"Dogs who feel abandoned during the day may demonstrate negative behaviors because of boredom, loneliness and anxiety," explains Judith Kaufman, a pioneer of the doggy day camp concept. "A good day camp program will diminish those problem behaviors. It will also teach social skills, and generally makes the dogs happier and better adjusted."
Whether it's called day camp, day care, play group, or another name, the program provides an opportunity for your dog to exercise, play and socialize with other dogs in a supervised environment while you're at work or school.
But with no government standards or certification process to assess the quality of care, how do you choose a quality day camp? Kaufman, who has more than 30 years experience working with dogs and who helped develop the day camp programs offered by Best Friends Pet Resorts and by The San Francisco SPCA, says selecting a program for your pet has much in common with choosing a day care program for your child.

Health and Safety:

• Are the dogs supervised at all times? Like small children, a group of dogs can get into mischief quickly.
• Is the facility clean? If is smells or looks dirty, then it probably is. Urine and feces should be cleaned up and the area disinfected immediately.
• Is it safe? Do the floors have good traction for dogs during active play? Are there any sharp objects or edges in the room?
• Are vaccinations required? Be sure that all the dogs in the group are required to have current vaccinations, including Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella.

• Is it indoors or out? Indoor facilities are generally safer, more escape-proof, and easier to keep sanitary. If the facility is out-of-doors, be sure that fencing is at least six feet high and penetrates several feet into the ground to prevent escapes.
• Is there sufficient space for the dogs? Dogs need space to feel relaxed and happy and can become nervous and irritable when crowded together. Experts in the field say there should be at least 58 square feet for each dog.
• Is there space for separating the dogs? During the day, individual dogs may need a "time out" when they get overexcited. Other dogs may enjoy playing in a smaller group.
• Are the toys and equipment dog-safe? Play equipment should be smooth with no sharp edges and easy to clean. Plastic is ideal. Toys should be too large to be inhaled or swallowed and durable enough to withstand rugged use and daily washing.

• Is there a spay-neuter requirement? Males that haven't been neutered can be more dominant and protective of food and toys, causing fights. An un-spayed female may be grouchy with other females and provoke aggression among the males when she is in season.
• What is the screening process? Screening ensures that each dog is right for a group situation and also helps the staff get to know your dog's likes and dislikes, easing his/her transition into camp.
• Is there an established "introduction" process? New dogs should be introduced to the existing group members one at a time in a separated area under close staff supervision.

• Is the staff experienced and properly trained? Working with dogs in a group setting is a specialized skill that requires specific training. Ask for staff credentials.
• Is there sufficient staff for the number of dogs? You should expect to see at least one staff member for each 20 dogs in the group.
• Is there a veterinarian on call? The camp should be affiliated with a nearby vet clinic in case of emergencies Ð and have a means of transporting a sick or injured dog there.
• Do you get a daily report on your pet? A quality program will provide a written or oral "report card" to let you know how your dog did that day.