First and foremost:

Think like your dog!

Remember your dog can hear and smell much better than you and cannot see nearly as well. So you want to focus on the sound and smell to determine what your dogs experience will be. Constant barking is PROVEN to be stressful to dogs. Loud play groups are a red flag.

Of course the place should be neat and clean but over the top reception areas mean the money was spent on eye candy for you rather than staff, play space and other things for your dog. It is a definite comment on the businesses values.

Open Air Design

You (and anyone) should be able to walk in at any moment unannounced and see a play group before your eyes. This means the facility is 100% accountable at all times for the environment your dog is in. If you cannot see, hear, and smell the play group from the reception area, there is a reason.

Individualized care

Different dogs need different amounts of rest and play. Will the facility customize your dogs schedule based on their particular needs so they get plenty of play and stimulation and also enough rest to avoid becoming sore, over tired, and uncomfortable?

By thinking about your dogs sensory needs, social needs, and physical needs you will be able to situate them in an environment that will make them very happy!