Thanking my lucky stars for Doggie Day Camp
Posted by Jacklyn | Filed under Autumn, Pooch Friendly Places, Product Reviews
I don’t have any kids myself, but I think I have an idea of what the first day of kindergarten feels like as a parent. The first day I dropped Autumn off at Doggie Day Camp my eyes filled with tears when I handed Jason the leash. I watched him nervously from behind the glass, but he was brilliant with her. When she went inside, she made new friends instantly and forgot I even existed. I left feeling less uncomfortable than when I got there, but I still had no idea what to expect. When I came back that afternoon to pick her up, she was so tired, and so happy to see me. I was on cloud nine. I am so lucky and so grateful that I had the nerve to try Doggie Day Camp at PetSmart.
Do you feel bad leaving your dog at home all day alone? Does your dog need more exercise and interaction? If you need to let your dog burn off some energy and it’s too cold or rainy to hang out at the park, I cannot recommend Doggie Day Camp enough. Autumn is a happier dog on doggie day care days and I’m a happier mommy knowing that she is well taken care of. When you visit for the first time, bring your veterinary paperwork to prove your dog is up to date on shots (note: your dog will need bordetella every six months rather than one year to be in any kind of day care service in Atlanta).
While you’re filling out the day camp paperwork, one of the caregivers will evaluate your pet’s health and personality. Each dog must go through a personality check before being let in with the other dogs. Lots of other day care services I have researched don’t even mention the personality tests. This is so important, especially if you’ve got a puppy and there are other dogs that may be a bit impatient with a rambunctious baby. It doesn’t take very long at all, and it’s completely worth it.
Once the dogs are together, they are free to run around and play (they even have little jungle gyms for them to climb on and slide down). There is someone in with the dogs at all times to pet, love, and watch over them. If a fight breaks out, they are armed with spray bottles loaded with water. And if you’re worried about your dog going to the bathroom- they’ve got special textured floors for the dogs to go potty on. It’s totally safe and it gets cleaned up almost immediately.
The other important stuff you need to know: It’s not cheap. Doggie Day Camp at the Buckhead PetSmart is going to run you $20 for 6+ hours and $13 for less than 6 hours. And if you want your pup to have a snack (Kong peanut butter paste and a treat) at noon, you’ll have to cough up an extra $3. It’s going to cost you to have your pet well taken care of. But I don’t think you’ll find another place quite as safe and loving as PetSmart. If you are a PetPerks member, they will run discounts every month or so- right now until February 1, the Buckhead location is giving a $5 discount. I’ve also heard that during select months, if your dog is in daycare for 10 sessions, you get one free. Read more about the Frequent User Program.
The hours differ at every store, so please be sure to call yours to find out specifically. Buckhead is open from 7-7 during the week, but maintains slightly different hours during the weekend.
If you call ahead and make reservations, check in and check out will be a lot smoother and faster for you. Try calling ahead and let them know, that way the caregivers can have ample time to get the temporary collar ready and paperwork set up.
Required vaccinations: DPP, Bordetdella, Rabies Read more about Doggie Day Camp requirements.
AtlantaDogLovers.com is lovingly run by Autumn and her mommy Jacklyn Burgan.
January 26, 2010 at 12:58 am
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