Franchise Opportunities

Looking for a change? We’re looking for true dog lovers to join our pack. Own a Camp Run-A-Mutt and make your passion your life!

Why buy a franchise?

1. Track Record / Strong Brand

Since franchising in 2010, our franchise locations have received dozens of awards and made thousands of dogs and their owners happy. Camp Run-A-Mutt has been in business since 2008 receiving local and national attention including being listed on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 (America’s fastest growing private companies) three years in a row.

2. Hands-On Training & Support

Our training consists of five days in-class training and five days on-site training in San Diego, CA. Additional training available if needed.

Ongoing Support Includes:

  • Three days on-site staff training prior to opening
  • Three days at your location at opening
  • Access to online franchisee/franchisor chat room
  • 888 franchisor direct line during business hours
  • Regular phone check-ins from franchisor
  • Annual visits from franchisor

Marketing Assistance Includes:

  • Access to a library of marketing material created in house for you to personalize
  • New marketing material created quarterly
  • Facebook, Google Ads, YouTube support

3. Real Estate Assistance

Finding and building the right property is crucial. We help you with:

  • Site search and selection
  • Layout design
  • Permit assistance
  • Lease agreement review
  • Regular build out reviews

4. Purchase Power

Camp Run-A-Mutt bulk purchases most pre-designed paper and promotional items used to run and promote the business passing the savings on to you. Camp Run-A-Mutt offers wholesale discounts for synthetic turf and rubber flooring.

5. Risk Avoidance

Having a website, custom software, proven model, marketing material and support from day one can shorten your ROI giving you the best chance to minimize risk. While you’re working hard on the scene, we’ll be behind the scenes making sure all technologies are running and you’re supported as you take this leap of faith in yourself.

From our franchisees

“Being a part of our camper’s families has been invaluably rewarding…”

Lore and I have loved our location for almost 4 years now. Being a part of our camper’s families has been invaluably rewarding, allowing their dogs into our lives, and becoming a part of theirs, too. Smiles on their way in, and wags on their way out. Our campers have made this experience more than we ever imagined it could be. Each franchise owner strives to maintain the same high quality of care, which makes the CRAM family so influential on today’s standards of daycare and boarding.

Kim & Lore
Camp Run-A-Mutt, Point Loma

Why Camp Run-A-Mutt?

Camp Run-A-Mutt’s unique concept offers a proven, successful system combined with higher values and standards for pet care. What makes Camp Run-A-Mutt unique compared to other franchise concepts?

We are 100% cage free

Our daycare and overnight boarding is cage free, the way nature intended. Cage free means our guests get to:

  • Socialize
  • Exercise
  • Splash
  • Bask in the sun
  • Enjoy a stress free stay

High quality care

  • Dog friendly waterfall / splash ponds are a standard at all locations
  • Paw friendly synthetic turf is a standard at all locations
  • Joint friendly rubber flooring is a standard at all locations
  • Specific breeds are not restricted as long as dog is a good citizen, fixed and vaccinated
  • Staff is encouraged to interact with dogs (touch, love, belly rub, ear scratch, carefully hold)

Exclusive Muttcam System

  • Anyone can view the pups without downloading or jumping through hoops
  • Provides transparency for your customers
  • Free for everyone (why charge when this is our best advertising?)
  • Works on all devices
  • State of the art technology for video quality and speed

What’s Involved?

Camp Run-A-Mutt understands the leap of faith it takes to commit to this business venture (it wasn’t that long ago we were in the same situation) and the huge responsibility we have to our franchisees. We know what it takes to make this business work and have the knowledge, infrastructure, technology and systems already in place and ready to work for you. Your success is important to us, so getting your doors open and filled with pups is our primary goal.
What do I get?

