below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
Good luck – and thanks for reading!
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