by Alisa Eddy-Berman

The small business cash cow of the new millenium is undoubtedly the 'doggy daycare'. It seems like you can't open a magazine or watch TV these days without hearing a cute anecdotal story about another doggy daycare, and the oft repeated cheesy line "daycare has gone to the dogs", full of shots of waggling, panting dogs, seemingly living in the lap of luxury. Unfortunately not all pet care is created equal, and in a completely unregulated industry rife with people looking to make a quick buck, doggy daycares are no exception. Le Pouf once had visions of establishing a pet care facility that included daycare services, but logistical connondrums kept surfacing requiring additional research into the industry. What we've found has us very concerned about the business model of the doggy daycare, and it's questionable benefits and motivations. I'll admit that shots of adoreable purebreds sitting on posh lounge furniture and having group naptime evokes a feeling of confidence that the environment is nurturing, happy, and healthly for one's dog; but how much of what goes on at the doggy daycare benefits the dogs, and how much is an illusion designed to provide the pet parent with a false sense of security in the quality of care the dog recieves? As a provider of true luxury pet care, I felt duty bound to investigate and share my findings with anyone who'll listen...