It's a fact: North Americans love man's (and woman's) best friend.
Today, part of expressing that love means making sure that the family canine is well cared for.
This is the main reason that dog daycares are one of the fastest-growing pet-related ventures.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 72 million dogs in living in U.
S.
households.
A significant number of these canines live in households where most or all of the human occupants are gone for extended periods of the day (six hours or more) five or more days per week.
This means that Fido and Fifi are often home alone for 20 or more hours every week.
Many dog lovers, particularly those whose owner(s) work full-time outside home, are concerned about the amount of time their dogs spend alone.
They worry that their canines aren't getting the exercise, attention and socialization they need to thrive.
Dogs, like children, can suffer psychologically when left alone regularly for extended periods of time.
They may experience attachment disorders or become anxious, overly aggressive or excessively afraid of humans.
Sometimes, in an attempt to soothe their anxieties, dogs damage their owner's homes or possessions.
They may even regress physically and physiologically (such as losing bowel and bladder control).
All of these problems create tension between pet and owner which often serves only to worsen those problems.
It is for these reasons that dog owners decide to seek out dog daycare for their pets.
It provides canine lovers with peace of mind that their dogs are not only safe during their absence, but are also receiving the love, care and attention that is so vital to the good health of dogs.
If you're a dog owner and/or lover yourself, the dog daycare business is probably perfect for you.
Dog daycare owners report a strong sense of satisfaction from not only being in business for themselves, but also for what they are able to contribute to the lives of the dogs they care for.
To start a dog daycare in your home, you'll need to focus on two main physical components: 1) An indoor dog shelter: Dog daycares need adequate indoor space.
You'll need to prepare separate kennel spaces, enough for the maximum number of dogs that you'll be caring for at any one time.
This is where dogs will be kept during meals and "doggy down time", or to calm down overly aggressive dogs.
Kennels must be large enough not to be confining and must be in a sheltered area.
You can alter an outbuilding (like a shop) or barn to accommodate this.
Or you can build an entirely separate structure.
Check with your local Humane Society or SPCA chapter for recommendations on individual kennel size and other details.
2) An outdoor play area.
You need not necessarily have acreage.
However, an outdoor play area should be large enough for dogs to get a good run in.
(If your yard is smaller, you may want to consider taking only small-breed clients.
) Your play area should be fenced in to ensure their safety.
As already mentioned, you can get help, ideas and support at your local Humane Society or SPCA.
You should also check with your city to make sure that your dog daycare meets any eligibility and licensing requirements.
Today, part of expressing that love means making sure that the family canine is well cared for.
This is the main reason that dog daycares are one of the fastest-growing pet-related ventures.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 72 million dogs in living in U.
S.
households.
A significant number of these canines live in households where most or all of the human occupants are gone for extended periods of the day (six hours or more) five or more days per week.
This means that Fido and Fifi are often home alone for 20 or more hours every week.
Many dog lovers, particularly those whose owner(s) work full-time outside home, are concerned about the amount of time their dogs spend alone.
They worry that their canines aren't getting the exercise, attention and socialization they need to thrive.
Dogs, like children, can suffer psychologically when left alone regularly for extended periods of time.
They may experience attachment disorders or become anxious, overly aggressive or excessively afraid of humans.
Sometimes, in an attempt to soothe their anxieties, dogs damage their owner's homes or possessions.
They may even regress physically and physiologically (such as losing bowel and bladder control).
All of these problems create tension between pet and owner which often serves only to worsen those problems.
It is for these reasons that dog owners decide to seek out dog daycare for their pets.
It provides canine lovers with peace of mind that their dogs are not only safe during their absence, but are also receiving the love, care and attention that is so vital to the good health of dogs.
If you're a dog owner and/or lover yourself, the dog daycare business is probably perfect for you.
Dog daycare owners report a strong sense of satisfaction from not only being in business for themselves, but also for what they are able to contribute to the lives of the dogs they care for.
To start a dog daycare in your home, you'll need to focus on two main physical components: 1) An indoor dog shelter: Dog daycares need adequate indoor space.
You'll need to prepare separate kennel spaces, enough for the maximum number of dogs that you'll be caring for at any one time.
This is where dogs will be kept during meals and "doggy down time", or to calm down overly aggressive dogs.
Kennels must be large enough not to be confining and must be in a sheltered area.
You can alter an outbuilding (like a shop) or barn to accommodate this.
Or you can build an entirely separate structure.
Check with your local Humane Society or SPCA chapter for recommendations on individual kennel size and other details.
2) An outdoor play area.
You need not necessarily have acreage.
However, an outdoor play area should be large enough for dogs to get a good run in.
(If your yard is smaller, you may want to consider taking only small-breed clients.
) Your play area should be fenced in to ensure their safety.
As already mentioned, you can get help, ideas and support at your local Humane Society or SPCA.
You should also check with your city to make sure that your dog daycare meets any eligibility and licensing requirements.