Camp Run-A-Mutt® has changed dog daycare standards by studying an existing industry and making it better. We took the same approach with the dog daycare franchise by researching the competition and raising the bar. We offer a franchise that is affordable yet provides a service that is head and tails above the rest, making Camp Run-A-Mutt® something you will be proud to be a part of. As well as a successful, proven business model, we offer the following to all franchise owners:

Protected Territory

We offer a protected territory with a minimum five-mile radius for each franchisee. Based on the population density of the selected area this may be increased or decreased.

Our goal is for each location to be as successful as possible with potential satellite opportunities within your protected territory for business overflow.

Assistance in site location search and facility layout and design

Location, location, location. A successful Camp Run-A-Mutt® needs to be convenient and accessible to customers. We offer assistance in site location, including the neighborhood, population density, and physical characteristics of the site. We also include layout recommendations and design guidelines for each location based on the successful Camp Run-A-Mutt® model.

Training and support

You will benefit from our experience. You’ll be trained in all aspects of running your Camp Run-A-Mutt® including the daily operation of the business, temperament testing dogs, and training staff just to name a few. There’s a lot to building a successful business, and making you comfortable and confident in running your business is a top priority for us.

Interactive web site including online registration system

All franchisees receive a complete professionally designed and developed Web site, which will become one of your best marketing tools to grow your business. Included with the Web site is an online registration system for new customers. This is a huge timesaver for your business and a great convenience for your customers!

Muttcams™

By far the most popular feature of your Web site will be the Muttcams™ (our proprietary Webcam system). We’re often told that – besides our reputation – the Muttcams™ are one of the biggest selling points for a customer when shopping for a daycare and boarding facility. We offer complete set up of this proprietary system including hardware, software, and training.

Camp Run-A-Mutt® software designed to run your business efficiently

Another advantage is our custom-built software specifically developed to run your business efficiently. Check-in, checkout, scheduling, and sales are a breeze because it’s all geared toward exactly what you need and is intuitive and easy to learn.

Promotional collateral/templates to market and promote your business

All marketing material is professionally designed in-house and templates made available to franchisees at no cost. All you have to do is customize with your location information.

Business development and guidance

Camp Run-A-Mutt® offers ongoing business development support and guidance to help your business grow. We know what it takes to “get the word out” even when you’re the new dog on the block. Our experience helps take the guesswork out when promoting your business.

Camp Run-A-Mutt® Intranet

Along with a great Web site you will receive access to the Camp Run-A-Mutt® “Intranet” which includes business forms, marketing materials, updates to the operations manual, as well as a chat room portal with other franchisees for sharing ideas to help your business thrive.

What do I get?

Camp Run-A-Mutt® has changed dog daycare standards by studying an existing industry and making it better. We took the same approach with the dog daycare franchise by researching the competition and raising the bar. We offer a franchise that is affordable yet provides a service that is head and tails above the rest, making Camp Run-A-Mutt® something you will be proud to be a part of. As well as a successful, proven business model, we offer the following to all franchise owners:

Protected Territory

We offer a protected territory with a minimum five-mile radius for each franchisee. Based on the population density of the selected area this may be increased or decreased.
Our goal is for each location to be as successful as possible with potential satellite opportunities within your protected territory for business overflow.

Assistance in site location search and facility layout and design

Location, location, location. A successful Camp Run-A-Mutt® needs to be convenient and accessible to customers. We offer assistance in site location, including the neighborhood, population density, and physical characteristics of the site. We also include layout recommendations and design guidelines for each location based on the successful Camp Run-A-Mutt® model.

Training and support

You will benefit from our experience. You’ll be trained in all aspects of running your Camp Run-A-Mutt® including the daily operation of the business, temperament testing dogs, and training staff just to name a few. There’s a lot to building a successful business, and making you comfortable and confident in running your business is a top priority for us.

Interactive web site including online registration system

All franchisees receive a complete professionally designed and developed Web site, which will become one of your best marketing tools to grow your business. Included with the Web site is an online registration system for new customers. This is a huge timesaver for your business and a great convenience for your customers!

