Updated: Doggie Daycares in Danvers Inspected

Not many people had even heard of doggie day care not that many years ago, but doggie daycares are quite common, and popular for pet-owners hoping to provide a safe, fun place for their dogs to socialize and get exercise.

In Danvers, several business owners offer doggie daycare. What some local residents might not know, is that local doggie daycares did not use to be inspected.

“It’s kind of an emerging business that would be included under the state’s definition of kennel,” said Peter Mirandi, Danvers director of Health and Veterans’ Affairs.

There are four doggie daycares in Danvers, as far as Mirandi knows.

A Massachusetts law requires dog daycares be inspected by cities in towns, according to Hank Investigates: Doggy Daycare. Danvers was among several communities where town officials admitted to not inspecting dog daycares, according to Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Mirandi said he spoke with Channel 7 back in April. Since then, he has extensively looked into the matter, including speaking with state officials to see where the regulation of doggie day care centers may fall. In fact, Danvers, like many other communities, have already begun to inspect doggie daycares in town.

Mirandi said it seems that regulation falls under the state’s definition of “kennels” as far as regulation.

I don’t think anyone would disagree that we need more improved communication and training from the state to communities on animal control,” Mirandi said. “We need that, and state guidance would be welcome.”

Going forward, Mirandi said the doggie daycares in town will be inspected every October when the animal control officer does her annual barn book animal inspections.

“I promise the doggie daycares will all be inspected in the next 30 days,” Mirandi said.

There are no national standards for day cares, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ASPCA offers several tips for choosing a safe place for your dogs.

ASPCA’s Recomendations for the Facility:

• The daycare should be compliant with Occupation Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and regulations, and it should have emergency training and plans. (OSHA is the government agency that oversees safety and health legislation in the workplace.)
• The daycare’s play area should ideally provide 75 to 100 square feet per dog. For example, if there are 25 dogs, the play area should be about 2,500 square feet.
• The daycare should be clean, sanitary and organized. It’s advisable to visit it more than once. The first time, you may come at a good or bad time. It should be cleaned daily—or twice daily if the facility also offers boarding. There shouldn’t be any lingering odors, and dog waste should be removed immediately. It should be free of debris and clutter. Ventilation is a critical disease prevention measure.