An alternative to doggie day care is to have a dog walker come to your home and walk your dog while you are at work for you.
The problem is there are many dog walkers out there and the search can be stressful to find one you can trust to come into your home and take care of your beloved furry companion.
Objective criteria will separate the good from the bad but intuition and subjective judgment separates the good from the great walkers.
Interview your prospective walker as you would with any employee.
Ask him or her to furnish you with references.
Ask them how they handle emergencies should one arise with your dog - both at your home or while walking.
Does the dog walker place your dog in a dog run or would you prefer leashed walks? Do they take the time to leave notes outlining your dog's behavior during the walks at the end of the day? Are they insured & bonded? How long have they been in business and should they call in sick who will their replacement be? The most important question to ask is the one to ask yourself: does it genuinely appear that this person loves dogs? The dog walking business is one that seemingly anyone can do and the low barriers to entry attract some people just for the money.
Sometimes the best dog walker is one that comes as a recommendation from your friend or vet.
Ask around, search online, and remember to trust your judgment.