Camp Canine

Camp Canine LOST our dog - every pet owner's worst nightmare

by cinnabon c

I urge you to NOT use this daycare. You can avoid the trauma we went through, the legal hassles, and out-of-court settlement which was paltry.

My boyfriend and I were travelling, so we arranged for our mini dachshund, Hazelnut, to stay at Camp Canine during work hours. Our friends would pick her up at night and take her home.

One night they went to pick her up at 7pm, and Camp Canine said Hazelnut was not there, instead she RAN AWAY AND IS LOST IN CENTRAL PARK.

They said a "customer left the door open and let her out" and saw our dog scamper out the daycare, up the stairs, onto the street, and into Central Park nowhere to be seen, with the "camp counselors" trying to chase her but to no avail.

Furious, our friends bolted into Central Park calling Hazelnut over and over. No Hazelnut. Search continued, with trips to the police station, local pounds, "amber alerts" all over craigslist, 300 distributed flyers with the dog's picture, etc. No Hazelnut. It rained that night with lots of thunder. No Hazelnut.

The next day, a man found her at 110th and riverside drive, OVER 30 BLOCKS AWAY from daycare. Our dog was scratched up, one leg limping, trembling, hungry, and traumatized from spending the night all alone in the streets. It's a miracle that she didn't get run over by a car being that she's 11 pounds and low to the ground.

So much for the "state of the art security system" advertised on their website. Honestly, there isn't one. The staff at Camp Canine refused to give us the video feed of the floor on that fateful day. They did post a "lost dog" flyer at the local animal center to "help." This speaks volumes about their efforts. They are not web-savvy, did not think of craigslist, and obviously were scared of the legal ramifications since our dog was lost under their watch. I won't go into details about the negotiations but they admitted fault and decided to settle out of court with us.

Nevertheless we are happy Hazelnut is safe and home now. Her injuries are not serious and she's doing very well.

Regretfully, in our haste we didn't check Yelp about Camp Canine. The one-star reviews and death of one dog say it all. The "camp counselors" look like they hate their jobs, don't smile, and are not approachable. I"m all for supporting small businesses but this one is run with little safety (two doors does not make a "state of the art security system"), lax effort and responsibility, and sorry, one "freak accident" does not make it safe to go there again. Ever.

This story has a happy ending, but it could happen to you too. Were it not for the heroic actions of our friends and witnesses, our dog could have been lost forever.

Best dog day care in NYC

by scott N

I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to write a review for something I regard so highly.

My wife and I have been taking our Jack Russell Terrier, Miles, to Camp Canine five days a week for the last seven years – plus overnight boarding on countless holidays. We couldn’t be happier with the experience. Larry, Peter and their entire staff are kind, professional and clearly care a great deal about the dogs they look after. The facility is clean, safe, reasonably priced, the grooming service is fantastic and the hours are great. But most importantly Miles absolutely loves it there. Every time we round the corner of 73rd and Columbus he breaks into a run and flies down the stairs, just dying to go to Camp. Obviously he’s treated well.

Day care at Camp Canine definitely improves my dog’s quality of life, and mine.

I highly recommend it.

Great Day Care

by brn400

I have been taking my 11 year old mixed terrior (Macabee) to Camp Canine for day care 2-3 days / week since he was two years old. Over the years Camp Canine has worked out real well for me since my schedule changes week-to-week and Camp Canine has been able to seamlessly accommodate me. Macabee eagerly runs into Camp Canine in the morning greeting all the staff and leaves at the end of the day very tired. With a high energy dog this is a blessing. I also use Camp Canine for dog grooming -- they do a nice job and it is convenient since I arrange for Camp Canine to groom Macabee on a day that he is already in day care. I have been very satisfied with the services of Camp Canine – they are flexible, attentively watch the dogs, and Macabee is happy spending time there.

Great place - my dog and I both love it!

by robertuws

I've been taking my dog to Camp Canine for more than a decade. When I first moved to NYC, I couldn't imagine leaving him in an apartment full time after he was used to suburban life. No worries - Camp Canine offered a fantastic solution. He always comes home happy and worn out after a day of playing, and I'm happy to know he is being cared for in a safe environment with a well-structured schedule, whether on a day visit or an extended overnight stay.

I fully recommend this place for anyone with a dog. The staff is great (my dog LOVES them and starts to frantically wag his tail whenever he sees any of them), the facilities are clean and secure, and the hours are broad enough to fit a wide range of schedules.

My pug LOVES this place!

by ces000

I've been taking my pug Daisy to Camp Canine for 7 or 8 years or so. I had tried a few places that were closer to my apartment that came highly recommended, but she never wanted to go back to any of them. In fact, it was heartbreaking how she was scared to even walk by the places. Then we found CC and she LOVES it! I am confident she will be well taken care of and looked after. They board her when I go away on vacation and, increasingly so, as I travel for work. The staff and owners have always been accomodating to my hectic schedule, and Daisy always emerges extremely happy and tired from all of her play. Her joyous anticipation is apparent from the time we turn the corner on 73rd St and she doesn't think twice about running into the smaller dog play area.

Camp Canine makes my life easier and my beloved dog happier. That says it all.