Choosing a dog daycare isn't just about convenience or price. It's about finding a safe, enriching environment where your dog will thrive. As a NePoPo® certified trainer and daycare owner in Maryville, I've seen the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous. This guide will help you make the right choice for your furry family member.
Did You Know?
- Tennessee has no licensing requirements for dog daycares
- Anyone can open a daycare with zero training or experience
- Dog injuries at daycare increased 38% from 2020-2024 nationwide
- Only 15% of daycares have certified trainers on staff
This makes YOUR research even more critical!
What You'll Learn:
- 15 Essential Questions to Ask Any Daycare
- Red Flags That Should Send You Running
- Understanding Daycare Pricing in Maryville
- The Certification Difference
- Making Your Final Decision
15 Essential Questions to Ask Every Dog Daycare
Print this list and bring it to every facility tour. Their answers (or lack thereof) will tell you everything.
Staffing & Training Questions
1. "What is your dog-to-staff ratio?"
This is THE most important safety question. More dogs per staff member = higher risk.
Ideal answer: "We maintain a 10:1 ratio or better at all times."
2. "What training or certifications do your staff have?"
Dog behavior knowledge prevents incidents before they happen.
Ideal answer: "Our staff are certified in dog behavior, first aid, and receive ongoing training."
3. "Who supervises the playgroups and what are their qualifications?"
The person watching your dog should understand canine body language.
Ideal answer: "Certified trainers or experienced handlers supervise all play."
Safety & Emergency Questions
4. "How do you evaluate new dogs?"
A proper evaluation prevents aggressive or incompatible dogs from endangering others.
Ideal answer: "All dogs undergo a temperament test and supervised introduction day."
5. "What's your emergency protocol?"
Emergencies happen. They should have a clear, immediate plan.
Ideal answer: "We have written protocols, vet partnerships, and will contact you immediately."
6. "How do you handle dog fights?"
Staff should know safe intervention techniques.
Ideal answer: "Staff are trained in safe separation techniques. We document all incidents."
Facility & Operations Questions
7. "Can I tour the entire facility?"
Transparency is key. If they won't show you everything, walk away.
Ideal answer: "Absolutely! Let me show you all our play areas and rest spaces."
8. "How do you group dogs for play?"
Size and temperament matching prevents injuries.
Ideal answer: "We group by size, energy level, and play style, not just by size alone."
9. "What cleaning products do you use?"
Some disinfectants are toxic to dogs.
Ideal answer: "We use pet-safe, EPA-approved disinfectants."
Daily Care Questions
10. "What does a typical day look like?"
Structure and routine reduce stress.
Ideal answer: "We alternate play sessions with rest periods. Here's our daily schedule..."
11. "Do dogs get rest/nap time?"
Overstimulation leads to fights and stress.
Ideal answer: "Yes, we enforce mandatory rest periods throughout the day."
12. "How do you handle special needs (medications, anxiety, etc.)?"
Your dog's individual needs should be accommodated.
Ideal answer: "We create individual care plans and can administer medications."
Communication Questions
13. "How will you update me about my dog's day?"
You deserve to know how your dog is doing.
Ideal answer: "We provide daily report cards and photos through our app."
14. "What behaviors would disqualify a dog from daycare?"
They should have clear standards for everyone's safety.
Ideal answer: "Aggressive behavior, excessive mounting, or inability to settle."
15. "Can you provide references?"
Happy clients will gladly share their experiences.
Ideal answer: "Here are several clients who've agreed to be references."
Red Flags: Run, Don't Walk!
Understanding Daycare Pricing in Maryville, TN
Price shouldn't be your only factor, but understanding costs helps you budget and spot suspiciously cheap options.
| Daycare Type | Daily Rate | Monthly | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Chain Daycare | $25-35 | $400-500 | Basic supervision, large groups, minimal training |
| Mid-Range Local | $35-45 | $500-700 | Better ratios, some activities, basic training |
| Premium Small Facility | $45-55 | $700-900 | Low ratios, certified staff, enrichment activities |
| Luxury/Training Integrated | $55-75 | $900-1200 | Training included, individual attention, premium care |
Money-Saving Tip
Ask about package deals! Most daycares offer discounts for buying 10-20 day packages. At Paws & Applause, our 20-day package saves you $100.
Watch for Hidden Costs
Typical Monthly Daycare Budget (3 days/week):
Why Certification Matters (The NePoPo® Difference)
Not all daycare staff are created equal. Here's why professional certification makes a massive difference:
Uncertified Staff
- Learn on the job (with YOUR dog)
- May not recognize stress signals
- React to problems vs. prevent them
- Use outdated dominance methods
Certified Trainers
- Understand dog psychology
- Prevent issues before they escalate
- Use science-based methods
- Create enriching experiences
The NePoPo® Advantage at Paws & Applause:
As East Tennessee's only NePoPo® certified daycare, we don't just "watch" dogs. We understand canine communication, prevent conflicts through proper management, and actually improve your dog's behavior during their stay. It's the difference between a babysitter and an educator.
Your Daycare Tour Checklist
Print this and bring it to every facility visit:
Observe:
Ask to See:
Trust Your Gut:
Making Your Final Decision
After touring facilities and asking questions, it's decision time. Here's how to choose:
- Narrow to 2-3 facilities that passed your initial screening
- Schedule evaluation days at your top choices
- Start with half days to see how your dog adjusts
- Monitor your dog's behavior at home after daycare
- Trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is
Signs You've Found the Right Daycare:
- ✓ Your dog is excited to go (not fearful)
- ✓ They come home tired but happy
- ✓ No new behavioral issues develop
- ✓ Staff know your dog's name and personality
- ✓ You receive regular updates
- ✓ Your dog is learning good social skills
Daycare Options in Maryville & Blount County
While we believe Paws & Applause offers the best care (we're biased!), here's an honest look at your options:
| Facility | Location | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paws & Applause | Maryville | NePoPo® certified, 10 dog limit, training integrated | Quality over quantity seekers |
| Camp Bow Wow | Knoxville | Large facility, webcams, franchise | Tech-savvy owners |
| Various Vet Clinics | Throughout | Medical supervision, basic care | Dogs with health issues |
| Home-Based Options | Various | Small groups, home environment | Anxious dogs |
Common Questions About Dog Daycare
Is my dog too old/young for daycare?
Puppies should be fully vaccinated (usually 16 weeks). Senior dogs can enjoy daycare with proper grouping. We've had dogs from 4 months to 14 years!
How often should my dog go to daycare?
2-3 days per week is ideal. Daily daycare can be overstimulating. Think quality time, not quantity.
My dog is shy/reactive. Can they still go?
Many shy dogs blossom in the right environment. Look for facilities that offer one-on-one time and slow introductions. At Paws & Applause, we specialize in building confidence.
See the Paws & Applause Difference
We welcome your questions and facility tours! As Maryville's only NePoPo® certified daycare with a 10-dog limit, we offer something truly special.
What Makes Us Different:
- ✓ Only 10 dogs maximum (most have 50+)
- ✓ NePoPo® certified trainer supervision
- ✓ Includes basic training in play
- ✓ Woman & veteran owned
- ✓ Individual attention for every dog
Ready to tour our facility?
Learn About Our Daycare