Doggy day care centers can fill the attention gap when dog owners must do things that can’t be done with dogs — working, going to the doctor, grocery shopping or socializing in dog-free spaces. That’s good for both dogs and their owners, because dogs are pack animals and generally enjoy being with other dogs.

However, running a doggy day care is more than just playing with dogs all day, said Mark Weiner, owner of K-9 to Five Doggy Playcare & Spa in east Vancouver.

“Your primary job is to be a caretaker and keep the dogs safe and happy,” Weiner said. “People are investing quite a bit of money to take care of their dogs, so there’s a lot of trust there, and you have to be worthy of the trust.”

Good for pets and people

Denise Sillett runs Canine Junkie out of her Salmon Creek home and

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