Happy Campers
Dog’s Day Out Lets Pooches Play and Stay in Luxury
When Angela Counts and the late Pam Brown opened Dog’s Day Out in 2004, it was the only daycare for dogs in Bowling Green. For years, Pam had trained dogs to work alongside children with autism. But she also saw a need for an upscale boarding and daycare facility for dogs whose owners increasingly treated their pets like family.
Today, Dog’s Day Out has grown into a facility that offers training and grooming, in addition to luxury boarding and daycare. It employs 17 people and includes two buildings with more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas on the 33-acre private farm where Angela lives.
“The dogs are surrounded by beautiful Kentucky countryside with quiet farmland bordering the entire property,” manager Dorothy Gomez says. “We are here to ensure your dog has a safe place to stay and play while you are away.”
Rover’s Retreat
Pet boarding facilities have come a long way in recent years. According to statistics found by Forbes Advisor, 66% of households in the U.S. own a pet. That’s nearly 87 million homes that keep pets for companionship, emotional support, and security. Of those, about 97% consider them to be a vital part of their owners’ lives.
So, when it comes to boarding their furry friends, more people choose places that promise more than a place to stay. Their pet, they figure, also needs comfort, stimulation, and companionship. That was the philosophy behind Dog’s Day Out.
Dog’s Day Out boarding packages can include upgrades with everything from luxury suites with special dog beds, gourmet treats in interactive toys, massages, one-on-one playtime with a staff member, and leisurely private strolls. Upgrades can even include seasonal activities like visits to paddling pools, sensory gardens, or an agility course.
Dogs Get Sad, Too
While pampering like that might sound over the top to some people, more and more owners worry about their dog’s well-being while they’re away. Like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety and depression, according to a 2016 article in “Psychology Today.” Dogs, it says, can be especially sensitive to environmental conditions and changes.
That’s why Dog’s Day Out tries hard to keep the boarding experience a positive one for pets by offering add-ons meant to soothe and comfort. “We use essential oils for aromatherapy, calming music designed just for dogs, Kuranda beds for comfort, toys, and treats to ensure proper mental stimulation,” Angela says, noting that Kuranda beds are cots raised off the ground.
“We also offer a staff-to-dog ratio that allows for adequate time and attention for each guest,” she says. “We focus on using positive reinforcement with tools like treats, petting, and verbal praise. Our staff is trained through the petcare business advisors, The Dog Gurus, on industry standards for canine play styles and body language.”
For those owners worried about their dog’s health, Dog’s Day Out has them covered. Not only do they have attendants certified in PetTech Canine CPR and First Aid, but pets also get their own personal suites with potty breaks and play times every hour.
In addition, the staff takes pictures of dogs during daycare and posts them to Facebook. It’s a cute way for owners to watch their dogs from afar. They also use their NCTC internet connection to market their services, connect with clients, restock their inventory, and advertise for new employees, Dorothy says.
“We love providing a high level of care to dogs, and we take pride in our services,” she says. “We love being their home away from home. Here, we feel like everyone is family, and we make it our job to create a safe, fun, and inviting environment.”
Published with permission from NCTC.