| DOGGIE day-care centers are sprouting up everywhere — and an ENQUIRER investigation reveals how to find the right kennel. More and more kennels are offering services that go well beyond basic care.
"It's very important for your pet to be able to socialize with other dogs," says Arden Moore, author of "Healthy Dog: The Ultimate Fitness Guide for You and Your Dog."
Doggie day-care, an upgrade from the traditional kennel, gives canines a chance to hone their social skills, release pent-up energy and have fun.
That's why some 500 of these premium kennels are collaring thousands of clients around the country — with costs varying between $15 and $35 a day.
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 Look at the layout. Make sure there are places for the dogs to nap after playing. And remember that large dogs should always be separated from small ones.
Ask how a new dog is introduced to the other pets. "If they say a staffer is going to tag along behind your dog for the first day or two to make sure everyone is playing nice, that's a really good doggie day care," says Moore. But if they just throw new dogs into a pack that's been together for weeks, that can be very scary for the newcomer.
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EXPERT TIPS
To ensure your pooch enjoys a safe and pleasant dog day afternoon, here's what you should do:
Get a recommendation from a pet-care professional or look in the phone book under "pet" to find a facility, but be sure to visit it first without your pet and take a tour to see how the dogs are treated and react with each other.
Check that there are no more than 10 dogs per staff member. "And watch to see if the staff uses positive reinforcement instead of physical punishment," says Moore. "When animals misbehave, good staffers will try to stop the action and divert the dog to another activity."
Consider the climate. Bulldogs and most longer-haired animals, for example, need a cooler environment. But shorthair dogs prefer it on the warm side.
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Make sure health and hygiene are priorities. A good center will ask for proof that your pet's vaccinations and flea treatments are up to date. Bring your documentation with you and be sure your dog has had a vaccination for bordatella, a common respiratory disease that spreads easily.
Observe if the staff gets "personal." They should call regular pet guests by name. Also make sure there's a separate storage area for each pet's food and personal items.
SAFETY FIRST
Check the facility for safety features. Make sure the center has double doors at the front to make escape more difficult. Harmful substances, such as cleaning supplies and medicines, must be kept out of the pets' reach. All dogs should be wearing ID tags.
Do a trial run. Take your dog for a day at the center before obligating yourself to additional time, cautions Moore, who runs the helpful Web site www.byarden.com. Your dog will let you know if he is having a bad time by repeatedly cowering or resisting being dropped off Pay attention!
— S.D. HUBBARD
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