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Camp Run-A-Mutt East County

1506 Pioneer Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
phone: 619-312-2267
fax: 619-749-2817

Cage free dog daycare & boarding at its best!

Camp Run-A-Mutt East County

1506 Pioneer Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
phone: 619-312-2267
fax: 619-749-2817

The award-winning Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is the premier cage-free dog daycare and boarding paradise! Our camp consists of beautiful indoor and outdoor play areas (see for yourself on our Muttcams), which are fun, safe and supervised 24/7. Camp Run-A-Mutt™ East County features over 13,000 square feet for your dog to romp, play and socialize to their heart’s content! Watch your camper online as they run on the spacious grassy area, cool off in the custom water feature, relax on dog-friendly furniture or under the shade sails on a hot day (or in our temperature-controlled indoor play areas during inclement weather).

It’s more than just the amenities that make us unique. Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is also 100% cage-free for both daycare and overnight boarding. Your dog will receive exceptional care by our attentive staff, who are trained to be familiar with dog behavior and certified in dog CPR and first aid. Overnight Campers enjoy the security of a caring human in the same room while they snooze. Our goal is to make boarding fun by minimizing the stress and anxiety some dogs experience when they are away from home. “Pack boarding” instead of cages, human love instead of being alone, it’s a no brainer.

We also offer dog washing, grooming, a boutique, obedience training and surprises you’ll find only at Camp Run-A-Mutt™. Your pup will love it, and so will you.

The Benefits of Dog Daycare

Our dogs are not our parents’ dogs. Dogs used to have at least one parent at home to care, exercise, and pamper them. Today’s dogs have both parents working, or one parent working long hours or multiple jobs. Whether or not this is the case, there is less time to give our dogs what they need. Daycare, especially cage free daycare, fills this need.

Just a few examples:

  • Exercise – Obviously, dogs need to run, play, splash, and just be a dog. Large outside spaces with paw friendly synthetic turf, splash pond, sunshine and friends will wear them out!
  • Socialization – Dogs are, by nature, social creatures. Having dog and human friends makes them a better-rounded and happier pet.
  • Mental stimulation – Even if your pup just likes to sit and watch, there are plenty of places to rest and watch the shenanigans to keep them mentally active.
  • Potty training – Allowing dogs to play and potty outside enforces the training they learned early on.
  • Guilt – Say good-bye to the look your dog gives when you are too tired or busy to take them for a walk or dog park.
  • Dog park – Great most of the time, but at Camp Run-A-Mutt, you have the peace of mind knowing all dogs are spayed/neutered, current on shots and get along with others.

There is no better experience than picking your dog up after daycare, their greeting and happy dance all the way to the car, then the snoring before you even get on the highway. That’s our goal, that’s what we do, and we love helping you do what’s best for your dog.

The award-winning Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is the premier cage-free dog daycare and boarding paradise! Our camp consists of beautiful indoor and outdoor play areas (see for yourself on our Muttcams), which are fun, safe and supervised 24/7. Best of all, Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is 100% cage-free for both daycare and overnight boarding. Your dog will receive exceptional care by our attentive staff, who are certified in dog CPR and first aid. We also offer dog grooming, a boutique, obedience training and more. Your pup will love it, and so will you.

About the Owners

EC owner bio

Mike is a California native and loves all that San Diego has to offer.  He was in the Army for 8 years and traveled the world, then returned to San Diego to raise his family.  Molly moved to California with her family when she was 5, and can’t imagine living anywhere else.  Their Camp experience for their dog Boodles was like a dream come true, and they often talked about opening a location of their own, and made the decision to make it happen!  

Testimonials

"I brought my 1 year old catahoula mix here a few weeks ago for a full day at doggie day care. He LOVES playing with other dogs but is a bit timid around people, especially adults he doesn't know. The owners seemed to completely understand and after the initial introduction which they do with all new dogs to make sure they aren't aggressive towards other dogs he was brought into the back to play with all the other dogs. I love that they have cameras and you can go online and watch. I checked on him several times throughout the day and I could tell he was loving it! This place is clean and the dogs are definitely well taken care of!"

