Dog owners, 5 min read

Is your dog ready for daycare? A first-week checklist

By the PackDay team. Checked against the sources listed at the end.

Daycare can give a social dog a happy, busy day while you’re at work. A little preparation before the first week makes it far more likely your dog will love it, and that the daycare will love having them.

Start with your dog, not the booking

Daycare suits dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. Plenty of dogs do, but not all, and that’s fine. A dog who prefers people, or one quiet friend, may be happier with a dog walker or a smaller setting than a busy playroom.

If you’re not sure, watch how your dog behaves around other dogs at the park or on a walk. The RSPCA describes a relaxed dog as having a loose body, a soft open mouth, ears in their natural position and a wagging tail. A worried dog tends to lower their body and head, tuck their tail, pull their ears back, look away, yawn or lick their lips. A dog who shows the second set of signs often around other dogs is telling you something worth listening to.

Puppies are a special case. The RSPCA explains that the weeks from about 3 to 17 weeks of age are a key period for socialisation, so good early experiences matter. Your puppy still needs to be up to date with their vaccinations before they mix with other dogs, so talk to your vet about timing.

Get the paperwork in order early

Every daycare sets its own entry rules, so ask what they need well before your first day. These are the usual topics to check.

Vaccinations. The core C3 vaccine protects against canine distemper, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. The C5 adds protection against parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica, two of the causes of canine cough (often called kennel cough). The RSPCA recommends it for dogs who regularly mix with other dogs, including at daycare and boarding. These extra vaccines generally need a yearly booster, so check your dates and leave time for a vet visit if one is due.

Microchip and ID. In Western Australia, the Dog Act 1976 requires dogs to be microchipped by the time they’re 3 months old. Make sure the contact details on the microchip register are current, so the daycare and your vet can always reach you.

Parasites and medication. Ask your vet which flea, tick and worm products suit your dog, and ask the daycare whether they need to see proof. If your dog takes medication, write the dose and times clearly and bring it in its original packaging.

Ask the daycare a few good questions

A good daycare will be happy to answer these, and the answers tell you a lot about how they run.

• How do you group dogs: by size, age, energy, or something else?
• How many staff are with the dogs at once?
• Is there quiet time, and where do dogs rest?
• What happens on very hot days?
• How will I hear how my dog’s day went?
• What happens if my dog is unwell or isn’t settling?

The Australian Veterinary Association’s policy on boarding and daycare says staff should tell owners if a dog shows signs of health or behaviour problems while in care. It also notes that some dogs with ongoing anxiety may not suit a particular style of care. A daycare that talks openly with you about this is a daycare that’s paying attention.

Your first-week checklist

1. Book a meet-and-greet or trial day if the daycare offers one.
2. Bring a copy of your vaccination certificate and your vet’s details.
3. Pack a lead, any food your dog needs, and labelled medication with clear instructions.
4. Leave an emergency contact who can collect your dog if you can’t.
5. Keep drop-off short and calm. A quick goodbye usually helps more than a long one.
6. Start with shorter days if you can, and build up.
7. Expect a tired dog in the evening. Make dinner and a quiet night easy.
8. Read every report card in the first week, and ask about anything you’re unsure of.

Signs it’s going well

By the end of the first week, most dogs who suit daycare are keen at the door and relaxed when you collect them. If your dog seems reluctant to go in, comes home unusually flat, or the staff mention signs of stress, have an honest chat with them. Fewer days, a different group or a different kind of care may suit your dog better, and that’s a perfectly good outcome.

Sources

• RSPCA Knowledgebase: What does my dog’s body language mean?
• RSPCA Knowledgebase: What vaccinations should my dog receive?
• RSPCA Australia: Here’s how to care for your puppy
• Government of Western Australia: Microchipping cats and dogs
• Australian Veterinary Association: Boarding facilities including dog and cat daycare centres