Are Doggy Daycares Worth It?

Question

I have a 5 year old American Bulldog/Pitbull mix. He is deaf so he sleeps ALL day! My husband wants to get another dog so that he has a friend to play with and stay active. I really do not want the responsibility of new puppy right now. I am thinking about putting our dog in "doggy daycare" but it is quite expensive (around $16/day). I think 1-2x a week might be OK. I am just not sure though if Doggy Daycare is actually worth it. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

I take my dog to day care once a week (consider yourself lucky, the one I take her to is $30 a day!). She absolutely loves going there, and it lets me get extra stuff done around the house because when I pick her up, she can hardly get in the car before falling asleep.

If you do choose to take him, investigate the day care thoroughly. Have them take you on a tour of the facility. Make sure it is up to your standards in every way.

ADDED: And to the above poster - the day care I take my dog to.. you must show proof (vet invoices) for all vaccinations and spay/neuter (it is required). They keep track of when your dog needs boosters, and you cannot bring them there until you can show proof that they have gotten them

Answer 2

its not worth it at all. it is just another way for people to take ur money. honestly get another dog before u send ur dog to "doggy daycare" or have someone come over and play with ur dog from time to time throughout the day. doggy daycare is a waste of time and money

EDIT: and just a note. in the long run "doggy daycare" will cost more than another dog. 16 dollars twice a week for a year is 1664 dollars. a second dog wouldnt cost near that much. now take 1664 for the next roughly 5 or 6 years thats about 8000 dollars. when u could go to a shelter and pick out an adult dog that will cost about 100 dollars. it has shots and has probably had a vet check. buy the necessities for it. and u will save a lot of money

Answer 3

Oh, YES they are worth it - if you find a really good one!
The one I have will not allow any dogs that haven't had all their shots (and they check with the vets!) They also have several rooms and yards for the dogs: one for small dogs like my Schnauzers. They have a couch potato room for older dogs that like to sleep and not be bothered. There are even couches in this room for the dogs to lie on. There is a big dog room with lots of room to run and toys everywhere.
The yards have toys, shade, water, Pee spots for the boys. They are supervised and played with. The owners bake all their own doggie treats and she has sewn some costumes and has dressed up some of the dogs and taken pictures. They are taught to behave, and when one dog gets too aggressive, there is a time out room (the kitchen) where they can go until they get the rest/change of focus they need.
I love it, and my dogs go 3 times a week and have done so pretty much since they were 6 months old.

I think I pay a lower rate because I'm one of their first customers, but for 2 dogs all day, plus cookies at the end of the day, is about $23. I budget this in, and my dogs are just so excited, they start barking about 2 miles away from the place. I would check around and really check out the premises for cleanliness, that all the dogs are immunized, and that the dogs aren't ignored all day. Like others have said, there are bad ones, and there are extraordinary ones like the one I have.

Answer 4

You might have issues with finding a daycare that will take a deaf AmBull/Pit mix in the first place.

Also, if you're looking for a companion, it doesn't HAVE to be a puppy! In fact, it might be better if it wasn't! You can adopt an adult dog (2-3 yrs old) from a rescue group and save a life. Plus most rescue dogs are kept in foster home environments, so you can find one that has lived with other dogs.

http://www.petfinder.com

The bigger question is, does your dog like other dogs enough, and will he get along with a new dog in the house?

And like the other poster said, a REPUTABLE doggie daycare requires proof of vaccinations (the one that I work with will call the vet directly and get the records faxed over to the daycare), and usually requires that dogs be spayed and neutered.

Answer 5

Doggie daycare is great. If you find a good one, they will make you provide paperwork from your vet showing that your dog is up to date on all his shots. Our doggie daycare even has a webcam so you can keep tabs on what's going on during the day!

On the other hand, you don't need to get a little puppy to keep your dog company. You could get an older dog who is already trained. We debated for a long time about getting a second dog, and we finally went for it. In some ways, it's easier to have 2 dogs than 1, because they entertain each other!

Answer 6

Be careful (I'm a veterinary technician) Some doggy day cares are good. Make sure they ask for complete and up to date vaccine records for the animal and try to stay away from the "open" day cares that let dogs all roam and play together. I've seen a lot of injuries from unpredictable dogs becoming aggressive with each other. Make sure evryone is kept seperate and you may want to consider a home pet sitter if you're uncomfortable

Answer 7

I think it can be worth it and I see no harm in giving it a try. Try putting him in 1-2 days a week as you suggested and see how it goes. A couple days a week may be enough or you may want to do more or may decide it's not for you or him.

Doggie daycare is definitely cheaper than a second dog.

I have an arranged play date for my two dogs once a week on a work day with a dog buddy - that's our version. Boy do they sleep tight that night!!!

Answer 8

Yes & no. You need to find a daycare with web cams & you need to make sure they check for shots. There are many out there that aren't reputable. Why not take your dog to the dog park or on some walks?

Answer 9

Doggy day care is worth it, don`t get another dog for that reason, it could be a bad thing. your dog could really get into trouble remember 2 heads are more trouble than 1.

Answer 10

doggie day care is awsome its worth it.... your dog will get attention all day get to play hang out with other dogs...think of it this way, if you get a new puppy how much would you be spending more? around the same price as doggie day care? I say YES ♥