How do I check a dog daycare’s staff-to-dog ratio on a busy day?

Ask to visit at peak times, such as drop-off and mid-day. Count the dogs in each group and the staff actually on the floor, not those in the office. Notice whether staff are watching the dogs or busy with paperwork. Watch how they separate dogs when play gets rough.

Then compare with the paperwork. Ask for staff schedules and daily attendance for several busy days. Check whether the daycare adds staff when numbers rise, or whether the same crew handles everything. Ask how many dogs a person is expected to supervise and where that rule comes from.

Ask about incidents. Bites, escapes and injuries often rise when the floor is understaffed. Read the incident log and your insurer’s requirements. Finally, ask how staffing would change under you. If the seller works the floor, you may need to hire. Your accountant can help you see what that costs. Ask what happens when a staff member is sick or leaves early, and whether the daycare then limits how many dogs it takes. A business that turns away dogs rather than overload the floor is showing good habits. Ask the insurer whether any staffing expectations are attached to the policy. Also ask how the daycare separates small dogs from large ones, and whether older or nervous dogs get their own space. Crowding in one corner can matter more than the headline count.

Key takeaways

• Count dogs and floor staff yourself at peak time.
• Compare schedules and attendance records for busy days.
• Read the incident log for patterns.