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3 Tips for Designing Your Dog Daycare's Indoor Play Area

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 • Visit Blog Homepage


You've decided to start a doggie daycare. Well done! It's a great industry to be in right now. The money is sure flowing! However, you can't just open a dog daycare and expect it to be successful. You need to set yourself apart from the competition. How does one do that? Well, an easy way is by having an amazing indoor play area.

In today's blog post, I'm going to discuss why a well-designed indoor play area is crucial for the success of your dog daycare. The right design can provide a safe, engaging environment where dogs can play and socialize, while also making your facility more attractive to pet owners.

Let's dive in. Here are three simple tips for designing an indoor play area that will keep the dogs (and their owners) happy:

1. Prioritize Safety and Durability

Safety should be your top priority when designing your indoor play area. Start by selecting durable, non-slip flooring that’s easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. Rubber flooring or sealed concrete are popular choices because they provide good traction for running dogs and are comfortable on their paws. It's also very easy to hose off rubber flooring and sealed concrete. Just make sure you have well-located drainage sewers, otherwise you're going to be squeegeeing water towards the drainage hole in the far corner.

Second, make sure all furniture and play equipment are sturdy and designed specifically for dogs. Avoid any sharp edges, small parts that could be swallowed, or materials that can easily be chewed or destroyed. Install secure barriers or gates to separate dogs by size or temperament, reducing the risk of conflicts and ensuring a controlled environment. Having double-entry barriers is a great idea. It keeps the dogs that are inside from escaping when new dogs are let into the play area.

2. Create a Stimulating Environment

Dogs thrive in environments that provide both physical and mental stimulation. Incorporate a variety of play equipment to keep dogs entertained and engaged. Agility equipment, such as tunnels, ramps, and hurdles, can help dogs burn off energy and improve their coordination. Interactive toys like treat dispensers or puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation and keep dogs busy during quieter moments. Make sure that you get the okay from your clients before you start dispensing daily treats. Some pet owners are quite particular about when their pets are allowed treats.

Consider adding different zones within the play area to cater to various play styles and energy levels. For example, create a space for high-energy dogs to run and play freely, as well as a calmer area with soft mats or beds for dogs who prefer to relax and socialize quietly. This zoned approach allows you to accommodate the diverse needs and personalities of the dogs in your care. You're surely going to have a handful of younger dogs that are rambunctious. These dogs need to burn off some steam. However, you also want to make sure you can attract clients that have older dogs. If you're able to have a separate area for senior pets, this is a great way to stand out from the competition.

3. Ensure Easy Supervision and Cleanliness

Efficient supervision is key to maintaining a safe and well-managed indoor play area. Design the layout to allow for clear sight lines, enabling your staff to easily monitor all dogs. Perhaps build a king-style sitting area (like an elevated throne), where an employee can sit above the pets and zones and easily see what's happening in all the zones. They can keep an eye on the energetic dogs to make sure the play isn't too rowdy, while also keeping an eye on the senior dog play area. Avoid creating blind spots where dogs can hide or become out of view. Open layouts with low partitions or transparent barriers can help staff keep an eye on all activities.

Hygiene is also critical for an indoor play area, where multiple dogs interact closely on a daily basis. Make it a point to incorporate a strict cleaning routine and ensure the design facilitates easy maintenance. Like I talked about in the first paragraph, having adequate drainage, washable surfaces, and easy-to-access cleaning supplies will help keep the area sanitary and odor-free. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the play area (with pet-safe products) reduces the risk of spreading illnesses and keeps the environment fresh and inviting for both dogs and their owners. If your clients come into a clean-smelling facility, they'll be a lot happier, that's for sure.

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