FAQ
Questions:

1. What is PetSmart Doggie Day Camp?
2. What are some common reasons why people bring their dogs to Doggie Day Camp?
3. How is PetSmart Doggie Day Camp different from the day care service I use for my dog now?
4. What type of training programs do PetSmart Doggie Day Camp associates participate in?
5. How many PetSmart Doggie Day Camps are there?
6. What are the hours of PetSmart Doggie Day Camp?
7. Who can attend Doggie Day Camp?
8. How do you ensure campers are a good match for the day camp environment?
9. What vaccinations are required for my dog to participate in camp?
10. Why do you require a six month Bordetella vaccination? My dog usually gets this yearly or not at all.
11. My dog won’t relieve himself indoors. Won’t he be uncomfortable if he can’t go outside?

Answers:

1. What is PetSmart Doggie Day Camp?

Doggie Day Camp is a place where you can bring your dog for a fun-filled day of play and exercise with other dog friends who have all been screened for group play. Pets play in one of our fully supervised, climate-controlled playrooms and enjoy a healthier, happier day than being home alone.

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2. What are some common reasons why people bring their dogs to Doggie Day Camp?

• Feel bad leaving your dog alone all day long
• Needs more exercise
• Needs more interaction
• Gets into mischief when left home alone
• Holidays, birthday parties, other special events when you don’t want to worry about your four-legged friend getting into the snack bowl
• Work done to house (Carpets being cleaned or spraying for bugs)
• Showing the house for sale/moving
• Want dog to burn off extra energy so you can both come home to a more relaxing evening
  

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3. How is PetSmart Doggie Day Camp different from the day care service I use for my dog now?

• Each dog must pass our Pawsitively Safe^SM Pet Evaluation & Assessment before participating in camp to ensure all dogs have a safe and enjoyable experience.
• We employ a strict vaccination policy.
• Our Pet Care Specialists are pet-loving professionals who are safety-certified and trained in behavior assessment.
• Our indoor facility provides a safe, clean, climate-controlled environment for dogs to play in.
• We’re open seven days a week and have flexible drop-off and pick up times.
  

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4. What type of training programs do PetSmart Doggie Day Camp associates participate in?

Pet parents can feel confident and worry-free about their decision to place their pet in the care of a PetSmart Doggie Day Camp. Our associates receive extensive training in dog handling and pet safety and must score 100% on their certification test.

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5. How many PetSmart Doggie Day Camps are there?

Most of our Doggie Day Camps are located inside PetSmart PetsHotels, where we also offer overnight care. Please click here to see all current locations.

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6. What are the hours of PetSmart Doggie Day Camp?

Our Doggie Day Camp hours vary by location. Please click here to find a location near you and call to ask about hours of operation. We are closed on Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day.

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7. Who can attend Doggie Day Camp?

Click here to view our requirements section.

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8. How do you ensure campers are a good match for the day camp environment?

To ensure the safety of all campers and staff, we implement a three step process before a dog is able to join a day camp:

1. Interview pet parent
2. Conduct complimentary Pawsitively Safe^SM health and temperament assessment
3. Introduce the pet to the group

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9. What vaccinations are required for my dog to participate in camp?

Click here to learn about vaccinations.

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10. Why do you require a six month Bordetella vaccination? My dog usually gets this yearly or not at all.

The boarding and veterinary industry believe that a dog who is exposed to one-on-one contact with another dog such as boarding, day camp, and dog parks needs to receive a Bordetella shot every six months. We follow the recommendations of the AVMA's Drug Task Force which highly recommends the Bordetella vaccination for all dogs in boarding, camping, grooming, training, ect- dog to dog contact. This shot reduces the likelihood of Tracheobronchitis, also commonly referred to as canine cough.

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11. My dog won’t relieve himself indoors. Won’t he be uncomfortable if he can’t go outside?

Dogs will relieve themselves based on texture and scent. Our Relief Room is textured and has cedar posts to entice dogs to relieve themselves. Also, dogs have a tendency to go to the bathroom when they see another dog do so. Because your home does not have the textured floor of the Relief Room, you should not have issues with your dog when he/she comes home. Your dog has already marked his/her area outside of your home and should not change from this area when he/she returns.

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