I don't care how much pampering my dog gets or whether or not TV is available - that's just icing on the cake and cash out of my wallet.
I do care about the basic TLC that is offered.
Here's a few things I looked for when checking out the doggie day cares:
1. How high are their fences and how do the dogs move from kennel to play area?
2. How large is the outside play area and are there bushes or other obstructions for the humans watching?
2. How many dogs do they let play together at one time?
3. How many humans watch over the dogs playing?
4. How do they introduce new dogs – small dog to small dog; temperment to temperment; free for all?
5. What doggie first aid training do the humans have?
I visited one place that had a very very very large outdoor area and only the standard 4 foot fence. I asked what happens if a dog jumps the fence -- oh we've never had that happen (and they never had experience with basenjis either). I visited one place that had a large playroom and allowed all the dogs together at one time with only one person to watch over. I asked what happens if there's a fight -- oh I come running after them with a spray bottle of water.
Don't be fooled by appearances.
