Choose Healthy Hound Playground Doggy Day Care & Dog Boarding in Centreville VA & Chantilly VA
January 1, 2016
If you’re a dog owner in Centreville VA or Chantilly VA, you’ve probably heard of doggy day care and dog boarding. Many dog owners rave about it, and consider it a “must” for their furry friend’s health and happiness. But if you haven’t tried it yourself, you may be less sure. So how exactly does doggy day care work, and why is it such a big deal?
Doggy day care works very much like regular daycare does. Each morning you drop your dog off at the daycare facility. After work, errands or school you swing by and pick your dog up again. In the meanwhile, just like any other daycare facility, they will be supervised by caring, patient staff in a safe, fun environment.
In the best doggy day care facilities, dogs are not caged during the day—at all. While a doggy day care facility may double as a kennel, and have boarding pens available, they are not used for day care. Instead, dogs will have access to one or more large, open play areas. These areas will have obstacles, toys, and places where dogs can run, lay or nap. Often, these play areas will be indoors, so that they are comfortable in all weather. If that’s the case there should be rubber flooring, which will be gentle on your doggy’s paws and also make it easy for staff to clean up any “accidents” so your dog enjoys a clean, sanitary environment.
At some day cares like Healthy Hound Playground, each dog is taken outside for regular “potty” breaks. Staff will pick up the droppings so that the outdoor area stays clean for all the dogs.
Staff will be watching the dogs at all times. Staff is generally hired based on their demeanor, their love of dogs, and their professional experience caring for pets. They are trained so that they are treating all dogs well at all times.
Optionally, you may be able to ask staff to take your dog out for one on one play time such as playing Frisbee, fetch, or jogging. This service will usually carry an extra fee, as staff cannot pamper each individual dog this way, but it is usually a very modest increase.
The benefits of doggy day care are numerous:
- Your dog is less likely to experience separation anxiety while you are away, and will spend their day having fun instead of moping.
- Your dog will get plenty of exercise and stay in good shape.
- Behavior problems often decrease, because dogs are happier and have an outlet for their energy.
If you are going away and wish for your dog to still get day care, you can always board or kennel your dog at Healthy Hound Playground. Your pup will get a full 12 hours of cage free day care per day and sleep in a large kennel with an elevated canine cot at night!
What has you thinking of trying doggy day care?
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We would like to introduce you to one of our Blue Pearl vets (and friends), Dr Chivvis. Dr. Gal Chivvis is an experienced emergency veterinarian with over a decade of hands-on clinical practice. Driven by a passion for education and accessibility, she founded Critter Care Collective, a platform dedicated to making pet health information clear, practical, and engaging for pet owners everywhere. Through her website, www.crittercarecollective.com, Dr. Chivvis and her collaborators offer a wide range of resources covering pet diseases, medications, toxicities, behavior, and more. Her content is designed to empower pet owners with the knowledge they need to confidently care for their animals. As a published author, Dr. Chivvis has written multiple books, including The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, a hands-on activity book for kids aged 5-7, and a collection of fun and educational coloring books for children, teens and adults. She’s also currently working on a picture book series for young children. The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies offers dog owners clear, vet-backed information to help recognize, respond to, and prepare for common canine health emergencies. The book covers essential signs to watch for, what you can do at home, and what to expect at the veterinary clinic. With straightforward explanations, an emphasis on prevention, and a variety of helpful forms, charts, and visuals, it empowers pet owners to act confidently when every minute counts. The Critter Care Collective’s, “One Team, One Goal: Collaborative Pet Care,” reflects Dr. Chivvis’s core belief: that the best outcomes for animals happen when veterinary professionals and pet owners work together. Through her work, she strives to continue to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and everyday pet care. #vetlife #crittercare #dog #emergencymedicine #doghealth #oneteamonegoal #vets #dogsofinstagram #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #veterinarymedicine
We would like to introduce you to one of our Blue Pearl vets (and friends), Dr Chivvis. Dr. Gal Chivvis is an experienced emergency veterinarian with over a decade of hands-on clinical practice. Driven by a passion for education and accessibility, she founded Critter Care Collective, a platform dedicated to making pet health information clear, practical, and engaging for pet owners everywhere. Through her website, www.crittercarecollective.com, Dr. Chivvis and her collaborators offer a wide range of resources covering pet diseases, medications, toxicities, behavior, and more. Her content is designed to empower pet owners with the knowledge they need to confidently care for their animals. As a published author, Dr. Chivvis has written multiple books, including The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, a hands-on activity book for kids aged 5-7, and a collection of fun and educational coloring books for children, teens and adults. She’s also currently working on a picture book series for young children. The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies offers dog owners clear, vet-backed information to help recognize, respond to, and prepare for common canine health emergencies. The book covers essential signs to watch for, what you can do at home, and what to expect at the veterinary clinic. With straightforward explanations, an emphasis on prevention, and a variety of helpful forms, charts, and visuals, it empowers pet owners to act confidently when every minute counts. The Critter Care Collective’s, “One Team, One Goal: Collaborative Pet Care,” reflects Dr. Chivvis’s core belief: that the best outcomes for animals happen when veterinary professionals and pet owners work together. Through her work, she strives to continue to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and everyday pet care. #vetlife #crittercare #dog #emergencymedicine #doghealth #oneteamonegoal #vets #dogsofinstagram #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #veterinarymedicine ...
Drama from our medium playroom. Is Franklin innocent??
