Leaving your dog alone all day while you work or travel is tough on both of you. The solution? Doggy day care, where dogs can go every day or a few times a week to socialize and have fun while you’re away. But before you enroll your dog for their first day at day care, you’ll need to make sure you’re both prepared.

3 Steps to Take Before Enrolling in Doggy Day Care

1. Make Sure Your Pet Is in Good Health

Before you bring your fur baby to doggy day care, make sure all their shots are up to date and provide vaccination records before enrollment. Vaccinations usually include a DHLPP (distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) shot or the equivalent. Your dog will also likely need the Bordetella, or kennel cough, vaccination, current within the last year. Finally, you’ll need to update your pet’s monthly flea, tick, and heartworm treatments. This not only protects your dog, but also their new friends at day care.

2. Show Off Your Training

Most doggy day cares are not obedience schools. If your pet is out of control and feels free to relieve themselves on the nearest piece of furniture, they won’t be ready for day care. Your pet doesn’t need to know how to roll over, bark “Happy Birthday to You,” or perform the Electric Slide before their first day, but they should be familiar with basic bathroom etiquette as well as sit, come, down, and stay.

3. Come Ready to Play

Before enrolling in doggy day care, your pet must already be socialized around other animals. Dogs who bark, bite, or try to attack nearby animals will not be welcome at day care, not to mention aren’t likely to have much fun. If your sweet puppy is shy or still learning the ropes when it comes to socializing with other animals, try one-on-one play dates with other pets, and introduce them to other dogs during daily walks. While you should start socializing your dog when they’re a puppy, older dogs can learn to get along with others as well. Your dog will love going to day care once they realize just how much fun playmates can be. 

If you’re worried your dog is lonely, bring them to Furever Friends in Honolulu, HI. The winner of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Hawaii’s Best 2015 – People’s Choice Award for Pet Sitter/Boarding,” the popular doggy day care feels like home with plenty of open spaces, couches, and nooks for naps. To learn more about their loving pet boarding, dog grooming, and cat sitting services, call (808) 845-7297, and visit them online to reserve a space for your furry friend.