How does Fenway Bark Measure Up?

What to Look for in a Great Dog DaycareBecause Your Best Friend Deserves the Best

Choosing a daycare for your dog is a big decision — and it should be based on more than just location or price. The best daycares help dogs thrive emotionally, physically, and socially. Here’s what to look for, plus how Fenway Bark goes above and beyond in each category:

1. Enrichment-Focused Programming

A great daycare isn’t just a place to burn energy — it’s a place to learn, explore, and grow. Look for structured activities like scent games, obstacle courses, group training sessions, and mental challenges that keep dogs engaged and stimulated.

Ask: What kinds of enrichment activities are built into the daily schedule?

FenwayBark: We are an enrichment-based dog school where every hour is intentionally planned for safe, stimulating, and purposeful play.

2. Trained and Engaged Staff

Professional, knowledgeable staff who understand dog behavior and body language are essential. They should actively interact with dogs all day — not just supervise from a distance.

Ask: How are staff trained? What’s the staff-to-dog ratio?

FenwayBark: Our team members are Fear Free certified and active members of the IBPSA. We cap daycare at 30 dogs per day and rotate 4 trained team members between groups to ensure personalized care and safety.

3. Visible, Clean, and Safe Play Spaces

You should be able to see where your dog will spend their day — both indoors and outdoors. Clean, secure, and thoughtfully designed spaces are a must.🐾

Ask: Can I tour the play areas and see where my dog will be throughout the day?

Fenway Bark: We’re proud of our state-of-the-art facility featuring large indoor and outdoor play yards, plus a dedicated enrichment space for one-on-one programming. Cleanliness is a top priority — our staff cleans during all downtime and sanitizes throughout the day.

4. Crate-Free Philosophy

Top-tier daycares allow dogs to rest naturally, not by confinement. During active hours, crate-free environments with cozy rest zones provide comfort and reduce stress.

Ask: Are dogs crated during the day, or do they have the freedom to rest and play naturally?FenwayBark: What’s a crate? You won’t find them here. Dogs rest together during our group nap time — we provide cots, beds, and mats while a staff member stays with the group. For pups needing solo downtime, we offer private suites — but never isolation. Dogs are never left alone at Fenway Bark.

5. Thoughtful Grouping & Individual Support

Dogs differ in energy, play style, and temperament. Great daycares group based on behavior, not just size, and make adjustments to ensure all dogs feel safe and happy.

Ask: How do you decide playgroups? How do you support shy or excitable dogs?

FenwayBark: We group dogs by play style, not just size. Some Great Danes are mellow, and some Pomeranians are wild! We track friendships, monitor group dynamics daily, and ensure dogs are matched with their best playmates for a safe and satisfying experience.

6. Communication & Transparency

You should always feel connected to your dog’s day. The best daycares provide updates, photos, and open lines of communication.

Ask: Will I receive updates or photos of my dog’s day?

FenwayBark: We love keeping you in the loop! We send updates through our app, including photos and notes. Parents can message us directly at any time. You’ll also find fresh content on our Facebook, Instagram, and monthly newsletters — you’ll never miss a moment.

7. Cleanliness & Emergency Preparedness

A spotless facility and a solid plan for emergencies are non-negotiable. Ask how often they clean and how they respond to illness or injury.

Ask: What’s your cleaning schedule? What’s the emergency procedure if a dog gets sick or injured?

FenwayBark: We’re constantly cleaning. Trash is emptied several times a day, and rooms are marked with “sanitized” or “needs cleaning” cards to maintain high standards. We prioritize cleanliness for both the dogs and ourselves — this is our second home, too!

8. A Genuine Love for Dogs

You’ll know it when you see it — the best daycares radiate warmth. Staff who truly love dogs treat every pup like family.

Ask: Can I meet the staff and observe how they interact with the dogs?

FenwayBark: We’re a real, close-knit family — and it shows. We fall in love with your dogs just as fast as they fall in love with us. If your pup misses a day, we’ll check in. That’s just how we do things at Fenway Bark.

See the Difference at Fenway Bark

At Fenway Bark, we check every box — and then some.

We believe in all-day enrichment, crate-free comfort, structured fun, and transparent communication. We’re proud to show you where your dog will spend their day and how they’ll thrive in our care.

Monthly Open Play Times: Bring your pup, explore our facility, and meet our team.

Private Tours: Want a one-on-one walkthrough? Just ask — we’re happy to show you around.

Because daycare shouldn’t just be safe —It should be joyful, enriching, and unforgettable.

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