- Kaylen S.
El Cajon, CA

Testimonials

"Silvi has been a regular once a week for a year now. We both love Molly, Mike and all the staff. Silvi is so excited to go and play with everyone...dogs and staff... and is plumb tuckered out when she gets home! There is a real "home away from home" feeling created by the environment and staff. I cannot say enough good things about CRAM and recommend it to all dog owners I meet. What a joy to have such a wonderful group to trust with my little girl."

- Leslie M.
El Cajon, CA

Testimonials

"I absolutely love it here! My dog, Dug, comes here on rainy days or if the family and I won't be home all day. I always watch him on the muttcam and the owners are the sweetest human beings I've ever come across! They are so respectful and caring."

- Janna U.
San Diego, CA

Testimonials

"We've brought our dog Timber here for several years now, and are still blown away at the level of service that they continuously provide. All we have to do is say the word "camp" and he jumps like a kangaroo and heads for the door. He has a great time playing with the other doggos, and their prices for grooming cannot be beat. I have always felt completely assured that he was in safe hands and that they would take very good care of him. They treat him like family. I would highly recommend them for any boarding, daycare or grooming need."

- Jeremy W.
San Diego, CA

Check out our Services

Daycare

At Camp Run-A-Mutt our dogs get to do what dogs do best: run with the pack, romp around with friends (both human and dog), play fetch, sniff all the smells, splash in our water feature, snooze in the sun (or the shade), get lots of belly rubs and watch the shenanigans. Best of all, you can see for yourself on our Muttcams!

Boarding

Like daycare, boarding is also cage free. This means “pack boarding” with their friends and cared for by our qualified alpha human. Our staff stays with the dogs all night (just like at home) to make sure they are safe and comfortable. A good night’s sleep tonight means a happy pup with plenty of energy for more fun tomorrow.

Grooming

Our groomers are skilled, patient and most importantly, they love dogs! Dogs who get groomed while at Camp get to play right up until their appointment time. Most dogs actually enjoy the one-on-one attention and our groomer knows that tired dogs are more relaxed and easier to groom. It’s really a win/win for everyone.

Register your pup today!

Two dogs meeting each other

Registration Requirements

Since Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is cage-free, we strive to make it a positive and safe experience for all our campers, no matter their age or size. Therefore, we have a few more qualifying steps to join the fun than most other places. Every new dog is given the best possible chance to become a Camper and once they succeed, you’ll be glad all their new playmates have gone through the same process.

Since we are cage-free, to ensure a positive and safe experience for every camper, there are a few extra steps to join the fun.

To attend Camp, a camper wanna-be MUST:

  • Have a proper fitting collar with name tag
  • Play well and gently with all sizes of dogs
  • Show no aggression
  • Know and listen to their name
  • Not be an excessive barker

New to Dog Daycare?

We get it, this can be a stressful routine change for both you and your dog. Our goal is to keep your dog occupied by giving them a chance to socialize, play, and get caught up in the fun. For you, our Muttcams give an inside look at what your pup and all the other Campers are doing during the day. When picking up from daycare or boarding, expect a pooped pup who will want to drink a lot of water when they get home. This is normal. We have plenty of fresh drinking water and our yard attendants take extra time to introduce new pups to the multiple water stations and all the other fun stuff like climbing apparatus and splash pond. The excitement of mom or dad picking them up will get their adrenaline going and heart pumping which will make them extra thirsty. We suggest letting them drink, but not too much as that can upset their stomach. And let them rest. New dogs might tend to over-do it at first. It will take a few visits before Camp Run-A-Mutt becomes their new routine.

Temperament Testing

If this looks like the right place for your pup, please follow these steps.

