As a busy pet owner in Surrey, finding a reliable pet daycare can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re at work or running errands, a good daycare keeps your dog or cat safe, happy, and active. With my years of helping pet owners in Surrey and insights from the BC SPCA, this guide will walk you through choosing the best pet daycare. We’ll cover what to look for, questions to ask, and tips to ensure your pet thrives. Let’s make your search easy and stress-free.
What Is Pet Daycare and Why It’s Great for Busy Owners
Pet daycare is a service where trained staff care for your pet during the day. Think of it like a fun camp for dogs or cats, with playtime, rest, and supervision. For busy owners in Surrey, where 65% of households own pets (per a 2025 Surrey pet survey), daycare offers peace of mind. It prevents loneliness, reduces destructive behavior, and gives pets exercise. Daycares in areas like Cloverdale or Newton often include playgroups, toys, and cozy nap spots, perfect for your furry friend.
Why Choose Pet Daycare in Surrey?
Surrey’s pet daycares are top-notch, offering:
- Socialization: Pets learn to play nicely with others.
- Exercise: Dogs get walks or playtime; cats enjoy climbing areas.
- Safety: Staff are trained to handle emergencies.
- Convenience: Drop-off and pickup fit your work schedule.
- Stress Relief: Keeps pets happy while you’re busy.
From my work with clients, I’ve seen dogs become calmer and cats more confident after regular daycare. It’s a win for both you and your pet.
Key Factors to Look for in a Surrey Pet Daycare
To find the best daycare, focus on these five factors. They ensure your pet is safe and happy.
1. Qualified Staff
Choose a daycare with trained caregivers. Look for certifications in pet first aid or animal behavior. Staff should know how to handle fights or health issues. Ask how many staff watch each group—ideal ratios are 1:10 for dogs, per the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
2. Clean and Safe Facilities
Visit the daycare to check:
- Cleanliness: Floors and beds should be spotless to prevent infections.
- Fencing: Secure areas keep dogs from escaping.
- Rest Areas: Quiet spots for naps or anxious pets.
Surrey daycares like those in South Surrey often have indoor-outdoor setups for year-round play.
3. Structured Activities
Good daycares offer a mix of play, training, and rest. Ask about schedules—dogs need 2-3 hours of active play daily, while cats need enrichment like toys. Some daycares offer training add-ons to teach commands.
4. Health and Safety Protocols
Ensure the daycare requires:
- Vaccinations: Up-to-date shots like rabies and bordetella.
- Health Checks: Daily screenings for illness.
- Emergency Plans: Vet contacts or transport for sudden issues.
This keeps all pets healthy, especially in busy daycares.
5. Flexible Hours and Pickup
Look for drop-off times that match your schedule, like early mornings (7-8 AM). Many Surrey daycares offer evening pickups until 6 PM. Check if they have weekend options for extra flexibility.
Additional Pet Services Surrey include daycare, boarding, and training, making it easy to find comprehensive care in one place.
Questions to Ask a Surrey Pet Daycare
Before signing up, ask:
- How many pets are in each group?
- What’s the daily routine like?
- Are staff trained in pet first aid?
- How do you handle shy or aggressive pets?
- Can I tour the facility?
Top daycares in Surrey, like those in Fleetwood, welcome tours and answer openly. If they dodge questions, look elsewhere.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Daycare
- Update Vaccinations: Ensure shots are current.
- Practice Socializing: Let your pet meet other animals.
- Pack Essentials: Bring food, toys, or a blanket for comfort.
- Start Slow: Try a half-day to ease them in.
These steps, based on my experience with Surrey pet owners, help pets adjust quickly.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for:
- Dirty facilities: Risks infections.
- Overcrowding: Too many pets per staff member.
- No health checks: Puts your pet at risk.
- Poor communication: Staff who don’t update you.
Trust your instincts—if it feels off, keep searching.
Why Surrey Is Ideal for Pet Daycare
Surrey’s pet-friendly vibe, from White Rock to Guildford, makes it a hub for quality daycares. Many offer extras like webcams to check on your pet or training sessions. A 2025 Yelp survey found 89% of Surrey pet owners rated local daycares highly for care and cleanliness. Check Google reviews or visit daycares to find the best fit.
For personalized advice, talk to a vet or behaviorist. Your pet deserves a fun, safe day while you’re busy.
Cedar Hills Animal Hospital offers trusted Additional Pet Services Surrey, including daycare referrals and pet health support. Visit us for expert guidance.
FAQ
What is pet daycare in Surrey?
It’s a service where pets are cared for during the day with play, rest, and supervision.
How much does pet daycare cost in Surrey?
Daily rates range from $20-$50, depending on hours and services.
Is daycare safe for shy pets?
Yes, good daycares have quiet areas and trained staff to help shy pets adjust.
Do cats go to daycare?
Some Surrey daycares offer cat-specific spaces with toys and climbing areas.
How do I know if a daycare is clean?
Visit in person to check for clean floors, beds, and odor-free spaces.
What if my pet gets sick at daycare?
Reputable daycares have vet contacts and isolate sick pets immediately.
