Are doggy day cares safe?
On One Hand: Safety Criteria to Look ForDoggy day cares that meet certain criteria can provide safe environs for canine companions. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, safe doggy day cares have professionally trained staff who attend to the dogs at all times; spacious, clean and well-ventilated facilities; and vaccination policies aligned with the most recent veterinary recommendations.On the Other: Risks Exist”Dogs enrolled in doggy day care are at risk for contracting infectious diseases, hence the importance of ensuring all participants are adequately immunized,” said Dr. G. Robert Weedon, veterinary outreach coordinator for the Alliance for Rabies Control, in an email interview. “Another concern is the potential for inter-dog aggression,” he added. “Adequate socialization of the dogs participating, and supervision by the staff, should minimize this problem.”Bottom LineDoggy day cares should be evaluated case by case to ascertain their safety.