  • Send vaccinations

Have your veterinarian email vaccination records to or fax them to 619-749-2817. We require proof of current standings on Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo, Canine Influenza Virus, Leptospirosis, and Rabies. All dogs over seven months of age must be spayed or neutered.

  • Set up temperament test

Give us a call at 619-312-2267 to set up a brief “temperament test.” We conduct temperament tests by appointment from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday – Sunday.

  • Review paperwork & test

Once you arrive at the camp, we will verify your dog’s vaccination records, have you review and sign our Service Agreement, get to know your dog a little more, and then introduce them to some of our regular campers in our temperament testing area while you watch a live feed in our customer lounge.

  • You’re all set!

If all goes well, your furry friend can stay and play, or come back another time for their first official day of daycare!

If this looks like the right place for your pup, please follow these steps.

  • Send vaccinations

Have your veterinarian email vaccination records to or fax them to 619-749-2817. We require proof of current Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo, Canine Influenza Virus, Leptospirosis, and Rabies. All dogs over seven months of age must be spayed or neutered.

  • Set up temperament test

Call us at 619-312-2267 to set up a brief “temperament test” which consists of us getting to know your dog a bit more, and then introducing him to some of our regular campers.

  • Review paperwork & test

If all goes well, your furry friend can stay and play, or come back another time for their first official day of daycare!

Sleepovers / Boarding

If your dog is not already a Camper, they must first pass a temperament test and stay for at least one full day of daycare.

  • Bring your pup for a day

Once your pup has passed their initial temperament test, they will be required to spend at least one full day (minimum of six hours and a fee of $20) in daycare.

  • We’ll keep a close eye on them

During their day of play we are watching to see how they interact with other campers, if they settle in after a while, whether they have severe separation issues or if they are disruptive to the pack. At the end of their day, we will let you know if we think your pup would be comfortable enough to spend nights at the Camp.

  • Schedule for boarding

If they pass his “test” day, you can now schedule your pup for their sleepover. Reservations are required for boarding.

  • Consider prepping your pup

We STRONGLY encourage you to bring your pup for a few days of play before their first boarding stay so they can acclimate to our camp and staff. This always makes the sleepover easier.

  • Fill out our boarding check list

Before your pup arrives for their stay, please fill out our Boarding Checklist (which is found in the confirmation email you received after scheduling). This ensures proper and consistent care during their stay.

  • Drop off before noon

We require that your pup is dropped off BEFORE NOON the day they sleep over. You can pick them up during normal business hours after their last night.

If your dog is not already a Camper, they must first pass a temperament test and stay for at least one full day of daycare.

  • Bring your pup for a day

Once your pooch has passed his initial temperament test, they’ll need to spend at least one full day in daycare.

  • We’ll keep a close eye on them

During their day of play we will determine whether we believe they would be comfortable spending nights at the Camp.

  • Schedule for boarding

If your pup passes their “test” day, you can schedule their sleepover. (The confirmation email you receive after scheduling contains our Boarding Checklist. Please fill this out prior to check-in to ensure proper and consistent care during your dog’s stay.)

  • Drop off before noon

We require that your pup is dropped off BEFORE NOON the day they sleep over. You can pick them up during normal business hours after their last night.

Watch the Muttcams live

french bulldog holding phone with muttcams app

Muttcams on Mobile!

You can check out our live Muttcams by going to www.muttcams.com. This is our mobile app, and you can add to your home screen if you’d like. With this app, your furry baby will always be in the palm of your hand.

Non-stop action!

Are you ready for the ultimate reality show? Then check out our Muttcams where you’ll see all the shenanigans happening right now. Watch your dog run, play, nap and do things you never knew they did on our live action cams. Your pup will have no idea they’re being spied on and we won’t tell them either.

dog holding smartphone with Muttcams app

Go Mobile!

If you can’t watch enough of the fun on your PC, you can check up on your pup with the Muttcams mobile app. With this app, your furry baby will always be in the palm of your hand.

