Dog Daycare Safety: What Baltimore Pet Parents Should Ask

Start with admission and health requirements

A clear enrollment process protects the whole group. Ask what records are required, how temperament is evaluated, and which behaviors or health conditions may make group daycare inappropriate. The answer should be specific enough that you understand how the facility makes fit decisions.

Parkwood requires a temperament assessment and current rabies, distemper, parainfluenza, leptospira, canine influenza, and Bordetella records, plus an annual fecal test for Giardia and parasites. Records should show the veterinarian, pet, vaccination, and next due date.

Watch how the day is structured

Ask how dogs enter playgroups, how groups are matched, what signs cause staff to pause an interaction, and what happens when a dog needs space. Secure yards and indoor rooms matter, but transitions through gates, doors, feeding areas, and pickup can be just as important.

Parkwood describes its groups as matched by size, energy, temperament, and play style. The published daily rhythm includes morning play, a midday siesta and reset, and afternoon play. Live play-yard webcams give parents another view of the active part of the day.

• Tour fencing, gates, doors, indoor rooms, yards, and rest areas.
• Ask how water, meals, medication, and belongings are handled.
• Ask how weather, air quality, staffing changes, and other disruptions alter the day.
• Confirm how the facility reaches you and your veterinarian in an emergency.

Give the team information they can act on

Safety depends on accurate information from pet parents. Disclose respiratory concerns, allergies, mobility limits, medication, guarding, escape attempts, bite history, noise sensitivity, and difficulty with handling or other dogs. Include a reachable emergency contact and current veterinary information.

Use written meal and medication directions that can be scanned quickly. Ask how the team records completion and what kind of pickup update you will receive, especially after a first visit or overnight stay.

Use the tour to test clarity, not appearances

A premium-looking room does not answer questions about supervision, cleaning, rest, communication, or judgment. Ask the same questions at every facility and listen for concrete explanations rather than guarantees that nothing can go wrong.

The strongest answer is often a clear description of what the team does when a dog is uncomfortable or the normal plan cannot be followed. If your dog has complex medical or behavioral needs, ask directly whether another care model would be safer.