What Should I Consider When Looking for Dog Day Care
What to look for and what questions to ask when you are looking for Dog Day Care?
Choosing the right dog day care is an important decision. For many owners, it is the first time they trust someone else with their dog’s safety, routine, and wellbeing. With so many options across Essex, knowing what really matters can make all the difference.
At JJ’s VIP Pets, we believe dog day care should be structured, calm, and genuinely enriching, not just somewhere dogs are kept busy.
A safe and well supervised environment
One of the most important factors in any dog day care is supervision. Dogs should never be left to manage group dynamics on their own. Experienced staff should be present at all times, actively observing behaviour, stepping in early, and supporting calm interactions.
Good supervision helps prevent problems before they start and ensures dogs feel secure rather than overwhelmed.
Group sizes and temperament matching
Not all dogs enjoy the same type of social interaction. A quality dog day care will carefully assess each dog’s temperament, energy levels, and confidence before introducing them to group play.
Smaller, well matched groups are far safer and more enjoyable than large, uncontrolled mixes. Dogs should be encouraged to interact appropriately, take breaks when needed, and feel comfortable moving away from play.
Structure, routine, and rest
Dogs thrive on routine. A good day care provides a clear structure to the day, balancing activity with rest and quiet time. Constant stimulation can be stressful, especially for puppies and older dogs.
Scheduled downtime allows dogs to decompress, process social interactions, and return home calmer and more settled.
Training and behaviour support
Dog day care should reinforce good behaviour, not undo training at home. Facilities that use positive reinforcement techniques help dogs practise calm greetings, polite play, and appropriate responses to other dogs and people.
This approach supports confidence and emotional balance, rather than encouraging over excitement or frustration.
Clean facilities and outdoor access
Cleanliness and safety should be non negotiable. Secure fencing, safe surfaces, and well maintained spaces are essential. Outdoor access allows dogs to explore, move naturally, and enjoy fresh air in a controlled environment.
Hygiene protocols also play a vital role in keeping dogs healthy and comfortable.
What to check before choosing a dog boarding or day care facility
Before committing to dog day care or boarding, owners should always take time to check that a facility meets proper welfare, safety, and legal standards. A reputable provider will welcome these questions and be happy to show you the details.
Licensing and star rating
In England, dog boarding and day care facilities must be licensed by their local council. Ask to see the licence number and confirm the star rating awarded following inspection. The rating reflects standards around welfare, safety, staffing, and management. A higher rating indicates strong compliance and good practice.
Reviews and reputation
Online reviews can offer valuable insight into other owners’ experiences. Look beyond star counts and read what people say about communication, consistency, and how their dogs behaved after attending. Calm, settled dogs returning home are often the best indicator of good care.
Visit the premises in person
Always visit the facility before booking. Seeing the environment for yourself helps you understand where your dog will be kept during the day and how they are managed. Look for calm dogs, secure areas, clean spaces, and staff who appear confident and attentive rather than rushed.
Size and types of dogs cared for
It is important to understand the size, energy levels, and types of dogs a facility is set up to support. Dogs form social bonds during day care and boarding, and the groups they interact with can have a real impact on their confidence and enjoyment.
At JJ’s VIP Pets, we generally care for small to medium sized dogs. We have found that this creates a calmer, more balanced environment, particularly for smaller or more sensitive dogs, as play styles and energy levels tend to be more closely matched.
Larger or bull breed dogs often have different play styles and physical presence, which can sometimes feel overwhelming to smaller dogs, even when behaviour is friendly. For this reason, it is worth asking any provider what types of dogs they routinely care for and how groups are managed.
We love all dogs, and for owners of larger or bull breeds, finding a facility that specifically caters to their needs is just as important. A good provider will be honest about what they can safely and confidently accommodate, ensuring the best possible experience for every dog in their care.
Daily schedule and routine
Ask about the structure of the day. This should include supervised play time, scheduled rest periods, feeding routines, and clear drop off and pick up times. Dogs benefit from routine, and a well run facility will be able to explain their daily schedule clearly.
First aid and emergency readiness
Check that at least one member of staff is trained in canine first aid and that there are clear procedures in place should a dog become unwell or injured. Knowing how emergencies are handled provides important peace of mind.
Insurance and professional cover
A professional dog day care or boarding service should hold public liability insurance with a reputable provider. Do not hesitate to ask for confirmation. Insurance protects both the business and dog owners in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
Our approach at JJ’s VIP Pets
At JJ’s VIP Pets, our dog day care in Waltham Abbey supports dogs from across Essex, we look after dogs from Epping, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Upshire, Broxbourne, Nazeing and North London. We focus on a fun structure with with lots of exercise, a calm and positive environment with thoughtful supervision.
Dogs are carefully introduced, supported throughout the day, and encouraged to make good choices in a safe and balanced setting. Our aim is always the same, happy dogs who feel secure, relaxed, and confident.
Final thoughts on choosing the right dog day care!
The best dog day care is not about how busy it looks, but how calm and well managed it feels. Structure, supervision, and transparency make all the difference to a dog’s experience.
If you are considering dog day care or boarding and would like to learn more about how we work, please get in touch or arrange a visit. Seeing the environment for yourself is often the best way to know if it feels right for you and your dog.
