What Camp Bow Wow Is

Camp Bow Wow is a chain of dog daycare and overnight boarding facilities. It is not a summer camp for children — it is a place where dog owners can leave their pets during the day or for longer stays while they work, travel, or need care elsewhere. The company operates hundreds of locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and each location is independently owned and operated.

The core service is supervised daycare in a group setting. Dogs spend time in climate-controlled play areas, interact with other dogs, and receive meals and water. Overnight boarding is also available, with dogs staying in individual cabins or rooms. Camp Bow Wow does not provide medical care, training, or specialized behavioral services — it is a care and supervision facility, similar to a daycare center for children.

Key Takeaways

  • Camp Bow Wow is a dog daycare and boarding chain with independently owned locations, so prices, hours, and services vary by facility.
  • Daycare is drop-off supervision in a group play setting; overnight boarding includes a cabin or room and meals.
  • Most locations require a meet-and-greet appointment before your dog can attend, where staff assess whether your dog is comfortable in a group environment.
  • You will need to provide your dog's vaccination records, dietary information, and emergency contact details before the first visit.
  • Pricing is per day or per night and is set by each location; many offer package deals or membership discounts for regular customers.

How to Find and Contact Your Local Camp Bow Wow

Camp Bow Wow locations are independently owned, so the facility nearest you may have different hours, pricing, and policies than one across town or in another state. The company website has a location finder where you enter your zip code and see all Camp Bow Wow facilities in your area, along with their phone numbers and addresses.

Call the location directly to ask about availability, hours, pricing, and whether they are currently taking new dogs. Some facilities fill up during peak seasons (summer, holidays, and school breaks) and may have a waitlist. The staff can also tell you whether your dog's age, size, or behavior profile fits their program — for example, some locations may not accept very young puppies or dogs with a history of aggression toward other dogs.

The Meet-and-Greet Appointment

Before your dog can attend Camp Bow Wow, you will need to schedule a meet-and-greet — an in-person visit where staff observe your dog in the group play environment. This appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. During the visit, your dog will be introduced to the play area and other dogs, and staff will watch how your dog interacts, plays, and responds to direction.

The purpose of the meet-and-greet is to make sure your dog is comfortable in a group setting and that the facility is a good fit. Some dogs are anxious around other dogs, some are too rough in play, and some do not respond well to a busy environment. If staff determine that your dog is not suited to group daycare, they will tell you directly. This is not a reflection on your dog — it straightforward means that facility is not the right place for that particular dog.

Bring your dog on leash to the meet-and-greet. Wear comfortable clothes because you may be asked to walk around the facility with your dog. Ask questions about the daily routine, how staff handle conflicts between dogs, and what happens if your dog gets sick or injured while in their care.

What to Bring and Paperwork Required

Before your dog's first day, you will need to provide several documents and pieces of information. Most locations require proof of current vaccinations, including rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), and sometimes bordetella (kennel cough). You will also need to provide your dog's name, age, weight, breed, and any medical conditions or medications your dog takes.

Bring an emergency contact number and the name and phone number of your veterinarian. You may also be asked to sign a liability waiver and a contract that outlines the facility's policies on payment, cancellation, and what happens if your dog is injured or becomes ill. Read these documents carefully before signing.

For overnight boarding, bring your dog's regular food (or ask whether the facility provides food). Some locations allow you to bring a blanket or toy from home to help your dog feel more comfortable, though policies vary. Ask ahead about what items are allowed in the cabin or room.

Daycare Versus Overnight Boarding

Daycare is drop-off supervision during business hours, usually 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the location. Your dog spends the day in a climate-controlled play area with other dogs and staff members. You drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon or evening. Daycare is priced per day, and many locations offer discounts if you pay for multiple days in advance or sign up for a membership.

Overnight boarding means your dog stays at the facility overnight, usually in an individual cabin, room, or kennel. Your dog receives meals, water, and bathroom breaks. You drop your dog off before the facility closes and pick them up the next morning or later in the day. Overnight boarding is priced per night. Some facilities offer extended stays (multiple nights or a full week) at a reduced nightly rate.

Daycare and overnight boarding can often be combined — for example, your dog might attend daycare on Monday and Tuesday, then stay overnight Tuesday night, then attend daycare again on Wednesday. Ask your location about package options and how they handle multi-day stays.

Pricing and Payment Methods

Camp Bow Wow pricing is set by each independently owned location, so costs vary widely depending on where you live. Daycare typically costs between $25 and $50 per day, and overnight boarding typically costs between $40 and $80 per night, but these are general ranges and your local facility may charge more or less.

Most locations offer discounts for package purchases — for example, buying five days of daycare at once may cost less per day than paying for one day at a time. Some facilities have membership programs where you pay a monthly fee and receive a set number of daycare days or discounted rates. Ask about these options when you call.

Payment methods vary by location. Most accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Some require payment in advance or at drop-off; others bill you after your dog's stay. Ask about the payment schedule and whether there are cancellation fees if you need to cancel a reservation.

What Happens During a Typical Day

A typical daycare day starts with drop-off, where you bring your dog to the facility and hand them over to staff. Staff will ask how your dog is feeling that day, whether there are any behavioral concerns, and any special instructions (for example, if your dog needs medication or has not eaten breakfast). Your dog will then be taken to the play area.

During the day, your dog will play with other dogs in a supervised group setting. Staff monitor play to make sure it stays safe and friendly. Your dog will have access to water throughout the day and will be given bathroom breaks. Depending on the facility, your dog may also have a midday rest period in a quiet area. Some locations provide lunch or snacks; others ask you to bring your dog's food from home.

At pickup time, you collect your dog and staff will give you a brief report on how the day went — whether your dog played well, ate and drank normally, and whether there were any incidents or concerns. Some facilities send photos or videos of your dog during the day, either through email or through a mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog has never been to daycare before?

Start with a short daycare visit — a few hours on the first day — so your dog can adjust to the environment without becoming overwhelmed. Many dogs are nervous on their first day but settle in quickly. The meet-and-greet appointment will help staff understand your dog's comfort level and give you a sense of whether your dog is ready for a full day.

What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while at Camp Bow Wow?

Staff will contact you when ready using the emergency number you provided. Most facilities do not provide medical treatment — they will tell you to pick up your dog or take your dog to a veterinarian. You are responsible for all veterinary bills. Ask during the meet-and-greet what the facility's protocol is for illness or injury and whether they have a preferred veterinarian nearby.

Can I cancel a reservation?

Cancellation policies vary by location. Some facilities allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before drop-off; others charge a fee or require payment even if you cancel. Ask about the cancellation policy when you book and get it in writing so you know what to expect.

Do I need to bring my dog's food?

Some locations provide food and water; others ask you to bring your dog's regular food from home. Ask your location what their policy is. If you bring food, label it clearly with your dog's name and any feeding instructions.

How do I know if Camp Bow Wow is right for my dog?

The meet-and-greet appointment is designed to answer this question. If your dog is anxious, aggressive toward other dogs, or does not enjoy group play, daycare may not be a good fit. Some dogs do better with one-on-one care, a dog walker, or staying home. Staff will be honest about whether your dog is suited to the program.