On your mobile device, just navigate to www.muttcams.com and then add to your home screen.

Much more…

View our Facebook!

Two dogs cuddling on a blanket

Stay tuned with upcoming events going on at Camp! Check out our Facebook page to find pics of our Campers and stay up to date on important things going on at Camp.

indoor lobby merchandise display

Dog Boutique

Camp Run-A-Mutt offers some of the most unique, useful and just plain fun supplies for your dog. From the essentials like leashes and collars, food, supplements, beds and grooming tools, to the non-essentials like toys, sweaters and treats (although your pup may think these are the essentials, too), we carry it all. Our goal is to make your canine companion happy and healthy while making your life easier by carrying everything they need in one stop. We support local vendors who come up with safe, high-quality and interesting products for your dog. This way we can offer things you won’t get from your local chain while also supporting our community. And if it’s not here, let us know. We can probably fetch it for you.

Giving Back

Camp Run-A-Mutt believes in giving back to the community in which we live, and we love all dogs, which is why we contribute our time and financial resources to help those pups that are in need. We partner with shelters and rescue groups to help adoptable dogs find their fur-ever homes through hosting adoption events, promoting foster dogs on our social media channels, and even offering daycare services to dogs in foster homes. We also donate the proceeds from fundraising events to support local animal rescue organizations.

Vaccinations!

Experience Paws 4 Shots’ convenient veterinary care for your dogs and cats at one of our regularly scheduled clinics hosted inside Camp Run-A-Mutt! They use the highest quality vaccines and follow the AAHA vaccine guidelines for both dogs and cats. Clinics operate by appointment only, and appointments can be made via their website using the Pet Care App.

 

Their seasoned veterinarians provide more than just preventative care, they also offer treatments for allergies and arthritis. Ask our front desk staff for more information today.

Pet Related Businesses

Buckboard's BBQ & Brew
Buckboard's BBQ & Brew, located in El Cajon, CA, is a casual BBQ joint that serves up a variety of delicious protein-laden fare. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal.
web site

Animal Rescue Resource Foundation
AARF is an all-volunteer foster program without a facility. They accept all breeds of dogs and cats when foster homes are available. They often rescue pets from Animal Control facilities.
web site

Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals
Very small volunteer fostering organization, usually featuring dogs under 20 pounds who would have been killed in shelters due to expensive but treatable medical conditions.
web site

Contact us

Camp Run-A-Mutt East County

1506 Pioneer Way, El Cajon, CA 92020
phone: 619-312-2267
fax: 619-749-2817

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I tour the facility?

YES! We understand the importance of transparency when it comes to your fur baby, so we are happy to provide tours of our facility. This may be easier during certain hours of the day than others (such as morning drop off or feeding times) so please give us a call to confirm the best time.

How old does my pup need to be before I can bring him or her to Camp?

The minimum age requirement for puppies is 12 weeks of age. Typically, by this point they have received at least 2 sets of their initial puppy shots, and most vets agree this is an acceptable time to begin introducing your puppy to other dogs. Don’t forget, all Campers are required to be up to date on all vaccinations while at Camp Run-A-Mutt, so this is also one of the safest places for your puppy to begin interacting with new dogs. 

Why does my dog need to be neutered/spayed at 7 months of age?

Our spay and neuter requirements are for the safety of all dogs in our care, especially yours. Often, when puppies begin to produce sex hormones, it can lead to unwelcome behaviors. It can also cause other dogs to behave differently toward that dog than they normally would. In order to prevent behavioral issues on both sides, and since this is the average age where problems begin to arise, all dogs must be altered by 7 months at the latest. This is also why sterilization procedures alone are not sufficient to eliminate the risks. Procedures such as chemical sterilization in male dogs, for example, do not end hormone production, so many of those potentially problematic behaviors remain. (That being said, some puppies develop more quickly than others and may begin to exhibit certain behaviors earlier than this. If we believe that this may lead to an unsafe environment for any dog, including yours, we may ask you to temporarily refrain from daycare and boarding until after your dog has been fixed.)

