Choosing a dog daycare is a major decision, especially if it’s your first time. You’re not just picking a place to drop off your dog—you’re selecting the people who will be responsible for your dog’s happiness, safety, and well-being while you’re away. The right dog daycare and environment can help your dog build confidence, improve their social skills, and burn off energy. The wrong place can lead to stress, injuries, or even long-term behavioral issues.
To make the best choice for your furry friend, it’s essential to understand what truly matters. Based on our experience at Happy Tails Inn. Below are seven important questions to ask when evaluating any dog daycare—questions that will help you separate the great ones from the rest, especially if you live in Los Angeles.
What safety and health protocols do you follow?
Safety should be the top priority in every reputable dog daycare & boarding. A professionally managed facility will have strict rules in place to protect all pets, sizes, and temperaments.
Ask about:
- Vaccination requirements. At a minimum, they should require Rabies and Bordetella.
- How do they separate dogs?
- Do they ever mix bigger and smaller dogs?
- Flea and tick prevention policies.
- Staff-to-dog ratios.
- First aid training and emergency procedures.
- Daily health checks for arriving dogs.
Any daycare that doesn’t verify vaccines or ask zero questions about your dog’s health is a red flag.
How do you group the dogs during play?
Not all dogs play the same way. Small dogs may feel threatened around rough-and-tumble large dogs; seniors may not keep up with energetic puppies.
Great daycares separate dogs based on:
- Size
- Temperament
- Age
- Play style
Ask what their grouping process looks like, and whether dogs are pre-evaluated before they join group play. If every dog is thrown together without proper temperament testing, there will be safety issues that arise quickly.
What does a normal day look like at a dog daycare?
A well-run daycare follows a structured schedule—not endless free-for-all play. Dogs need both mental and physical balance, which means rest periods are just as important as exercise.
Look for:
- Rotating play sessions
- Scheduled nap or relaxation time in secure rooms
- Enrichment activities such as tug toys, puzzles, or agility elements
- Outdoor play when appropriate
Dogs that play constantly can become overstimulated, anxious, or aggressive. A quality daycare understands canine behavior and designs the day around healthy rhythms.
How do you ensure cleanliness and hygiene?
Dogs play… and they get messy. But the facility itself should be clean, disinfected, and free of strong odors.
Questions to ask:
- What products do you use to clean indoor and outdoor areas?
- How often are playrooms sanitized?
- Are food and water bowls washed between uses?
- How do you manage potty breaks?
Look around during your tour. Floors should not be wet or slippery, and waste should be removed immediately.
How do you handle challenging behavior?
Even friendly dogs can get overwhelmed in group environments. You want a daycare with knowledgeable staff who understand dog body language and step in before conflicts escalate.
Ask:
- How do you correct behavior?
- What happens if dogs become aggressive or too rowdy?
- Is positive reinforcement the primary method?
A responsible daycare will be transparent about its discipline approach and will communicate any incidents quickly and professionally. Avoid facilities that use punishment-based techniques like shock collars or harsh physical corrections.
How is the facility designed?
The right layout can influence your dog’s comfort and safety. During your tour, pay attention to:
- Play area size and fencing height
- Non-slip flooring for joint safety
- Separate spaces for resting
- Proper ventilation and temperature control
- Private or quiet areas for shy dogs
If the space feels overcrowded or poorly maintained, your dog may experience more stress than fun.
What does communication look like?
You deserve peace of mind while you’re away. The best daycares keep owners informed throughout the day.
Look for:
- Staff that shares updates, photos, or report cards
- Detailed explanations of any incidents
- Clear pick-up/drop-off procedures
- Easy booking and billing systems
- Staff who know your dog by name and personality
Good communication shows they care about more than just your payment—they care about your dog.
Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Dog Daycare
While the seven questions above cover the essentials, here are a few more things that help define an excellent daycare:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Trained Staff | Knowledge of canine behavior prevents injuries. |
| Insurance + Licensing | Shows professionalism and accountability. |
| Enrichment Activities | Mental stimulation reduces anxiety and boredom. |
| Trial Day | Allows your dog to adjust before full-time care. |
| Transparent Pricing | No hidden fees for medication, meals, or late pick-ups. |
Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” explore another option. Your dog deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and happy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Dog Daycare
Most daycares require puppies to be at least 4 months old with required vaccinations completed. Some places allow younger puppies in controlled settings.
The standard requirements are Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), and DHPP (Distemper/Parvo). Many facilities also recommend Canine Influenza.
It depends on energy level and personality. Some dogs thrive with several days a week, while others do best with occasional visits.
Yes—if the daycare offers slow introductions, small playgroups, and quiet rest areas. In some cases, one-on-one enrichment is a better fit.
Like any group setting, risks include minor scuffs, colds like kennel cough, or overstimulation. Choosing a facility with strong safety standards reduces these significantly.
Structured social environments can improve confidence, but dogs with severe anxiety may need training or gradual acclimation first.
Typically, you should bring the updated vaccine records, emergency contact info, food (if mealtime is included), and some daycares allow personal items like blankets; others do not for safety reasons.
Temperament tests can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day, depending on the facility’s standards.
Watch for positive behaviors: excitement when arriving, good appetite, normal sleep, and relaxed body language. Excessive fear or exhaustion may indicate stress.
That’s okay! It simply means your dog might prefer smaller groups, private play, or in-home care. Daycare isn’t right for every dog.
Final Thoughts
Dog daycare can be a wonderful experience for your pet—filled with new friendships, exercise, and enrichment. But not all facilities operate with the same level of care. By asking the right questions, you ensure that your dog is spending their day in a place that values safety, structure, and joy.
Take a tour, talk with the staff, and observe the energy of the environment. A great daycare will make your dog feel comfortable from the moment they walk in the door—and give you peace of mind every time you say goodbye.
Your dog deserves more than supervision. They deserve a place where they can thrive.
