Programs that bring dogs together to play and socialize in a supervised environment are popping up everywhere.

Whether they are called day camp, play group, day care or some other name, they provide exercise and socialization for the dog and peace of mind and freedom from guilt for the pet owner.

But how do you know if day camp is right for your dog? And, with no government certification process to assess the quality of care, how do you choose a quality day camp program for your pet? Best Friends professionals offer the following guidance for those thinking about camp for their dogs.

Will it benefit your dog?
Day camp — or day care — is designed as an alternative to lonely days at home for a dog whose owners are at work or school.

While good for almost any dog, the programs are especially beneficial for dogs that are bored or anxious when left home alone, explains Becky Powers, manager of Best Friends Tyngsboro, MA Pet Resort. "Dogs who feel abandoned can develop problem behaviors — like chewing on the furniture or messing in the house. A dog that has to be crated when you leave the house is probably a dog that will benefit from a good day camp program."

Day camp is also a great choice for high-energy dogs, adds Cheryl Allen, manager of the Rocky Hill, CT Pet Resort. "More than half of our campers are labs or goldens - very social dogs who enjoy a lot of active play." Similarly, it makes sense for puppies and young dogs who need lots of play and interaction.

At the other end of spectrum, dogs with a weight problem and older dogs can also benefit. "The excitement of the active dog play gets them up and moving," adds Allen. "In fact, many veterinarians now recommend camp for older dogs with arthritis, as long as they are in good health."

Will your dog fit in?
As appealing as camp may sound, not every dog can or should attend. At all Best Friends resorts, candidates are carefully screened to assess whether the dog's temperament is right for group play.

"When I screen a dog, I begin by touching him all over and observing his reaction," explains Windy Majer, manager of All for Doggies in Chicago, IL, which averages 80 day care clients every day. Majer looks for a well-adjusted dog that is both people- and dog-friendly. "Obviously, we won't accept an aggressive dog or a dog with a history of biting."

A fearful dog generally isn't a good candidate either. "He may nip or bite out of fear," says Majer. However, a dog who is simply timid may thrive in the program, since it helps dogs improve their "social skills" so they interact better with both dogs and humans.

Size and breed generally aren't a factor. Powers notes that her program includes dogs of all shapes and sizes - from a pug to a mastiff. "It's personality, not size, that determines whether a dog will enjoy camp," she says.

Getting started
Selecting a program for your pet has much in common with choosing a day care program for your child. Always visit any program you are considering and observe it in action. "We have an open door policy," notes Majer.

Criteria for evaluating a daycamp program include:

• Is the facility clean and safe and do the dogs have enough space to run about?
• Are the dogs supervised at all times by experienced, well-trained staff?
• Is there space for separating the dogs when one or more need a "time out?"
• Are the toys and equipment dog-safe?
• Are vaccinations required for all dogs in the group?
• Is there a spay-neuter requirement?

The next step is to make an appointment to have your pet "interviewed". The screening process will include questions for you about your pet's general temperament and behavior as well as the opportunity for the staff to see your dog interact with other campers.

Once accepted into the program, your dog needs to attend regularly. Explains Powers: "To benefit most, dogs really need to come at least once a week. Regular attendance is important for the dog to maintain friends. A dog that only attends once or twice a month is going to spend a lot of time getting reacquainted with the group."

Best Friends offers day camp and play group programs at a number of its resorts around the U.S. For more information, see the Our Centers section of this website where you can learn more about Day camp and our dog boarding services.