You love your dog like family, right?
So when you drop them off at daycare, you trust that the person who’s taking care of them is qualified, safe, and, most importantly — someone you can trust.
But here’s the problem:
One in three doggy daycares skip background checks for their staff.
That means the person caring for your dog could have a history you’d never approve of — and you’d never even know.
Scary, right?
No Background Check = Big Risks
It’s a simple fact: Without regulations or consistent oversight, some doggy daycares are hiring anyone who walks through the door. From undertrained teenagers to people with criminal backgrounds — the level of screening varies wildly.
And let’s be clear:
You wouldn’t trust just anyone with your child, so why trust just anyone with your pet?
Imagine this:
The person handling your dog could be someone who’s:
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Untrained in animal behavior (but hired anyway because they “love dogs”)
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With a criminal record, including charges for animal abuse, theft, or even violence
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Underpaid and overworked, struggling to care for your dog the way they need
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Not vetted in terms of personality, character, or experience — just “able to start ASAP”
Not exactly comforting, is it?
The Danger of an Unqualified Staff Member
Dogs are vulnerable creatures. They’re in new environments, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and sometimes chaotic situations. They rely on their caregivers to ensure their safety and comfort.
So, what happens when the person handling your dog doesn’t know what they’re doing, or worse, has a history of dangerous behavior? The risks are huge:
🚨 Lack of Behavioral Understanding
If the staff member doesn’t understand dog body language, what could be a small sign of discomfort or stress could be overlooked. This might lead to escalated anxiety, unprovoked aggression, or mismanaged interactions with other dogs.
🚨 Untrained Handling
Inexperienced handlers can easily mishandle dogs, especially those that are shy, scared, or have special needs. An improper lift, harsh restraint, or mishandling can cause injuries — physically or emotionally.
🚨 Potential Red Flags
People with criminal backgrounds in animal abuse or violence could find their way into these spaces without anyone knowing. If they aren’t properly screened, your dog could be vulnerable to neglect, or worse, harm.
Why This Happens (And Why It’s So Dangerous)
Most doggy daycares are privately owned businesses.
That means no universal set of regulations or government-mandated standards.
And guess what? Some owners are just looking to fill shifts.
Let’s break it down:
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Labor shortages in pet care are real — and some businesses just need warm bodies to fill the role, fast. This leads to corners being cut.
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Training programs are not standardized. Even if a staff member seems friendly, they might not be trained in dog behavior, handling, or emergency procedures.
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Cost-cutting. Background checks and screening cost money. Some businesses skip them to save on hiring costs, not realizing they’re compromising pet safety.
How to Protect Your Dog (and Yourself)
Now that you know the risks, here’s what you can do to protect your dog:
🕵️♀️ Ask About Background Checks
When you tour a daycare facility or speak with the manager, ask the tough questions.
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“Do you conduct background checks on your employees?”
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“How are your staff trained?”
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“What are your safety protocols?”
If the answer is vague or hesitant, that’s a major red flag. The facility should be open and honest about their hiring process and training standards.
🐕 Inspect Their Staff Training and Qualifications
Does the daycare require specific certifications, such as dog handling, first aid, or behavioral training? If not, ask them how staff are trained and what ongoing education they provide.
🔎 Check Online Reviews and Ask for References
Sometimes, the best way to gauge a facility’s trustworthiness is through the experiences of other pet owners.
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Look for reviews that mention staff behavior and professionalism.
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Don’t be afraid to ask the daycare for references of other customers who can vouch for their safety standards.
🐾 Unannounced Visits
Pop by unexpectedly during daycare hours. See how the staff interacts with the dogs and whether the environment is calm, safe, and well-managed. Are the staff attentive? Do they seem knowledgeable?
🧑⚖️ Know the Law in Your Area
In some states or countries, dog care facilities may have specific regulations or licensing requirements. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your area, and see whether your daycare complies.
Final Word: Your Dog Deserves Better
It’s easy to trust that a daycare has your dog’s best interests at heart, but the reality is, not all facilities have your dog’s safety and happiness as a top priority.
When background checks are skipped or employees are hired without proper vetting, your dog could be at risk — and you might never even know it.
Before you sign that next daycare contract, ask the right questions. Protect your pet from potential harm by ensuring the staff handling them is qualified, trustworthy, and well-trained.
Because when it comes to your dog, “good enough” is never enough.
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