Doggy Day Care
As much as we’d love to spend as much time as possible with our dogs, sometimes we can’t help but leave them home alone while we are at work. This can sometimes lead to some destructive and inappropriate behaviours by your dog, and can even leave you feeling a bit guilty! A remedy we like to recommend at TRVC is creating a habit of sending your dog to Doggy Day Care.
Doggy Day Care is similar to sending a child to creche. Your pet can play, learn and be socialised in a safe, supervised environment all while you are at work. It differs from boarding in that you are able to drop off and pick up your pooch on the same day.
A few benefits of sending your dog to day care are:
Exercise
One of the biggest benefits of sending your pet to day care is exercise. Instead of sitting at home all day building up energy that’s ready to burst when you get home, your dog is spending all day playing. They can run, play and have lots of fun during the day and then be nice and relaxed ready to spend some downtime with you during the evenings (and sometimes even into the next day!).
Socialisation
We always recommend socialising your dog, especially if they are a young age, however sometimes life can get in the way and it’s hard to find time. Doggy Day Care provides safe and supervised socialisation for dogs of all ages while you are at work. Dogs are placed in seperate groups typically base on their age/size in order to encourage safe interaction. Day care also enables your dog to build confidence in playing and interacting with other dogs without your presence.
Safety
For those of you with a dog who is either an escape artist or injury prone, day care is an excellent option. Your dog will be monitored for the entire time that they are in care, giving you peace of mind to focus on your work.
A few thing to keep an eye out for when finding a day care are:
Inspection
If you’re sending your best friend there, you want to know where exactly they will be spending their time. When considering a day care for your pet, always request if you can visit the site without your pet to inspect it. All respectable daycares will allow you to inspect their whole site, if they refuse then that should be a warning sign.
Floors
Consider the flooring of the day care and it’s appropriateness for your pet. For Giant Breeds or older dogs, we would recommend making sure that the floor is not concrete and will be a bit softer for their joints. Also, ensure that the floors and whole site is kept clean and safe for your pet.
Staff
It is always helpful to find out the qualifications of the staff that will be caring for your pet, and judge how affectionate you think they will be with them. It is helpful to have a qualified veterinary nurse or veterinarian on hand, especially if your pet will require medication administered during their visits.
Pick up/drop off options
Since most day cares tend to be in factories/industrial areas, there aren’t too many options in the Camberwell area. It’s very helpful to ask if they have a pick up/drop off service to make your day easier!
Nearby Doggy Day Cares:
Below is a list of day cares in the Melbourne area. Please advise that these day cares have usually been recommended to us by clients or word of mouth, and have not been formally inspected by our staff.
Dog Zone
52-54 North St, Richmond 3121
(03) 9427 9888
K9 Workouts
8 Levanswell Rd, Moorabbin 3189
(03) 9532 3002
Hop & Scotch Dog Daycare & Dog Groomer
7 King St, Nunawading 3131
(03) 9877 0044
Dogs HQ
86/88 Hoddle St, Abbotsford 3067
(03) 9415 8885
Diggiddydoggydaycare
41 Brady St, South Melbourne 3205
(03) 9676 2000
