How to Choose the Right Dog Daycare When Making a Change
Making the switch to a new dog daycare can feel overwhelming, especially if circumstances force an unexpected change. Whether your current provider is closing, you've moved to a new area, or you're simply ready for something better, finding the right fit for your furry family member is crucial.
At The Wag Club, we've welcomed hundreds of dogs transitioning from other daycares across North London. Here's what we've learned about making the change as smooth as possible.
Why Dogs (and Owners) Change Daycares
Life happens. Daycares close. Standards slip. Your needs evolve. Whatever the reason, you're not alone, many dog owners find themselves searching for a new daycare at some point.
The good news? A change can often be an upgrade. Many of our happiest clients initially came to us out of necessity, but stayed because they discovered something better.
What to Look for in Your New Dog Daycare
1. Location and Convenience
Consider your daily routine. A daycare that's slightly further but offers better pickup/drop-off times might actually be more convenient than one that's closer but inflexible.
Questions to ask:
Do they offer collection and drop-off services?
What are their operating hours?
Do you have multiple location options if your schedule changes?
At The Wag Club, we operate four locations across North London (Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, and West Hampstead), giving our families flexibility when life gets hectic.
2. Licensing and Safety Standards
This is non-negotiable. Every dog daycare in the UK must be licensed by their local council under the Animal Welfare Act.
Check for:
Current licensing displayed prominently
Proper staff-to-dog ratios
Secure, escape-proof facilities
Clear health and safety protocols
Insurance coverage
Don't be shy about asking to see their license number—any reputable daycare will share this proudly.
3. Staff Experience and Approach
Your dog will spend significant time with these people. The staff should demonstrate genuine love for dogs, not just tolerance.
Look for:
Trained, experienced handlers
Low staff turnover (consistency matters)
Clear communication about your dog's day
Understanding of dog behavior and body language
Willingness to discuss your dog's individual needs
4. The Environment Itself
A great daycare should feel less like a kennel and more like a second home.
Visit and assess:
Cleanliness and odor control
Adequate space for play and rest
Comfortable temperature and ventilation
Separate areas for different play styles
Access to outdoor space
5. Group Management and Socialization
Not all dogs play the same way. The best daycares group dogs thoughtfully, by size, energy level, and play style, not just throwing everyone together.
Ask about:
How they assess new dogs
Their grouping philosophy
Maximum group sizes
How they handle conflicts
Enrichment activities beyond just "running around"
6. Flexibility and Booking
Rigid policies can make life unnecessarily difficult.
Consider:
Minimum day requirements
Cancellation policies
Ability to adjust your schedule
Trial day options
Whether they accommodate irregular schedules
We believe dog daycare should fit your life, not complicate it. That's why we don't require minimum days, whether your dog comes once a week or five days, they're welcome.
Making the Transition: A Step-by-Step Guide
Week 1: Research and Visit
Don't rush this decision. Visit at least 2-3 daycares in person.
During your visit:
Ask for a tour (any daycare that won't show you around is a red flag)
Watch how staff interact with the dogs
Observe the dogs' body language, do they look happy and relaxed?
Ask about their introduction process for new dogs
Week 2: Trial Day
Most quality daycares offer a trial or assessment day. This lets both you and the facility determine if it's a good fit.
What to watch for:
How your dog reacts when you pick them up
Feedback from staff about how the day went
Whether your dog seems tired in a good way (not stressed)
Any photos or updates during the day
Week 3: Gradual Integration
If the trial goes well, start with a few days before committing to a full schedule. This gives your dog time to adjust.
Transition tips:
Keep pickup/drop-off upbeat and brief
Maintain your dog's regular feeding and exercise routine at home
Don't make a big fuss, dogs pick up on our anxiety
Give it at least 2-3 weeks before making final judgments
Red Flags to Watch For
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Warning signs:
Unwillingness to show you around
Vague or defensive answers to questions
Dirty or poorly maintained facilities
Staff who seem overwhelmed or indifferent
No clear licensing information
Aggressive upselling or pressure tactics
Poor communication or lack of updates
Common Concerns About Switching Daycares
"Will my dog be upset by the change?"
Dogs are remarkably adaptable. Most adjust within a few days, especially if the new environment is positive and welcoming. Some dogs even thrive with the change, new friends, new smells, fresh experiences.
"What if they don't settle in?"
Give it time. A good daycare will work with you during the adjustment period and provide honest feedback. If after 2-3 weeks things still aren't working, a quality provider will discuss options with you rather than taking it personally.
"Will I lose my spot at my old daycare if I try somewhere new?"
This depends on your current provider's policies. However, if you're making a change because of closure or dissatisfaction, keeping that spot shouldn't be your concern. Moving forward is.
What Makes The Wag Club Different
We've designed our service around what we wished existed when we were searching for dog daycare in London.
Our approach:
No minimum days required - your dog comes when it suits you
Four North London locations - flexibility when your schedule changes
Experienced, dog-loving staff - many have been with us for years
Proper grouping - we match dogs by temperament, not just size
Access to beautiful outdoor spaces - Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Alexandra Palace Park
Regular updates - because we know you want to see your pup having fun
Smooth transitions - we've helped hundreds of dogs settle in from other daycares
Taking the Next Step
If you're currently searching for a new dog daycare in North London, we'd love to meet you and your dog.
Here's what happens next:
Get in touch - Call, email, or book online
Visit for a tour - See our facilities and meet our team (no pressure)
Schedule a trial session - Let your dog experience a day with us
Make your decision - We'll provide honest feedback and you decide
Our locations:
Alexandra Palace: 8-10 Bedford Road, London, N22 7AU | 020 4618 5124
Muswell Hill: Viaducts 1 & 2 St James Lane, London, N10 3QX | 020 8365 2226
Golders Green: 26 St Albans Lane, London NW11 7QE | 020 8209 3095
West Hampstead: 384 Finchley Road, London NW2 2HP | 020 7435 4111
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new dog daycare doesn't have to be stressful. Take your time, ask questions, trust your instincts, and remember—you're looking for a place where your dog will be safe, happy, and loved.
The right daycare will welcome your questions, accommodate your needs, and treat your dog like family.
If you're navigating this transition right now, we're here to help make it as smooth as possible. Reach out, even if you just want advice. We've been through this with countless families and we're always happy to share what we've learned.
Ready to visit The Wag Club?
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We're currently welcoming new dogs across all four of our North London locations. Spaces available—no waiting list.