Muttcams™

By far the most popular feature of your Web site will be the Muttcams™ (our proprietary Webcam system). We’re often told that – besides our reputation – the Muttcams™ are one of the biggest selling points for a customer when shopping for a daycare and boarding facility. We offer complete set up of this propriety system including hardware, software, and training.

Camp Run-A-Mutt® software designed to run your business efficiently

Another advantage is our custom-built software specifically developed to run your business efficiently. Check-in, checkout, scheduling, and sales are a breeze because it’s all geared toward exactly what you need and is intuitive and easy to learn.

Promotional collateral/templates to market and promote your business

All marketing material is professionally designed in-house and templates made available to franchisees at no cost. All you have to do is customize with your location information.

Business development and guidance

Camp Run-A-Mutt® offers ongoing business development support and guidance to help your business grow. We know what it takes to “get the word out” even when you’re the new dog on the block. Our experience helps take the guesswork out when promoting your business.

Camp Run-A-Mutt® Intranet

Along with a great Web site you will receive access to the Camp Run-A-Mutt® “Intranet” which includes business forms, marketing materials, updates to the operations manual, as well as a chat room portal with other franchisees for sharing ideas to help your business thrive.

Who we're looking for:

First and foremost, are you a true dog lover?

You know you are when you’re sure the dog in the car next to you is smiling at you and you wave hoping his owner doesn’t notice! We’re looking for people who share the same love and passion for animals. This is what makes this business fun because when your heart is in what you do, success comes naturally.

Are you not only a dog lover but a people person?

Owning a Camp Run-A-Mutt® is far more than just running a business. It’s becoming an important connection between your customers and their dogs. To most people their dogs are their kids and making that connection is both rewarding and invaluable to your customers.

Have you always wanted to make a living doing what you love?

How about waking up each morning and jumping out of bed instead of wishing it were your day off? For the right person, this business is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Are you a leader and want to build something of your own where you can step back and look at what YOU have accomplished with an incredible sense of pride? This is truly that opportunity.

Do you have a great work ethic and expect the same of people around you?

While we feel this is a great investment and opportunity, we’re not looking for someone to sit on the sidelines and “bark” orders. This is for the take-charge, hands-on kind of person who is passionate about what they do.

What does it take?

Total investment

Total investment to open a Camp Run-A-Mutt® franchise is from $526k to $1.04m, which includes a $40k franchise fee. This price range difference is based on the facility size and the amount of build out required for the specific location. This price range is based on multiple locations with substantial build out costs and one built from the ground up. Your build out costs may be significantly lower. A potential franchisee’s minimum net worth should be around $500k.

Franchise fee

The franchise fee is $40k and includes a protected territory, assistance in location selection, training, layout and design, a Camp Run-A-Mutt® Web site, proprietary software to run your location, and ongoing business support. Further details of what is included can be viewed by clicking the “What do I get?” tab above.

Franchise royalties

Franchise royalties are 6% to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to this royalty fee, 1% of gross revenue goes to the National Branding Fund used to promote and improve the Camp Run-A-Mutt® brand on a national level.

Anything else?

All franchises are required to spend a minimum of $500 per month on local advertising and self-promotion. This can be in the form of print, online, event participation, etc., anything that goes to promote business for the individual location. This amount may be reduced after two years based on business needs. Detailed expenses are outlined in our Franchise Disclosure Document. To get started with the review process, please fill out the online Request franchise information form and we will contact you within 72 hours to discuss the opportunity.

What’s next?

Think Camp Run-A-Mutt is right for you?

If you’d like to explore the opportunity of owning a Camp Run-A-Mutt, please complete the franchise info request by clicking on the link below. We’ll contact you within 72 hours to answer your questions and to explain the franchising process as well as qualifications.

Camp Run-A-Mutt
Entrepreneurial Resources

2900 Fourth Ave, Suite 206
San Diego, CA 92103

Camp Run-A-Mutt BBB Business Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

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!

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! 

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 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 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.)

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

Camp Run-A-Mutt Entrepreneurial Resources © 2024 Press releases  |  Privacy policy  |  Jobs