Love Dogs?
We Got Your Six.

Own your own Camp Run-A-Mutt™ and make your passion your life.

Unleash Your Future!

Camp Run-A-Mutt is an award-winning cage-free doggy daycare and boarding franchise. With locations nationwide, we focus on creating indoor and outdoor fun for dogs in a fully supervised, clean and safe environment.

If you have a passion for dogs and dream of being your own boss, owning a Camp Run-A-Mutt® could be the perfect next chapter for you. As a veteran, you already possess the skills and traits that can translate into successful entrepreneurship. As a franchise owner, you can leverage your military experience and love for dogs to build a thriving and impactful business in your community.

We offer a proven system combined with higher values and standards for pet care, and most of our established locations make over $1 million in annual sales. As you build your business, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Limited Time Offer

Get $8,000 Off Franchise Fee

When you franchise with us, our standard franchise fee is normally $40,000. For a limited time, we’re offering 20% off ($32,000) when you mention Military Times to us.

Why buy a franchise?

Franchising provides a proven business model, established brand, support system, and additional resources. Learn more about the benefits of franchising.

Dogs playing outside in the splash pond at Camp

Award-Winning Brand

Camp Run-A-Mutt has been in business since 2008 receiving both local and national attention. Since franchising in 2010, our franchise locations have received numerous awards and made a positive impact to their community.

Two overnight boarding dogs snuggling together on dog bed

Hands-On Training & Support

Our training consists of ten days of training, which includes both in-class and on-site in San Diego, CA. After opening we continue to provide ongoing support, including regular phone check ins, annual visits from us, and marketing assistance.

Exterior building view of Camp Run-A-Mutt Houston EC

Real Estate Assistance

Finding and building the right property is crucial. We help you with site search and selection, layout design, permitting, reviewing lease agreements, and perform regular build out reviews.

Norfolk's indoor lobby front desk

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. We also offer wholesale discounts for synthetic turf and rubber flooring.

A group of dogs playing together outside at Camp

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’re behind the scenes supporting you.

Two overnight boarding dogs snuggling together on dog bed

Join a Community

Franchising offers a built-in community with other franchisees. Camp Run-A-Mutt has an online intranet where you can ask questions, share tips, and learn from others who can help you grow your business and avoid costly mistakes.

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?

100% Cage Free

Our daycare and overnight dog boarding is cage free, the way nature intended. During daycare hours, our guests get to socialize, exercise, splash, bask in the sun, and enjoy a stress free day without ever being placed in a kennel.

When the sun goes down, all the dogs sleep together in an open room with a trained staff member who stays with them the entire night. We call it “pack boarding,” and is designed to feel as much like sleeping at home as possible. Pups can sleep with their best friends or next to the trained human with them.

High quality care

Our goal is to do what is best for dogs, by providing the most fun, safe and loving environment possible. Below is a list of standard features every Camp provides to reach that goal:

  • Dog-friendly outdoor waterfall / splash pond for water lovers
  • Paw-friendly synthetic turf
  • Joint-friendly indoor rubber flooring
  • Specific breeds are not restricted as long as the 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

Pet parents love our live Muttcams, and for good reason:

  • Anyone can view the pups online 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

From our Franchisees

Customer Testimonials

Awards & Media

Inc 5000 logo award

2022 Best of Georgia for Boarding

Regional winner for the Best of Georgia 2022 by the Georgia Business Journal in the Boarding & Pet Sitters category

Inc 5000 logo award 2018

2022 Favorite Doggy Daycare: Gainesville, FL

Announced winner for Favorite Local Doggy Daycare & Boarding by Our Town Magazine in Gainesville, FL

Inc 5000 logo award

2019 Inc. 5000 List

Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 ranks the country’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies

Inc 5000 logo award 2018

2018 Inc. 5000 List

Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 ranks the country’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies

Inc 5000 logo award 2017

2017 Inc. 5000 List

Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 ranks the country’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies

Business of the Year

Listed as Pet Age Magazine 2014 Business of the Year in Social Media Online Marketing category

San Diego Humane Society Compassion Awards Winner

Humane Society Compassion Award

Recognized as an extraordinary business going the extra mile to ease the suffering of animals

Best Pet Boarding: San Diego, CA

Voted San Diego A-list winner every year since 2010

Best Emerging Business

Best Emerging Small business of 2009 by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

San Diego Chamber of Commerce Award Logo

Best Doggie Daycare: San Diego, CA

Voted San Diego A-list winner every year since 2008

National Geographic: Paw of Approval

Recognizing Camp Run-A-Mutt as one of the most pet-friendly establishments in the U.S.

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 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.

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.

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 franchisees 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