Greetings and salutations, my wondrous bunch of web-followers. During my bleary-eyed morning commute to work this morning, I started to think about the bevy of dog daycares that have sprung up (but necessarily flourished) in Vancouver. What is it, dear readers, that separates the wheat from the chaff - the reputable from the notorious - in the dog daycare world? In an industry that is largely unregulated, it's hard to know which daycares stand tall and which fall short. Ah, but fear not! It's Small Paws to the rescue! The canine clients of Small Paws impart a little insight into what a capital G-Good Daycare needs. Enjoy ;)
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A Must: A Talented Team of Canine Caregivers.
At Small Paws, we have staff who are certified veterinary assistants, vet technicians, certified canine specialists, dog rescuers, and who have years (and I mean YEARS) of dog care experience ranging from private pet-sitting to managing dog care centres.
(Hoover plays the part in my veterinary scrubs, while Katie and Lucy sniff on in awe. Ladies love a man in a medical garb)
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A Must: Certification in Pet/Dog First Aid
This is non-negotiable, folks. Legally, we require that human places of business have certified first-aid givers on-site, and personally, I think this should be extended to our canine companions.
(Lucy, Dawson, Max & Rocco agree with me. I think they'd all give me a big thumbs up for the photo, but it's hard--what with the lack of opposable thumbs and such.)
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A Must: Safe, Sane and Pleasurable Promenades
Ever seen a hapless dog walker with a tangled parade of multiple (read: too many) dogs? I don't know whether I should feel sorry for the walker or the dogs. Who am I kidding? I feel sorry for the dogs :D Anyhoo, we walk our dogs TWO at a time--how cool is that?
(Lucy & Ricky wait in a comfy chair while duo Teddy & Nini are next in line)
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A Must: Content Canines
When you peek into a daycare, the dogs should look more on the side of "healthy-and-happy", and less "we're-all-waiting-for-root-canals-in-the-waiting-room-located-in-Drearyville".
(Our newest freshman, Sam, gives us a picture-perfect smile. And yes, that is his real tongue)
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Not necessarily a necessity, but definitely a big bonus: A Rockin' SPAW!
For the smooth-coated, the scraggly, and those who look endearingly like muppets (we love you, Cody!), it's nice to have a spaw. Better yet, you can pair it with a day of play, and have your pup groomed after.
(Skilled stylist Maori works her magic)
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A Must: Owners Who Love Dogs, and Whose Dogs Love Dogs
Allow me to explain: the awesomeness of a daycare begins with the owners (proprietors, really) of the place, and it extends to their own dogs, who spread it to the other dogs. It's like the chicken pox - but with love! And minus the itching and scabs ;)
(Lexy and Mika, the furry babies of Small Paws' owners Katya and Nigel, show us what it's all about)
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A Must: Simultaneously Diverse and Similar Clientele
Confusing? No, it's simple! We have dogs of a similar size (so they can play safely), representing a multitude of breeds (so they're socialized with any and all breeds--it's exciting!), and yet the dogs still find their social soulmates amongst each other (Rose is an Italian Greyhound; Katie's a Sheltie, but both are sweet as all out, and keen on playing).
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A Must: Badass Credentials
You should be able to brag to your friends as to why you take your pooch to your daycare. Seriously. It's awesome. Plus, the ego boost? Never hurts.
(Hailey & Umber know what I'm talkin' about :)
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A Must: Solo Dining
So asking for a table for one isn't the coolest thing to do, but at a daycare? It's a must. Not only is it chic, but it ensures that your dog's nutrional/allergy-rated needs are secured; that feeding isn't rushed or stressed; and eliminates the nastiness of communal feeding.
(Lincoln prefers the peace of individualized meal-time, thank you)
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And Definitely Not a Necessity, But Intensely Fantastic Regardless:
A Class Photo
(Voila!)
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Lunches..?
Olive: All
Molly: All
Hailey: All
Dawson: All
Max: All
Rocco: All
Rudy: Not today
Cody: All
Heidi: All
Rose: All
Sebastian: Not today
Small Paws Doggie Daycare and Grooming is at 491 Sperling Ave in Burnaby (Metro Vancouver), at the corner of Hastings St. For more info, visit www.SmallPaws.ca or call 778-370-0456.
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