Questions to ask a daycare before enrolling

Owners often rush daycare decisions because they're desperate for childcare, or they fall for a slick facility tour and assume everything else is sorted. Then they drop off their dog, collect it stressed and exhausted, and regret not asking harder questions earlier. This guide walks you through what to ask, why it matters, and whether the answers you get are genuine or a polite deflection.

Behaviour and temperament: reading honesty

Start with this: "What happens if a dog doesn't get along with another dog in the group?" A good daycare will describe a clear process—separation, reassessment, or moving that dog to a calmer group. An evasive answer—"Oh, they all work it out" or "We haven't had that problem"—is a red flag. No facility runs without friction sometimes.

Follow up with: "How do you match dogs on their first day?" Listen for whether they ask you about your dog's temperament, play style, and history before arrival, and whether they supervise the introduction carefully rather than throwing your dog into a pen. Ask too: "What would make you tell me my dog isn't a good fit for group care?" Honest operators will name triggers—extreme resource guarding, barrier aggression, or deep anxiety. Ones that never refuse anyone aren't assessing properly.

Also ask: "Can you describe what a typical play session looks like?" A detailed answer covering how they rotate breaks, manage energy levels, and watch for stress signals shows they think about individual dogs. A vague answer suggests they're just opening the door and hoping.

Staff, coverage, and your access

Ask: "How many staff are on site during the day, and what's the ratio of dogs to handlers?" They should be specific and confident. Then ask: "What happens if someone calls in sick?" If they have no backup plan or won't discuss it, you're looking at understaffing risk. Don't settle for "we manage somehow."

Request: "Can I call or text you during the day to check in, or pop past unannounced?" Facilities that welcome surprise visits and communication during hours are transparent. Those that say you can only collect at set times or restrict phone contact are hiding something. Ask whether they send photos or updates—not essential, but a nice-to-have that shows engagement.

Also: "How often does someone check on the dogs if they're resting indoors, and who watches while staff are on break?" This matters more than you'd think. Dogs left unobserved can injure themselves or each other quickly.

Medical readiness and your peace of mind

Ask: "What's your protocol if a dog gets injured or falls ill during the day?" A solid answer names a vet they work with, describes how they'd contact you, and outlines costs. They should also ask you upfront for emergency contact details, your vet's number, and whether they can treat minor issues or must call you first.

Dig deeper: "What medical training do your staff have?" Look for first aid certification or experience recognising heat stress, dehydration, or injury. If they can't name one staff member with formal training, that's a gap.

Finally: "What's your cancellation or sick-leave policy if my dog is unwell?" This reveals whether they'll isolate an ill dog or ask you to collect it immediately. A responsible facility won't mix a sick dog into the group.

Wrapping up the conversation

When the answers flow naturally, stay detailed, and the operator seems genuinely invested in understanding your dog, you're on firmer ground. When you get short answers, reluctance to discuss problems, or pressure to decide immediately, step back and keep looking.

Verified daycares on Strove often have reviews and credentials you can cross-check, and you can message providers directly to run through these questions at your own pace before committing. This interview approach takes time upfront, but it saves stress and heartache later.