Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The pet sector has been growing in recent years, driven by the increasing recognition of pets as family members. As a result, the demand for services that promote animal well-being, such as pet daycares, has increased. This study evaluated pet owners’ perceptions of these daycares in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais (Brazil), using an online questionnaire. Most respondents were young adults, and their dogs, of various sizes, attended daycare one to three times a week. The main criteria for choosing a facility were structure, safety, and animal well-being. Owners reported improvements in their dogs’ behavior, highlighting the importance of recreational activities, socialization, and environmental enrichment. However, they also pointed out challenges, such as the lack of professional training among staff and limited environmental enrichment offerings. These findings suggest the need for more effective communication between daycare centers and pet owners. In conclusion, dog daycares play a significant role in promoting the physical and emotional well-being of pets and supporting owners’ routines. However, there is still a need to improve staff qualifications and raise awareness on animal welfare to ensure continuous service improvement.
Source: PubVet
Authors: Laila Minely Silva Costa, Rômulo Gabriel Pena Simplício, Marielly Maria Almeida Moura, Renê Ferreira Costa, Daniel Ananias de Assis Pires, Otaviano de Souza Pires Neto, Juliano Santos Siqueira, Maria Dulcíneia da Costa, Maria Eduarda Ramalho Lopes, Ruanna Rosa Gitirana, Ronnie Antunes de Assis, Matheus Pereira da Silva, Keitty Fabiany Alves Santos
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $76
OpenAlex ID: W4413924975