FAQ
Why should we board our dog instead of leaving them home with a pet-sitter?
When you are not at home with your dog, his or her behavior might differ significantly from the normal behavior. For instance your dog might try to “escape” to find you, become destructive to your home, or become aggressive toward the pet sitter.
Should we take our dog on vacation with us?
Sometimes, this is a wonderful idea! Other times, it may be a challenge to find a pet-friendly place to stay. Many places that accept pets will charge extra and become very upset if your dog annoys their other guests. Pets may experience car sickness or become ill when traveling due to frequent changes in water. Many dogs suffer heat exhaustion while locked in the car when owners go sightseeing, eating or shopping. Many national parks have an abundance of lost dogs that somehow got away from their owners and couldn’t be found before the family had to return home. Another serious risk is exposure to various parasites and diseases such as heartworm, ticks, hookworms, fleas, and mange.
What is the ratio of staff to dogs in the play yard?
We typically keep a ratio of 1 campground assistant per 2 dogs – both in the play area and on hikes as well. This way, we can keep a closer eye on everything happening around us to ensure a safer environment and that your dog gets more personal attention. At times, when we have small dog play groups, the ratio may rise to 1 camp assistant per 3 dogs, but the safety of all dogs and staff members is always our first priority. Owners understand that supervised off-leash socialization and interaction among our guests is encouraged. Owners also acknowledge that dogs are unpredictable in behavior, and are aware of the risks involved in such play, and assume all risks.
My dog has never used a doggie door; will they be able to learn?
A lot of dog parents say this when they bring their pup for the first time. Our staff will stay in the cabin with your pet to do doggie door training before leaving them in the cabin by themselves. They learn very quickly and are usually out on the patio as we are walking out of the cabin.
Will my dog go to the bathroom on cement?
In most cases, dogs have no problem going to the bathroom on the cement patio when necessary. The cement is easier to keep clean and disinfected than grass, which makes it safer for your pet.
Can I bring my own dog/cat food?
We provide Purina One for both cats and dogs for no additional charge. However, we do encourage owners to bring their own food, especially if their pet has a sensitive digestive system or is on a special diet. Some pets have no problems switching food from day-to-day, but others may experience upset tummies and loose stools. If your dog has a special diet at home, we will do our best to provide that here as well. Bring us the ingredients (chicken broth, yogurt, cheese, veggies, etc.) and we will make sure the meal is prepared for your pet as it would be at home. Please make sure all food is brought to us in an airtight container (Zip-loc bag, TupperWare, etc. No grocery bags or open containers)
Will you give my dog their medications?
Yes, we are able to give your pet their medications at no extra charge. Please see our Medications section for more information.
What vaccinations does my pet need prior to their visit?
VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Dogs must be up to date on the following vaccinations: RABIES, DHLPP, and KENNEL COUGH.
Do you exercise the dogs when it's raining?
Yes – we exercise the dogs in the rain. We still maintain our normal exercise routine when it is raining and/or snowing – most dogs really seem to love it! If your dog does not like the rain, we’ll take them out for bathroom breaks and then spend time with them in their cabins, socializing and giving them personal interaction.
Is there someone on-site 24/7?
Yes - owners Jessica and Tim live on the premises.
Will my dog lose weight while at camp?
Some dogs will not eat well while boarding due to anxiety or being overwhelmed with new sights and sounds, so you may want to bring along something healthy that can be added to her food to make it more palatable (canned food, cheese, yogurt, veggies, etc.). Life in a boarding facility can be very exciting, and some dogs lose weight because they run the weight off as they charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time.
Did my dog drink enough water when he was at Companion Camp?
Please rest assured that your dog has water available 24 hours a day. Excitement might cause your dog to pant a lot and become thirsty. Give them a few ice cubes to hold them over until feeding time. Again, in a happy, excited state, excessive food and water consumption can cause them to throw up.
Is it possible for my dog to be injured at Companion Camp?
When children are on a playground, they sometimes come home with small scratches and other minor injuries. Dogs are no different! When campers are enjoying a romp in one of our play yards, they are off-leash and potentially interacting with other campers. It is perfectly normal for them to experience scratches, scrapes, abrasions and other minor injuries including minimal fur loss. While we do our best to prevent all injuries, and we operate with incredibly high safety standards, in rare circumstances more serious injuries can occur.
Is it OK if I call to check on my pet while I’m out of town?
Absolutely! Please call during business hours of 8am to 10am & 4pm to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 4pm to 6pm Sundays to get an update on your pet. You can also write us an email to check-in.
What is your cancellation policy?
We do understand that things happen, but please remember we are holding your reservation exclusively for your pet. When we reach our capacity, we have to refuse reservation requests and turn business away. We are a small facility, and cancellations affect us greatly. When clients pick-up their dogs early, cancel reservations, or change reservations without adequate notice, it is typically too late for us to fill the space we had reserved for them because the boarders that we turned away have already made other arrangements. This results in a significant financial impact to our small business. Due to the loss of revenue as a result of no-shows, untimely cancellations, schedule changes, and early pick-ups, we have implemented the following cancellation policy.
ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE SECURED BY A VALID CREDIT CARD. All reservations are subject to our five (5) cancellation policy, unless they were made within five (5) days of the scheduled check-in.
Cancellations may be made without charge if the cancellation is made at least five (5) days in advance of the scheduled check-in date. If the cancellation is made less than five (5) days in advance of the scheduled check-in date, charges will be capped as a two-night stay for a single camper, regardless of the details of the original reservation.
Please see our Policies for more information.
Can I pick up my pet early?
Yes, but you will be charged for the entire reservation. With advanced notice, we are happy to accommodate an early check-out. However, if you do choose to pick your pet up prior to the departure date confirmed with your registration, our cancellation/change policy will apply and you will be charged the full amount of the original reservation. If you do wish to pick your pet up early, please call or e-mail us as soon as you're able to so we can ensure we're aware of the change and can make arrangements to have your pet ready when you arrive. We do understand that things happen, but please remember we are holding your reservation exclusively for your pet. When we reach our capacity, we have to refuse reservation requests and turn business away.
Please see our Policies for more information.