Are there any "downsides" to doggie day care?

[Doris]

My spoiled rotten doodle, Bodi, has just been diagnosed with separation anxiety.  He has been licking/chewing his front legs and there is fur missing . . . the vet asked if we had any changes in our routine or household.  No . . . . so he suggested some doggie daycare.  I have a friend who loves the place she takes her dog to, but I am still a bit nervous.  Bodi is more of a people dog - but he will play with other dogs.  I guess since he is my "baby" I have anxiety too!!  Have any of you had problems with doggie daycare??

[Dori & Rua]

Wednesday I checked out a place that has salon and daycare. I was able to see into the daycare and talked to the staff there. She immediately knew that Rua was a Miniature Goldendoodle, so I felt good that she knew her dogs. The owner of the salon came over and talked to me. She gave me a pamplet on the first puppy grooming experience and told me to plan on leaving Rua for 4 hours so they can get her accustom to grooming. My little girl has a hard time when I leave, so I think it would be good for her. I have to say that I was totally impressed with the salon and daycare. My DH and I are going to bring her once a week (Wednesday's) to break up the week for her since we both work.

[Doris]

Thanks everyone for all of the advice. Bodi and I visited the day care yesterday. Bodi's tail never stopped wagging! We took a tour of the facility. (I'm not overly impressed, but I must say the only other doggie daycare I have seen is the brand new one at Disney - which I saw on line!!! ) I'm taking him on Tuesday. I have decided that Bodi will tell me if he likes it or not. If I try to take him a second time and he runs to his hiding spot I will give up. But yes, I'm going to give it a shot!! Wish us luck!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Keep in mind this...my original choice was the more expensive, beautifully decorated, brightly lit place with all the bells and whistles....Daisy's choice is where non of the about is, just a big gymnasium type room and a huge fenced in play yard. The owner (our trainer) plays with her charges and the dogs are always wagging their tales. She video tapes their play and posts on her Facebook page periodically, all the dogs are so happy and Daisy runs to the door when and can't wait to get in. I can honestly say all the dogs are Daisy' best friends and the slots for the day fill up fast. I have a standing appointment.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

have you looked at in-home daycare for dogs? Usually they take in fewer dogs than a center so there is less commotion. Be sure to check that they are licensed and bonded, of course.

[Kate MacKenzy]

I highly recommend doggy day care. My two love it and go a couple of times a week as I also work. They spend very little time in pens, they are mostly outside, have paddling pools, and good covered shelter. I only have to mention "going to see the other pups" and they are ready to jump in the car. Like everyone else has mentioned, when you pick them up they come home exhausted from a day of fun, socializing and excercise. My kennels charge $ 16.00 a day for daycare, they open at 7:30 till 5:45 and offer a bulk discount ticket of 10 visits for a prepay of $ 100.00 which works out really very inexpensive.
They do need extra grooming as you can never be sure that every dog in the daycare hasnt got something. Otherwise I cant imagine why someone woudlnt want their dog to play with pals all day long. Good luck, Im sure you'll find he loves it too.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Wow wish I lived in Vermont - my daycare charges $22 a day and their bulk ticket is $160 for ten, your regular price! The second day care is $13 a half day.

Either way it is worth it!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Upside: happy doodle, happy owners!
Downside: sicknesses, even though my place requires proof of vaccinations, Peri has caught a cold, kennel cough, etc...1-2x per year by going to daycare. Even when she is vaccinated....
The pros outweigh the cons IMO