Camp K-9 Of Marin

Wow! We have used Camp K9 for both day and overnight visits for our beautiful 70 lb rescue. Before we found Camp K9, we were using a more local doggie daycare and it did not work out. Now, our pup walks in tail wagging and excited for «school». This place is totally worth the extra ten minutes in the car! At the old place, he had to be dragged and coaxed in with treats, it felt terrible to leave him there. Camp K9 provides report cards on request and uses a system that keeps your dog extremely active (comes home pooped!) without over exciting them. They play with dogs there own size too! They even have love cameras and an Instagram account. Staff members have bios up when you enter and I have had great experiences with scheduling and availability (There was one last minute day that they were booked). It feels comforting to know Darwin has a safe, loving and fun place to be on our long days!

Our dog loves it here, he’s alway excited to go to camp, everyone is super friendly and clearly loves dogs.

We absolutely love Camp K-9.we’ve been clients for over 10 years. We come all the way from SF because it’s worth it knowing our dogs are excited to be there. Recently our older dog was diagnosed with glaucoma and I was apprehensive to leave him because of the amount of medications he had to take and the fear that he could go blind if meds weren’t administered properly. They reassured us that he would be fine and they took very good care of him. This is the only place we would leave our dogs. We’ve tried SF places and nothing compares to the care and attention that they pay to our basset hounds. They always leave us excited to be there and come home happy tired dogs! Thank you all at Camp K-​9!!!

Really like how organised and passionate these folks are with there business! Adorable report cards and nice facilities!

My review is based on one overnight stay for our two border collies. We usually leave our pups with friends or a house-​sitter, but we recently found ourselves in a situation where we needed to be out of town for about 28 hours when none of our usual options were available. After some research, we settled on Camp K-​9. I was a bit nervous — O.K., VERY nervous — because we had never left either dog with a commercial enterprise before. Both of our dogs are rescues (whom we’ve had for 11 and 8 years, respectively), so we worried that they might have bad associations with being left in such a place.
We needn’t have worried. A week before we were to leave town, I brought the pups to Camp K-​9 for the required interview. I met with a capable young woman who spent almost an hour with me and the pups. She asked thorough and probing questions about both dogs, their tendencies, preferences, histories, etc. She quickly ascertained that our pups would be happier with one-​on-​one counselor play sessions instead of in play groups — I was relieved about that, as neither of our dogs is particularly interested in other dogs, and also impressed that this option was available. She also showed me around the facility and answered all of my questions, even a few tough ones, directly and honestly. She informed me about Camp K-9’s strict rules about shots and flea treatments and collars, etc., which are entirely appropriate and which assured me that all dogs are well taken care of.
We left our pups at Camp K-​9 on the way the airport. I will never forget the look of pure doggie desperation and terror on our younger dog’s face as I left. I was really worried.
The next day, I picked the pups up on my way back from the airport. First, I must say that Camp K-​9 is a super organized operation — they have notes on every dog and what is brought in with the dogs (in my case, two T-​shirts that I’d slept in to give the pups a comforting scent). They also gave me a «report card» about each dog’s experience (eating, etc.) during the 28 hour stay. But what really sold me on the place was that I was able to watch our dogs as they came down the hall to the reception area. Neither of them had seen me yet. Both were wagging their tails and both looked totally relaxed and happy to be with their handler. That, more than anything else, told me that Camp K-​9 really lives up to its promise — it’s a place that is staffed by people who truly love dogs. It is great to know that we have a place to leave our pups again, should we ever need to.

Our German Shepherd puppy has been going to Camp K9 for almost 6 months. (The majority of her life). Unfortunately they kicked her out of group play about a month and a half ago. They cited that she was ‘resource guarding’. We were told she was guarding toys so they took the toys out of the equation. They said she then began to guard the wood chips that the entire play area is comprised of. I have a hard time understanding how exactly any dog could guard an entire yard of wood chips. They also said they moved her to the area with only concrete and that while one dog was trying to drink water our dog punched it in the face with her snout. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that’s a bit dramatic. My dog has been known to try to goat dogs into playing by taking their toys, and yes she can bombard the water area at the dog park but she’s not aggressive. The behaviorist even said they were more worried about Gaia challenging the wrong dog and getting hurt vs Gaia hurting another dog. Their head behavior expert called us to inform us that Gaia would not be welcome in group play any longer. She said they had observed this behavior for quite a while but it had majorly escalated in the few days prior to their call. She had only been there one day that week and when that was cited we were told «oh, last week then.» When we asked why we were not informed of Gaia’s ‘problem behavior’ when it was first observed so we could work with her with our trainer we were told «most owners don’t care to know». WHAT!!! I find it hard to believe people sending $ 44 a day, and often $ 69 when you have to pick up after 7:00 wouldn’t want to know their dogs behavioral issues. Another thing mentioned was that it was likely a phase that she would grow out of as she’s in her adolescents at the moment. When I asked when we could re assess I was told they don’t re assess once they kick a dog out. I found this to be very extreme given the circumstances. We were later told that they could make an exception and re assess in a year.
Here’s what I find odd… We had begun working with a new trainer about a week prior to this incident. She had us put her on a prong collar which I know is a controversial tool. Having tried every other collar/​harness/​gentle lead we decided to give it a shot. The day we showed up with her in that collar was the day they put her through a series of tests with a bunch of much older dogs then kicked her out. I’m not saying they kicked her out because we were using the collar but they certainly seem to notice and suddenly keep a close eye on her.
I was pretty offended/​hurt at how quick they were to cast her aside. I did give them 2 vs 1 star because I always felt she was safe there. I should also mention she’s at another daycare where she past the behavioral test with flying colors and has a blast at. She gets a lot more active play time there. I wanted to wait a bit and make sure she didn’t have any issues at her new place before I left this review.
Sorry it had to end this way Camp K9.