What is a temperament test?

A temperament test is an opportunity for us introduce your dog(s) to a cross-section of the types of dogs they will meet in our play yards, and assess their comfort level with each type of dog. We use a mix of males and females, small, medium, and large sized dogs, and puppies, adult, and senior dogs (all of which we see on a regular basis!). This helps us know how to set your dog up for success on their first day of daycare, to ensure they have a comfortable and fun experience!

Can I watch the temperament test?

Absolutely! We have a live camera feed of our temperament test area so that you can see exactly what’s going on, from the comfort of our customer lounge. In an effort to create the most accurate representation of our primary play areas, we don’t permit customers to be in the area while we are conducting the temperament test. Since you won’t be there when your pup is in the play yard, we want to understand how they behave without you nearby. But we promise to communicate with you during every step of the process!

How long does a temperament test take?

The short answer: it depends. The longer answer: There is no pre-determined length of time. Each temperament test is conducted based on the unique needs of the new dog. For a dog that’s been in daycare their whole life and is happy-go-lucky and super confident, it may be no more than 5-10 minutes. For a dog that hasn’t had a lot of socialization, or is slow to warm up to new people or dogs, we will slow it down to match their comfort level. We want to set each new dog up for success, so we never want to rush them into a situation they aren’t ready for! For that reason, we generally ask that you budget about 15-30 minutes for the whole process, from start to finish.

Can I do a temperament test first thing in the morning, right when you open?

We know that life is busy, which is why we offer temperament testing every day that we are open for daycare. However, when we first open in the morning (or at the very end of the day), we do not have the appropriate number of staff or dogs to facilitate an accurate temperament test. For this reason, we ask that you call or email us to determine the best time for you to bring in your pup. This also allows us to ensure that we can provide you the highest level of customer service and our undivided attention when you arrive! 

I just adopted my dog last weekend. Can I schedule a temperament test?

Congratulations! The majority of our Campers are adopted, and we love that! However, we know that newly adopted dogs  have had a lot of transition their lives, potentially in a very short period of time. Also, there are several aspects of daycare that are very similar to a shelter environment (barking, tons of smells, many different dogs, strange people). That might cause a dog to think they are back in that place, and revert back to behaviors they might have exhibited at that time such as those associated with anxiety or fear. Since they are still in an adjustment period, and because you may not be able to provide much information about their behaviors after only a short time together, we ask that you wait at least 3 weeks before bringing your new family member into daycare. In the meantime, we recommend lots of bonding time through walks, playtime, and treats!

My dog has been in daycare before, why does Camp Run-A-Mutt require another temperament test?

We do this to ensure the safety of each and every dog that enters our facility. Dogs are very sensitive animals and may respond differently to new sights and smells, people, and dogs, so we want to ensure that the combination of those stimuli at our location is a good fit for your pup. This is a requirement even if your dog has been a camper at another Camp Run-A-Mutt, or maybe even if it’s been a long time since your last visit to our location. 

Why does my dog need to complete a “test day” before they can board?

Our cage-free boarding is a unique concept. As such, it may not be the perfect option for every dog (and that’s ok!). To ensure the safety and comfort of all pups in our care, we require that all Campers spend a minimum of one 6+ hour day with us prior to being allowed to spend the night. This allows us to observe their behavior over the course of the day. Sometimes, dogs who appear comfortable at first can become anxious as other dogs begin to go home from daycare or cranky as they get tired from playing. Because having dogs who are tired and relaxed is key to having a restful night of boarding, we want to make sure that your pup settles in well. Should your dog appear uncomfortable or overly anxious as the day progresses, we may recommend additional daycare prior to scheduling boarding. We also encourage customers planning for a long boarding stay (a week or more, for example) to consider a “trial” boarding night prior to their dog’s first long stay, so they can experience staying overnight, but getting to go home with their parent(s) the next day. This makes the next time less scary!

