Long before they met in 2008, Michelle and Steve Martin were avid dog lovers. When they married in 2010, they merged their family of dogs to create a Bow-Wow Brady Bunch that included Bella, Charlie, Buster, and Zoe. Their bliss came with only one problem: Where to board the fur-kids during the honeymoon? They tried Camp Bow Wow and loved it so much they are opening their very own camp October 12.
Camp Bow Wow - Dallas High Five, the newest hangout that gets tails wagging, will be located at 13730 Floyd Circle. The day and overnight camp encourages dogs to be dogs in a fun, safe setting and promises to be a real treat for Dallas dogs and their families.
Unlike some kennels, Camp Bow Wow is no “puppy prison.” Every pup goes through an interview process to make sure they are healthy and play well with others. Once accepted, campers can romp all day long with their new friends in large indoor and outdoor play areas under constant counselor supervision. Parents can even check in on their pups with live Camper Cams®. Even the décor is warm and camp themed.
“Dog psychology has made incredible developments in the last decade, and Camp Bow Wow represents an evolution in pet care. We encourage dogs to be themselves through open play and furry friendships. For us, this isn’t just a business—it’s about how much we love dogs. We want every dog in Dallas to be social and hang out with us instead of being bored at home while everyone’s at work or school,” said Michelle Martin.
But don’t take the Martin’s word for how great Camp Bow Wow is. Ask their dogs.
“Camp Bow Wow is the best place a dog can be! We play all day, make friends, and have a great time. It’s so much better than sitting alone waiting for our families. When we get home at night, we snooze soundly with pleasant dreams of our time at camp. I can’t wait to go to work with mom, dad, and my three brothers and sisters every day!” barked Bella, a Catahoula mix the couple adopted from Weatherford Animal Shelter west of Fort Worth.
When pup parents need to go out of town, dogs can enjoy overnight stays in spacious cabins with comfy cots and tasty bedtime campfire treats. The day camp can host up to 100 dogs, and as many as 75 campers can stay overnight. The Martins recommend that families book early before cabins fill up, especially for the upcoming holidays.
Camp Bow Wow is hiring eight employees and could increase the number to 20 part time employees within the first year. Anyone who loves pups can be a camp counselor, since the business provides extensive training and certification on dog psychology, behavior, body language, CPR, and first aid. Every counselor is knowledgeable in how to match dogs into play yards by size, energy level, and play type to ensure a safe, happy, healthy environment.
The company’s Bow Wow Buddies Foundation also attracted the Martins to the business. The comprehensive program rehabilitates shelter dogs, fundraises for animal causes, and finds homes for pets displaced by natural disasters. Last year, the foundation found happy homes for more than 500 dogs.
The Martins adopted all their pets from local shelters and humane societies. Their fourth adoption, Charlie the Chihuahua, was a lonely mutt who had been through two different foster families already. The Martins put their Camp Bow Wow knowledge to work and helped Charlie become a happy, well adjusted pup who is ready to come to work with the family at Camp Bow Wow.
“Our dogs are part and parcel of our business, and we are excited to extend our learning to the local community and let dogs play, run, bounce, explore, and just be dogs. Families want the best for their pets when they can’t be close to them, and we provide a great experience for both pets and people. Dogs roll over and beg for Bow Wow, and their humans love it, too,” said Michelle.
Press release courtesy of Camp Bow Wow.