Dog day care can be a great alternative to leaving your pooch at home alone all day. Dog day care provides care for your dog during the day, while you are at work or otherwise engaged. Dogs are social animals and benefit from being around other dogs and humans, rather than home alone all day. Many owners find that their dogs behave better at home when they spend their days at a dog day care. Not having to worry about your dog being home alone is a huge convenience for many dog owners.

Services offered by dog day cares vary. Some frequently provided dog day care services include socialization, training, playtime, bathing, and grooming. Some facilities offer services only during "regular business hours," generally from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some facilities also offer overnight boarding as well. Some dog day care facilities even offer pickup and drop off services.

Look for a dog day care service that comes with recommendations from other dog owners or your vet. Endorsement by the Better Business Bureau is a good sign. The facility should be clean and well-run, with plenty of time spent both indoors and out (weather permitting, of course). Dogs should be well-supervised at all times.

Be sure your dog is current on all vaccinations before taking her to a dog day care. The center should require this; if it doesn't, look elsewhere! Ask about the staff-to-dog ratio, and whether there are separate areas for large and small dogs. Find out about the center's policy on aggressive dogs, to be sure your dog will not be in danger.

Find a center you are comfortable with. Ask about the training staff receive, policies of the center, and staff-to-dog ratio (there should be no more than 10-15 dogs per staff member, fewer is even better). Depending on the location and services offered, dog day care centers can cost $15 to $50 or more per day.

You will need to bring a leash, and may need to provide your own food and treats for your dog. At the initial visit, you will probably need to bring a copy of your dog's medical records and his vaccination record.