Do all of your Dogs at Camp locations operate in the same way?
Absolutely! Although each property is unique, all management and staff are trained in the same way, and follow all of the same processes and procedures. These procedures are clearly set out in our Operations Manual, and include processes covering every aspect of our business, including those related to the care of the dogs at each camp, cleanliness of the properties, and adherence to our standards of client service.
What is the maximum number of dogs you accept at a time?
Forty. We tend to have between twenty and thirty dogs per day.
How do you feed all those dogs?!
Carefully.
Actually, we feed them one at a time. So when one is eating, the others are out playing.
Do we bring our own food?
No, you bring your dog's food! It is best that dogs don't have temporary changes in diet.
How do we book camp time?
Booking camp time is done here, through our web site, by clicking on any of the 'Book Now' links. You will then go through a simple process of choosing your arrival and depature dates, and providing some other information we need on file. Once you complete your booking, you will receive a confirmation email. In that email, there is a link to a package which includes all of the paperwork we'll need completed.
How do we know what else to bring?
In the package you receive by email once you complete your booking, we include a page entitled 'What to Pack'. In that you'll find out what to bring, as well as what not to bring!
Our dog is on a 'raw food' diet. Can you accommodate this?
Yes, we can accommodate a raw food diet, but for camp bookings of a week or less - as we have limited freezer space. We also have an additional daily charge for this diet. Please see our pricing page for this information.
Are the dogs always supervised?
Yes, always. From the moment they wake up, to the moment they go to bed, our staff are with them.
What about at night? Where do they sleep? Are they alone?
Three questions at once? Jeez!
At night, the dogs sleep in a beautiful and comfy barn. Depending on the camp location, the barn is either brand new, or fully restored. The barn is climate controlled, has windows, doors, lights, and lots of fresh filtered water!! It is a VERY cushy environment. For those dogs who are crate trained and comfortable sleeping that way, we do have crates. The others are divided into groups in various stalls in the barn. The barn is also equipped with an audio monitoring system, and someone is ALWAYS on the property. The dogs therefore, are never alone.
Is the dog’s play field fenced?
Yes, of course! What kind of a question was that?!
Do you have emergency Veterinary care nearby?
Yes. Our vet is minutes away from us, and is available 24 hours a day. Also each one of our staff has been trained in Pet First Aid.
Do you provide television, couches, and other 'cushy' amenities?
Hmm. A strange question, but we'll answer it, since you asked!
At camp, we work very hard to provide a safe and secure environment which is FUN for the dogs. Dogs' days here at camp are spent with each other, interacting with our staff members, hiking, swimming, etc. We have found that dogs are happiest when they get to be... well...dogs!
Our 'camp' concept differs from a 'resort' concept. While the camp environment might be 'ruffin' it' compared to Fido's cushy bed at home, remember that when you went to camp, you were 'ruffin' it' too!
Rest assured, as you will see when you visit with your dog - camp is fun!
How far in advance do people generally book?
That really depends. For the various holidays (and long weekends), we’re often fully booked weeks in advance. That also happens at times when there is no holiday at all. There are times though that you could call just days in advance and we’d have the space available.
In other words: As soon as you know you’ll be away call!
What makes Dogs at Camp different?
- There are a number of characteristics which we feel (and our clients tell us!) make us different.
- Each of our camps is located in a rural setting, on a large country property. Our camp properties rage in size from 45 acres to 160 acres. Country properties bring open (fenced!) spaces and clean country air.
- All Dogs at Camp staff members go through extensive training which covers all aspects of caring for dogs in groups, managing those groups, and keeping all areas of camp clean, and safe. We have checklists (upon checklists!) to ensure that daily tasks relating to cleaning, feeding, and safety procedures are followed in the same way at each location, every day. Camp owners, managers and staff are also dog owners themselves and understand very well what it feels like to be apart from their dogs.
- Staff are also responsible for maintenance inspections which are carried out regularly, including inspection of all areas of the barn buildings, as well as our fencing and gates – to ensure that all areas of the property and facilities are clean, and safe.
- As you have read, we have an efficient and simple online booking system which makes booking camp time easy and convenient. We also maintain accurate computerized client and dog records so that we can ensure that vaccination records are up to date for each dog in our care.
- We have now been in business for just about eight years, and there is no better ‘teacher’ than that. Over time we improved on every aspect of what we do, and we continue to do so as we gain from the experiences encountered at each of our locations.
- Our Foster Camper program places an emphasis on helping the many many dogs in need of homes. Through this program we take dogs out of shelters and bring them into camp at no cost while a permanent ‘forever’ home is sought.
- Many of our clients include those in the Pet Care field themselves. They include Veterinarians, Veterinary technicians, pet food and supply retailers, dog groomers, dog day care owners and staff, and dog rescue organizations.
- Finally, each camp owner and manager, as well as each and every staff member strives to provide an outstanding experience for your dog, and peace of mind for you.
For more of what goes on in the ‘background’ to create and maintain our Dogs at Camp experience, you may enjoy reading an article by our founder and CEO, Glen Kowarsky. Click here to read that article!
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