#healthyhoundplaygroundsterling #viral #dog #doggy #dogs #dogoftheday #doggydaycare #doggo #court #investigation #drama #whodidit #instagram #socute #instagood #trial
Drama from our medium playroom. Is Franklin innocent??
#healthyhoundplaygroundsterling #viral #dog #doggy #dogs #dogoftheday #doggydaycare #doggo #court #investigation #drama #whodidit #instagram #socute #instagood #trial
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Harley refuses to acknowledge she is a teensy bit too big to sit on our laps. #ififitsisits😼 #goldenlife #goldenretrievers #goldens #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #dogs #rockville #doggydaycare #socute #goldensofinstagram #goldenlove
Harley refuses to acknowledge she is a teensy bit too big to sit on our laps. #ififitsisits😼 #goldenlife #goldenretrievers #goldens #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #dogs #rockville #doggydaycare #socute #goldensofinstagram #goldenlove ...
Happy birthday (or recent birthday), to some of our daycare & grooming friends! 🎉🎈🥳 #Happybirthday #dogbirthday #rockville #doggydaycare #socute #socute #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #birthday
Happy birthday (or recent birthday), to some of our daycare & grooming friends! 🎉🎈🥳 #Happybirthday #dogbirthday #rockville #doggydaycare #socute #socute #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #birthday ...
It’s Daisy’s into day and she already has us wrapped around her little paw. 🩷 #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #rockville #dogsofinstagram #doggydaycare #socute #petme #bellyrubs #dogslife #doggydaycamp
It’s Daisy’s into day and she already has us wrapped around her little paw. 🩷 #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #rockville #dogsofinstagram #doggydaycare #socute #petme #bellyrubs #dogslife #doggydaycamp ...
We’re pretty sure Sky had a fun time on her intro day! 😂 #puppiesofinstagram #puppy #sillypuppy #rockville #doggydaycare #dogs #germanshepherds #dogsofinstagram #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #puppyfun #germanshepherdpuppy
We’re pretty sure Sky had a fun time on her intro day! 😂 #puppiesofinstagram #puppy #sillypuppy #rockville #doggydaycare #dogs #germanshepherds #dogsofinstagram #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #puppyfun #germanshepherdpuppy ...
When the parents bring bubbles, it makes for a special day!
#healthyhoundplaygroundsterling #fyp #virginia #dog #dogsofinstagram #party
*Do not own rights to music*
When the parents bring bubbles, it makes for a special day!
#healthyhoundplaygroundsterling #fyp #virginia #dog #dogsofinstagram #party
*Do not own rights to music*
...
Snuggle Fest with the small dogs! ❤️🐶🥰 #snuggles #cuddles #dogsofinstagram #dogs #socute #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #rockville #dogdaycare #instagood
Snuggle Fest with the small dogs! ❤️🐶🥰 #snuggles #cuddles #dogsofinstagram #dogs #socute #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #rockville #dogdaycare #instagood ...
More of our Sweetheart Valentine`s photos!
#fyp #dog #virginia #love #animal #photography #healthyhoundplaygroundsterling
Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
More of our Sweetheart Valentine`s photos!
#fyp #dog #virginia #love #animal #photography #healthyhoundplaygroundsterling
Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
...
These babies have us swooning!
#valentines #photography #instagood #animallovers
We had a lot of pups sign up! We`re working hard to get all of our Valentine`s photos out. Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. If you haven`t received yours yet, we are still working on them. 🥰 Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
These babies have us swooning!
#valentines #photography #instagood #animallovers
We had a lot of pups sign up! We`re working hard to get all of our Valentine`s photos out. Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. If you haven`t received yours yet, we are still working on them. 🥰 Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
...
Here are a few of our Sweetest Valentines!
#instagood #dog #photography #fyp #love #explore
We had a lot of pups sign up! We`re working hard to get all of our Valentine`s photos out. Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. If you haven`t received yours yet, we are still working on them. 🥰 Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
Here are a few of our Sweetest Valentines!
#instagood #dog #photography #fyp #love #explore
We had a lot of pups sign up! We`re working hard to get all of our Valentine`s photos out. Parents should be checking their email for digital copies. If you haven`t received yours yet, we are still working on them. 🥰 Thank you so much for the special gift of caring for your pups and for letting them be our Valentine this year!
...
Happy Valentine’s Day! 🩷 Our staff was spoiled today with so much love from your special ones. (Luckily, they treat us like it’s Valentine’s Day everyday!) ☺️ #luckyinlove #love #valentinesday #dogsofinstagram #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #doggydaycare #rockville #dogkisses
Happy Valentine’s Day! 🩷 Our staff was spoiled today with so much love from your special ones. (Luckily, they treat us like it’s Valentine’s Day everyday!) ☺️ #luckyinlove #love #valentinesday #dogsofinstagram #dogs #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #doggydaycare #rockville #dogkisses ...
Josie and Onyx (BFF’s)! Onyx is one of our newest puppies and has quickly realized how much fun daycare can be. 🥰🐶 #puppies #doggydaycare #dogsofinstagram #rockville #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #socute #puppiesofinstagram #bernadoodle #puppyplaytime #instagood #dogsofdmv
Josie and Onyx (BFF’s)! Onyx is one of our newest puppies and has quickly realized how much fun daycare can be. 🥰🐶 #puppies #doggydaycare #dogsofinstagram #rockville #healthyhoundplaygroundrockville #socute #puppiesofinstagram #bernadoodle #puppyplaytime #instagood #dogsofdmv ...