Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting a dog for a while now, and with that comes the whole responsibility of making sure they’re looked after when I’m not around. That’s how I stumbled into the world of dog daycares, specifically here in Durango. Let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey figuring this all out.
First off, I started by just Googling “dog daycare Durango” and, oh boy, did that open a can of worms. There are so many options! I saw names like Healthy Hounds & Fat Cats, Durango Pet Resort, and a bunch of others. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest.
After getting a lay of the land, I started digging deeper. I looked at reviews on Yelp, trying to get a feel for what other dog owners were saying. Some places had glowing reviews, talking about how much their dogs loved it, how attentive the staff were, and all that good stuff. Others, well, not so much. There were stories about dogs coming home stressed or places that seemed a bit chaotic. It really made me realize how important it is to choose the right spot.
Visiting a few places
Next, I decided I needed to see these places for myself. I mean, you can read all the reviews in the world, but nothing beats actually going there and getting a vibe for the place, right?
- Healthy Hounds & Fat Cats: This place seemed pretty popular, so I popped in one afternoon. The staff were super friendly and showed me around. They have separate areas for big and small dogs, which I thought was great. Everything looked clean and the dogs there seemed happy enough, running around and playing.
- Durango Pet Resort: I also checked this one out. It’s a bit more out of the way, but they have a huge outdoor area, which I loved. I spoke to one of the handlers, and she explained how they do temperament testing to make sure all the dogs get along, which put my mind at ease a bit. They mentioned they offer all-day or half-day play for socialized dogs, and even nap times in private areas.
- One more place: I also visited a smaller operation that a friend recommended, but it didn’t quite click for me. It wasn’t bad, just not what I was looking for.
After seeing a few different places, I started thinking about what really matters to me. Safety is obviously number one. I want to know my dog is going to be well looked after and not get into any trouble. Then there’s the staff. Are they experienced? Do they actually like dogs, or is it just a job for them? And of course, there’s the whole environment. Is it clean? Is there enough space for the dogs to run around and play? Are there quiet areas if a dog needs a break?
I also thought about practical things, like location and price. Some places are closer to home than others, which is definitely a factor. And then there’s the cost. It varies quite a bit, so I had to figure out what I could realistically afford.
Making a Decision
After all that research and visiting, I finally made a decision. I chose Durango Pet Resort. It’s not the cheapest option, but it checked all the boxes for me. The staff seemed great, the facility was top-notch, and they really seemed to prioritize the dogs’ well-being. They have heated floors indoors, outdoor play areas, and continuous supervision. Plus, it just felt right, you know?
So, that’s where I’m at now. I’m still a bit nervous about leaving my future furry friend, but I feel good about my choice. It’s been a process, that’s for sure. But I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m excited for this next chapter. Wish me luck!
Discussion about this post