Why do we need to check in before noon for boarding?

Our noon-drop off requirement has several benefits, all of which are geared toward ensuring your dog has the best first night possible. Generally by noon, most daycare dogs have arrived for the day, meaning less changes to the pack dynamic, which can help your dog settle into the day. They also have the opportunity to be greeted by and hang out with the other dogs who will be spending the night with them, and most of the employees who will be on site for that day. Most importantly, arriving by 12pm gives your dog the chance to play for at least 6 hours before the day starts winding down. And we know that a tired dog makes for the best slum-grr party guest. 

Why do you want me to individually package my dog's meals when boarding?

We ask that you bring your dog’s meals in pre-portioned containers of your choosing (ziplock or paper bags, jars, reusable containers – all of which we are happy to save and return to you, if you like) so that we can quickly determine at check in that your pup has enough food for their entire stay based on your feeding instructions. It also eliminates any disparities in measurements, so you know your dog is getting exactly how much you intend (does “1 cup” mean 1 level cup, 1 heaping cup, or 1 scant cup?). And, most importantly, it frees us up to spend more time playing with your dog (which we’re pretty sure is what we all want)!

My dog is boarding. Can I pick my dog up before you open or after you close?

Although we are staffed 24 hours per day, we cannot accommodate after hours pick ups. For the safety of all dogs in our care, Camp Run-A-Mutt has very strict policies when it comes to employee supervision of Campers. Depending on the number of boarding dogs, there may only be one employee on site, and they would need to leave other dogs unattended in order to check out your dog, which is inconsistent with our standards of care. However, if you give us advanced permission to do so, we will gladly allow someone other than you to pick your dog up, if you are unable to do so during our normal business hours. 

Why can’t I see my dog on the Muttcams? Are they ok?

Our Muttcams are placed to provide the maximum view of our play areas and the best action footage. Many of our dogs play so much that they have to rest and recharge, so there’s a good chance your pup is just relaxing out of camera view. Sometimes newer dogs like to observe from the sidelines for awhile before venturing into the mix. If you can’t spot your dog for awhile, always feel free to give us a call and we can give you an update that way.

Why did you put a Camp collar on my dog today?

For their safety, all Campers must wear a proper fitting quick-release collar while participating in daycare or boarding. If they happen to arrive at Camp without one, we can utilize one of our collars for the day. (Please note: if your dog cannot wear a collar for medical reasons, we can permit them to wear a harness instead.)

Why did you leash/time out/or move my dog today?

There are a number of reasons why we may temporarily leash a dog, or move them to a different part of the facility, but it’s always based on creating the safest environment possible for all the dogs in our care. Please give us a call, or talk to us when you pick up your dog and we will be happy to discuss in detail.

Love your dog.

Love your career.

Love your life.

Do you love your dog? What about everyone else's dogs? Do you find yourself getting distracted from a conversation when a fluffy mutt struts by? Do you think every dog should have a chance to live life to the fullest?

Camp Run-A-Mutt is growing by leaps and bounds in the ever-expanding pet industry. We have developed a nationwide presence and are looking for passionate, dedicated dog lovers who share our ideals about "what's best for the dog" to open and operate future locations.

If this sounds like something you would love doing and want to explore the opportunity, check out our franchise information online by clicking below.

Bark About logo in black

Read the latest news on Camp Run-A-Mutt’s blog. Bark About! is our blog all about dogs! Get the latest scoop on our pups at Camp Run-A-Mutt, plus tips, tricks, and more.

Go Mobile!

If you can't watch enough of the fun on your PC, you can check up on your pup with the Muttcams mobile app. With this app, your furry baby will always be in the palm of your hand.

On your mobile device, just navigate to www.muttcams.com and then add to your home screen.

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