We love this place! The staff is very personable, especially the front desk personnel. The are always so welcoming to my little guy. It may seem expensive to some, but it is definitely worth it. I have been to other facilities, and Camp K9 is the cleanest and best around. :) Believe me!

After having a bad experience at another Marin boarding place, we wanted to try camp k-​9. The intro meeting was good and I liked how they had customized dog groups so that your pup is matched with the perfect group.
They keep the pups in cages and they get out several times a day to play with their group.
My pup is way happier here than the previous place. He was wagging all the way in and wagging all the way out. A sure sign that he’s happy to be here.
We will keep using this place for sure.
I took away ½ star because when we initially tried to come here, I left a detailed message trying to get an initial appointment and never received a call back. I had to call a few times before I got someone and was able to schedule my first appointment.
Also ½ star off because it’s pretty pricey.
But overall, I’m happy with my experience.

What can I say?! I love this place. From the beginning, they were very accepting of my buddy who is a staffie. They are easy to get along with, know their stuff, and are extremely organized.
First, be aware that there is a fee for the interview (which is applied to a later visit should you so choose). This wasn’t what I had experienced before but, believe me, it’s WORTH IT even if you don’t choose to go with them. The scheduling experience is easy, you can watch some of the outdoor dog areas on camera, and you’ll be greeted with energy and compassion each time you arrive. A few things I’ll call out:
Their Space:
Clean, clean, clean. I’ve visited at least 3 places like this and they ALL smelled like pee, even in the areas that shouldn’t have. Camp K-​9 is impeccably clean. Period.
They have cool dog play areas (3 large and a handful of small) that are clean, fun, bright (if indoors) and safe (both indoor and out).
The Interview:
$ 20 as of this review. I expected the interview to be a meet-​the-​dog etc. type of interview but had no idea that it would be as involved as it was. Plan on spending 30min-​1 hour (I have 3 dogs total so it was an hour for me). They ask you questions you would hope ANY pet sitter would ask but never do and they ask questions I never even thought about. Some questions are pretty basic, are the altered, do they get along, etc. However, they also ask what they are allowed to do with your permission e.g. «if ‘fluffy’ doesn’t like her/​his food, is it ok to add a little wet food or water?». To me, that’s great information and makes me think they really do want to mimic the pup’s experience at home. Awesome job with this.
The Stay:
The drop off was seamless and quick. He stayed 5 days, 3 play times a day are included. Called on the first day for an update. Was able to check out the cameras if I wanted to. The pick up was quick and I was given a cute report card that scored his behavior, attitude, and even had some notes about who his buddies were during his stay. Top notch.
I would absolutely take my dog (s) there again and will use them for day care for my staffie as well.

Moved to the Marin area 8 months ago and hadn’t found this place at first. Had tried a suggestion in SF and was quite disappointed. So when I found this place with easy access on 101 north I was hoping but wary.
Clean place lots of space and the team seemed genuine. They were picky on the on boarding probably to keep there tenants safe. The axe would come from my dog who wasn’t too keen on kennels. We tried for a few days and he didn’t go depressed for a week on getting him back or lost weight. And, the next time out he was relaxed. Great team that listens and gives real feedback on pet. I took a star off because a bit pricey but that’s what I paid in SF without the service. They have my business.

I just wanted to clarify the playtimes/​schedules. The dogs play three times a day for 45 minutes each play session.
We are still at Camp K-​9 and we still love it.

My dog Louie loves Camp K-​9 of Marin! I am so glad we found something so convenient and I feel all of their staff truly cares about the dogs. I feel like my dog is in wonderful hands while he is there. I am glad they did such a thorough interview before he started going to camp, it really did show that they place importance on getting to know the dogs and placing them in the correct play group.
SO glad we have Camp K-​9 of Marin to take care of four-​legged friend!

