Hi there, that doesn't sound the least bit safe or recommended, I'd be shocked if there weren't other better alternatives in Seattle. Perhaps someone here can help, I'm an east coaster so can't help.
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Hi Everyone,
I'm moving to a new area and I'm really struggling to find an acceptable daycare for my lab, Milo. I'm beginning a graduate program at the University of Washington in Seattle and there just really aren't many dog daycares located near that area! It's a bit surprising to me. I'm considering a dog ranch that's a bit farther out that offers a van service: basically, they come and pick up your dog, take him to the farm, and drop him off at the end of the day.
My concern with this option is safety--the dogs are not kenneled in the van, so all dogs are loose when picking up new dogs and opening doors. They told me that if my dog jumping out is a concern (which it is) they can tether him in the back, but that seems unsafe to me as well, especially since I'm pretty sure the dogs are unsupervised in the back of the van except for the driver. Can I get a second opinion on this? What are your thoughts?
It's difficult to find an acceptable daycare option in my area, so any help or recommendations would be appreciated! I have considered a dog walker, but I'm assuming there are going to be some long days and I'm not sure if that's enough exercise for my energetic boy.
Hi there, that doesn't sound the least bit safe or recommended, I'd be shocked if there weren't other better alternatives in Seattle. Perhaps someone here can help, I'm an east coaster so can't help.
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How about a pet sitter/dog walker?
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
I wouldn't trust anything else about the daycare if they're that cavalier about the safety of the dogs in transit.
Abulafia (08-27-2016)
Thank you for the input, everyone. I agree it does not sound safe and I was confused that there wasn't a safer option with that daycare.
In terms of Seattle--of course there are other daycare options in the city itself, but in the U-District and surrounding areas, there really isn't anything. Traffic is horrible in Seattle right now due to the city's crazy growth, so going further out into different Seattle neighborhoods for daycare could take an hour out of my day or more. Doesn't seem worth it.
I know places that have that kind of system and some are really great and safe. But the ones I would trust have fewer dogs in the vehicle
One option that isn't always posted is some dog walkers will do play dates with their clients (either in a safe fenced area or in one of the yards). Mine did this and I didn't know until a year into walks She used a dog park that was fenced and not really used (it was small) and was a good option for dogs that were not necessarily great at dog parks (as long as she had the right "friends" for them within her pack). So the bonus is that your pup could get 45-90+ minutes depending on service to play with another dog.
Ivy
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Here we have a lot of dog walkers who take 1-6 dogs on an "adventure" everyday. So this isn't just an on leash walk around the neighborhood or to the park, but a trip to the beach or a hike. Not only is this awesome exercise, but because of transit to the adventure, the dog is usually out of the house for about 3 hours. Even if half of that time was in the van, I still liked that Bubba had a break from being alone at the house.
I agree with what others have said here. That is not how I'd transport my dog. (Refer to the many threads on the forum about seat belts vrs crates for dogs in cars/trucks. Lots of robust discussion.)
So I wonder about a few things. What are your living arrangements in Seattle going to be like? Presumably (obviously) it's in a home/apartment that allows pets or you wouldn't be residing there. What is your class schedule going to be like? When I was in graduate school (both times) I was never gone a full day (except as a post-doctoral fellow. But that was a job, not a student situation.)
I guess I am wondering why your dog needs company 24/7. I think some times we anthropomorphize our dogs and think of them... for understandable reasons... like they are children. But dogs are not human children, no matter how dear they are to us. Honest to Pete, well socialized adult dogs are pretty resilient.
Can he be left in the house/apartment? Can he be crated for several hours? Can you get a break and take him for a walk? Can you provide the exercise he needs in the morning and evenings? It would probably be good for both of you!
If the dog is self-composed enough to tolerate being alone for several hours at a crack, then you are better off keeping him at home than entrusting him to a day-care situation about which you have concerns or questions. It actually could increase your bond with each other. And unless there is some emotional problem... most dogs are OK as long as they are not being physically neglected. The time they spend with you exclusively is just that much richer for both of you.
I have a wonderful pet sitter that comes over daily to spend time with Samson for 45 minutes. She would love to walk him but I have a very real fear of him getting away from her...so, no walks. They play in the house or in my fenced back yard. I am gone for 9 hours a day (door to door). I thought about a day care but I just don't have enough trust. I want him locked in my house or in my fenced back yard with Deb. :-) He loves her to pieces and since he has had TTA surgery, I had to stop her visits. I can't wait until she can come back. It's such a peace of mind for me knowing she checks on him daily (and the kitties). Good luck. I hope you find someone.
milobuddy (08-26-2016)
All good points and concerns, thanks for the responses everyone.
I'm currently looking into in-home daycares on Rover. Has anyone had experience with dog walkers or in-home private daycares, and if so, what should I be looking for? Any important questions you guys can suggest asking?
As for your comment TuMicks, my dog definitely doesn't need someone to be with him 24/7! I crate him when I leave, but I never want to leave him crated for more than 3-4 hours, because I don't think that's very kind. So, I only need a daycare solution a few days a week, on the days that I can't run home and give him a quick walk.
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