OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our priority at Canine Campus is to offer a safe and stress-free environment for your dogs and cats.
We keep dogs on a schedule so they get familiar and comfortable with the routine quickly.
We exercise our dogs in small play groups based on size, temperament, and age. There are slow and careful introductions made between dogs that have never played together. This is done on lead with individual handlers until the dogs indicate they will be OK together. The play groups are never left unattended when they are out together during exercise. If you have a dog that prefers to be with humans only, they will not go out with any other dogs.
We offer holistic/alternative options to relieve stress and anxiety to help those dogs who have a little more trouble adjusting to being away from their owners. This includes "Through a Dogs Ear" music, DAP (dog appeasing pheromone plug ins), Thundershirts, essential oils, and Rescue Remedy. We also recommend scent game activities for the dog to help focus their nose and brain on problem solving activities.
We cater to dogs with special needs. Those that have mobility issues are provided yoga mats in their rooms to help keep their footing. We have essential oils to spray for helping blind dogs find their way around. We give insulin shots and can accomodate special feeding times and medications for those pets who need these items delivered on a strict schedule.
Our staff must complete a specialized training program when hired as well as participate in a continuing education program at our facility. This includes a 40 hour multi-media/hands on program (by The Dog Gurus) on Dog Language and Group Play, as well as a Canine/Feline First Aid class, Basic Canine Good Manners training, and other general canine/feline information. Our new hires must successfully complete the entire Dog Language workbook during their probationary period before being considered for permanent hire.
OUR HISTORY
Canine Campus was built in 2000-2001 and opened its doors over Easter of 2001. Marianne Giuffre and Marge Wappler, the original owners, had a vision and proceeded to build their pet resort from ground up. It was just the two of them at the start, but as clients started knocking down the door, they hired staff and continued to grow and grow.
Marianne & Marge gradually honed Canine Campus' services to treat you pets like they were their own. They created as much of a stress-free environment as possible and came up with a routine that our boarders could count on day-to-day and stay-to-stay. They wanted to get to know both our pet and human clients so both would feel comfortable. From the beginning, it was essential that all new clients toured the facility before they could board, ensuring that our human clients would be comfortable with where their family members were staying and who would be taking care of them.
To keep up with the clients' needs, daycare services were added and then expanded as demand warranted. Aqua Paws, an underwater treadmill for dog exercise and conditioning, was also added. This service was discontinued in 2018.
After 15 years, they made the difficult decision to retire and started looking for a buyer. In May of 2016, the sale was finalized, and Mary Helinski, a friend of many years, took on the responsibility of keeping their vision going.
Mary expanded the facilities during the first eight years, updating HVAC systems, to include UV sensors for eliminating pathogens, added larger exercise yards, drainage systems, created the Pee Wee area, replaced doors, and revamped the cat area to have a separate play area. She also expanded the activity options from just exercise time to include the enrichment activities of walks, cuddle time and scent games.
Covid struck during this period, but we continued to operate with just two at first, then gradually added staff back as restrictions were loosened. Was a tough time, but we made it through stronger than ever.