I have mixed feelings on giving a poor review. The people at Camp K9 have been very friendly with me and my 5 month old puppy. We had to put her in daycare for two weeks due to a work conflict during the days. They are expensive, but that also led us to believe that they have high standards of care and we were willing to invest our money in them to keep our puppy happy and healthy.
On the last day we noticed a sign go up that kennel cough has been spread throughout the facility. Less than a week later our puppy became ill, very ill. And yes, she has been vaccinated.
We put her on antibiotics the very first day in hopes of keeping it at bay. She is a puppy and her immune system is not fully developed. Unfortunately, the infection spread very quickly to her upper respiratory system even on antibiotics. After 2 weeks of two antibiotics and 3 visits to the vet, our puppy is finally feeling better.
I understand that Camp K9 can’t control which dogs are sick and the vet even reiterated that, but I feel a stricter screening process could be in place when admitting a dog. For example, asking the owners a few questions about the dogs health every time they drop it off or doing a quick visual check of the dog before they even take the dog to the back. I would like to think there is a more effective system that can be in place. This is a very aggressive and rapid illness that needs to be taken seriously.
It may have been out of their control, but it certainly gives us hesitation in taking her back there, despite the prepaid package we still have with them. I do appreciate the follow up wellness call I received from the Operations Director. We will probably consider taking our dog back once her immune system is stronger and it is confirmed that there have been no outbreaks of kennel cough for at least a few weeks.

My most horrible dog experience ever. Do not ever bring your dogs here for boarding if you love your animals. I was new in town and left my gorgeous Wheaton terriers here for 1 week. After exhaustive interviews on my digs they accepted them. Since I picked them up they have been battling fleas and sickness. Have been to vet 4x and counting. They charge is you are 5 minutes after the allocated time to pick up at 11 am. No negotiation, no care, no responsibility. Filthy, they say they bath your dogs but they do not. Everything cane out soaked in urine and filled with dirt. Thus this review. I am a huge dog lover and was expecting great things in Marin county. I was wrong and hope to educate my fellow animal lovers of the horribleness of this place…

We’ve been taking our dog here pretty regularly for almost a year, and have been very happy with the service and staff. It’s a little bit different than other doggy day cares, in that they manage the pack play time pretty strictly — I think a dog who is just there for the day gets 3 20-​minute play times with a group of dogs, and then a couple of potty breaks. All very scheduled. The balance of the time, the dog is crated/​penned on his own.
Camp K9 is different from other dog day cares we’ve used in the past (not locally). Our prior dog daycare was the kind of place where the dogs are just in a pack together all day long, just hanging out, which is what we prefer for our dog — because he’s pooped at the end of the day.
So even with the very structured schedule the dog has at Camp K9, given where we live, and the other options that are convenient to us (Park a Pup & Planet Canine), Camp K9 is far superior — in terms of its staff and facilities, and also in terms of professionalism. I have complete trust in the Camp K9 team, and peace of mind when we leave our dog there either for the day or overnight. Neither Park a Pup or Planet Canine inspired the same degree of confidence. The only reason my review is 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the price — Camp K9 is substantially more expensive than its competitors. I’m actually embarrassed to tell people how much it costs, so I try not to. :-) Still, we love our dog, A LOT, and we’re not willing to trade our peace of mind for a lower price.

I have brought my dog here for boarding at least 3 more times since my initial review. I still say they are are great place to take your dog. My dog seems excited to get there and has no apprehension when arriving (she has to be dragged into the vet’s office). She always seems happy and well cared for when I pick her up.

Dear Camp K-​9,
Dropped my dog off on Friday 3:30 picked him up Sunday 3… you charge me for two nights (which aint cheap) and than you charge me for an additional day because I did not pick him up before 11. I am than charged an additional 25 bucks for picking him up before 4 pm on Sunday. I feel nickled and dimed. … and 71 dollars poorer.
You realize that your business is not a high barrier to entry and that there are other similar companies that do the same thing for less? For longer stays I now use Tappen Hill… they are 15 – 20 dollars a day cheaper.
Just one dumb dog owners advice and perspective.

Camp K9 is the answer to our prayers! After trying multiple other doggie day cares, I was ready to give up. Milly was coming home frantic and scared until we found camp K9. This is the first place that she willingly leaves my side to go with the dog sitters when I drop her off. She comes home happy and exhausted every day. She gets 3 almost hour-​long play groups with dogs of her play level, and as a new dog mom, it’s really nice to check in on the camper-​cams throughout the work day. Even though they are a little pricier than some other options we tried, they are worth every penny at camp K9. I would highly recommend them.

I think it’s overpriced, but agree that it’s a solid safe place for our dogs.

Me and my pup love this place. She gets so excited to go to «camp» that when we drop her off she runs to the door because she’s excited to go play with all the other dogs. I love that they have services like bathing here so that when we pick her up she smells great — and you can even pay a little bit extra to get the staff to give your dog extra attention (walks, cuddles, etc.).
The only slightly annoying thing are the pick-​up hours in the evening on weekends (4 pm– 7 pm). This is a real drag when you’re driving or flying back from out of town and just want to pick up your pooch when you’re ready… rather than having to go during the small window of designated time. But overall, love the staff and love how well they look after our pup!