How to Choose the Right Dog Daycare in Indianapolis

Finding the right dog daycare isn't just about convenience — it's about ensuring your dog spends their day in an environment that's safe, stimulating, and staffed by people who genuinely understand canine behavior. Indianapolis has no shortage of options, but the quality varies dramatically. Here's what to look for and what to avoid when evaluating dog daycare facilities in the Indy area.

Staff-to-Dog Ratio Matters More Than Anything

The single most important factor in any dog daycare is the staff-to-dog ratio. Industry best practice is one handler for every 10 to 15 dogs, though premium facilities often maintain ratios of 1:8 or better. More staff means better supervision, faster intervention when play gets rough, and more individual attention for each dog. Ask the facility directly about their ratios during peak hours — some places maintain good ratios in the morning but let them slip during busy afternoons.

Observe Before You Commit

Any reputable daycare should welcome you to observe a play session before enrolling your dog. Watch how staff interact with the dogs. Are they actively engaged, or sitting on their phones? Do they redirect dogs showing signs of stress or overstimulation? How do they handle conflicts between dogs? The best facilities have staff who are constantly reading body language, repositioning dogs, and managing energy levels. If a facility won't let you observe, that's a red flag you should take seriously.

Cleanliness and Ventilation

Walk in the front door and take a breath. A well-maintained facility should smell clean — not like heavy disinfectant masking odors, and certainly not like urine or waste. The floors should be clean and dry, water bowls should be fresh, and outdoor areas (if any) should be free of accumulated waste. Ask about their cleaning schedule and what products they use. Veterinary-grade disinfectants like Rescue or Wysiwash are industry standards. Proper ventilation and air filtration are essential for preventing the spread of respiratory infections like kennel cough.

Vaccination and Temperament Requirements

Good daycares require proof of current vaccinations — at minimum, rabies, DHPP, and bordetella. Many also require a canine influenza vaccine, especially after recent outbreaks in the Midwest. Beyond vaccinations, look for facilities that conduct temperament evaluations before accepting new dogs. This evaluation should assess how your dog reacts to other dogs of various sizes, how they respond to handling by strangers, and whether they show signs of anxiety, fear-aggression, or resource guarding. Facilities that skip this step are putting every dog at risk.

Separate Play Areas

Size-appropriate grouping is non-negotiable. Large dogs and small dogs should never share unsupervised play space — the risk of injury is simply too high, even with well-intentioned dogs. Beyond size, the best facilities also group by energy level and play style. A mellow senior golden retriever doesn't belong in the same group as three adolescent huskies running at full speed. Ask how the facility manages groupings and whether they adjust throughout the day as energy levels change.

Emergency Preparedness

Ask about their emergency protocols. Do staff have pet first aid training? Is there a veterinary clinic nearby they partner with? What's the procedure if a dog is injured or becomes ill? How do they contact owners? A quality facility will have written emergency procedures, first aid supplies on site, and a relationship with a nearby veterinary practice. They should also require emergency contact information and your vet's details on file.

Rest Periods and Quiet Spaces

Dogs need downtime, especially during a full day of social play. Facilities that run continuous play with no structured rest periods risk overstimulation, exhaustion, and behavioral problems. Look for daycares that build in nap times or quiet periods, ideally in individual crates or quiet rooms where dogs can decompress. This is particularly important for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs prone to anxiety. A facility that understands the importance of rest alongside play is one that truly understands dog welfare.

Trust Your Dog's Reaction

After all the research and facility tours, pay attention to how your dog responds. A dog that's happy at daycare will show enthusiasm at drop-off — pulling toward the door, wagging, greeting staff excitedly. A dog that resists entering, cowers, or shows stress signals may be telling you something important. The right daycare should leave your dog happily tired at pickup, not anxious or withdrawn. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and keep looking. The right fit is out there.