Camp Run-A-Mutt

Reviewed for different location

I’m sad to say that we wont be coming back to Camp Run-​A-​Mutt. Be wary of bringing your puppy here because it doesn’t seem like they have many other puppies around or know how to handle them. Our dog was recently bit in the face by another dog when he was just playing and they didn’t even call us to let us know what happened. I found out when I picked him up. When I asked about what happened they were very vague and kept giving me the run around. I obviously dont know the other dog but every dog must pass a temperment test in order to stay there and if a dog is able to bite another dog and break the skin i dont think this dog should have passed. I understand that things like this happen but our puppy is like a child to us, and its so upsetting how they handled this situation. We also feed our dog with a fun toy for his meal times and noticed that there was remnants of a different kind of food inside the toy, meaning it was either used by another dog or they fed him the wrong food which was clearly marked with his name. I think they have a great facility, but they were packed and don’t have a limit to the amount of dogs per day. I hate to write a bad review but i just want to let other new puppy parents know what happened to us and that with a little more research we found another facility that has a lot of experience with puppies, separates large and small dogs, and has a limit of how many dogs they can have.

I love this place and so does my dog. I love that I can watch him anytime I want and everytime I am watching the staff is always loving and affectionate to my baby! Its so relieving to leave your dog somewhere and not have to worry about your dog! My dog is always exhausted from playing all day and everytime we pull up he is anxious to get out and go play. Thank you camprunamutt for taking such good care of my Spot! We love this place and would recommend it over any kennel boarding care!

They didn’t kick my dog out when he got mouthy (puppy mouthy, not like growling mouthy) with them and told me they’d work with him, which I so appreciate!!! They know the difference between crazy puppy and aggressive dog and were patient with my pooch. Their handler Gabe was nice enough to come out and talk to me about what he saw my dog doing and see how I typically handle him and interact with him to get more info on how they might best get his attention when he’s in full play mode. Thanks, guys!
They told me he’s not a great candidate for overnight since he isn’t the best listener yet, which I get and respect. It’s a good policy.
I used Camp Run-​A-​Mutt when I was moving and didn’t want to keep my poor dog locked up in a room while I was carrying furniture out the door, etc. He played non-​stop all day while he was here and was SO TIRED when I picked him up, so I didn’t feel guilty for bailing on him all day to get stuff done.

My dog loves Camp-​Run-​A-​Mutt (Mission Hills location) so much that he now can’t stand his crate and only wants to play with other dogs. Both times we’ve picked him up he has PULLED us trying to go back and play with all of his friends! For me, this is super exciting because I now have a go-​to place to take my pup when we’re out of town or will have a long day. Yes!
They say it’s the little things, and CRAM puts cherries AND sprinkles on their pupcakes (not literally). They give you report cards after your pup’s stay letting you know what they liked best, how their day went, who their new friends are (this is the CUTEST PART), etc. CRAM also has mutt-​cams that let you keep an eye on your pooch (or watch him obsessively like my boyfriend and I did while in Vegas) from 5 different angles during the operating hours. You can watch how they have designated play time and nap time, and you can also see how much the staff cares about the pups. There are always staff members walking around and petting the dogs, and they are so gentle if/​when they have to break up a little scuffle. And they are so friendly! I have met 6 different people and so far they are all great.
If you don’t want your dog roaming around all day and all night, this may not be the place for you because they’re crate-​free/​kennel-​free. They have a designated play area and a separate sleep area, but the dogs are all out together the whole time.
Something else to keep in mind: you can’t just bring your dog and drop them off the first time. They have to be temperament tested first, then if they pass that you have to leave them for a trial half day before they’re accepted in the CRAM pack. Make sure to call and see if there is availability for the staff to do the temperament testing and trial day. This is yet another aspect of CRAM that I love because they only let social, non-​aggressive dogs stay; and in an open-​environment that is super important to me.
Overall, I’m looking for excuses to take Cooper back. He loves it, and I love that he’s so happy and worn out when he comes home. Thank you for being so awesome, CRAM! I’ve recommended all of my fellow dog-​parents to you!

Ive been taking my dog Lola to Camp Run a Mutt ever since i moved to San Diego. Staff is awesome and extremely friendly. The groomer Lee is awesome as well. Just moved from North Park to Chula Vista and although there is a location in Chula Vista way closer I still prefer this Mission Hills location. I’ve heard nothing but bad things about Chula Vista location anyway.

Thanks Lee giving my cocker spaniel a great groom every time. The staff is always excited to see my dog and they know him by name.

My husband and I took my dog Hayley here for a few days while we were on vacation and while Hayley hasn’t been to CRAM in about 4 years but they sure made her feel at ease and were patient with her even though she did not eat for a couple days, they notified me within 48 hours to see if they could give her wet food. I am very particular where I leave my dog at and majority of the time my family watches my dog while my husband and I vacations but this time my family couldn’t. Perks are that they don’t leave your dog in a kennel but rather they can play with other dogs and enjoy the sun deck and dog houses. Another HUGE perk for me was being able to watch my dog as she was at CRAM. I definitely was watching her from time to time. I would not think about taking her anywhere else and my husband and I feel extremely comfortable leaving our dog at CRAM.
Since my dog stayed a few days at CRAM, we also decided to utilize the groomer, Lee and he was so patient with her and gave her an awesome bath and haircut! Thank you to the whole staff at CRAM.

Wonderful doggie daycare! Our puppy, Miso (cocker spaniel, ¹¹⁄₂₀₁₄) loves it here and is always eager to go back. We love watching him on the online Mutt-​cams when we’re at work and know that he’s in good hands. Lee, the groomer, is absolutely wonderful and did a great 1^st timer grooming session with Miso after a day at the camp. All the staff here are always so friendly and helpful. I’m so glad we found this nearby daycare for Miso. I highly recommend it!

I have 3 Portuguese Water Dogs that I take to Camp Run A Mutt, Mission Hills, for play time and for grooming. The Groomer, Lee is so great with Sophia, Lucy and Henry that they can’t wait to go in every 3 – 4 weeks. He is clearly an animal lover and loves grooming and caring for my canine babies.
Its great to leave them in the morning, at «Camp», where they can play, chase, and swim with other dogs while waiting for their turn for a bath and a cut or trim!!! The best part is picking them up after a Day of Fun, looking Beautiful and Handsome as ever!
Lee, you are the best– thanks for taking care of my babies.

I wanna tell everyone about this place! It’s absolutely amazing.
I got a new Labrador puppy, Jehu. He needs a place to stay sometimes when I have a day shift and my sister does too. Found CRAM on Unilocal (of course) right down the street. From the outside, its just an orange building. Inside, its a doggie paradise.
First off, there are no kennels. This is a playground for dogs. Your dog will have a quick test to see if he/​she is social. After that, its game on. They have all sorts of fun areas for dogs of all shapes and sizes to explore. There’s even a cool water feature that dogs can jump into and get all wet. The best part? «Mutt-​Cams». Log in from your phone or computer to flip through 5 different cameras strategically placed throughout the playground to find your pooch. You’ll be hooked watching these.
The staff was super, and I mean SUPER, friendly. Everyone there seems to adore animals, and they are quick to learn all the dogs names. Once your all hooked up, you can quickly and easily walk you dog in and drop him off, just like that. They have half day and full day pricing. They also have boarding overnight if you need it. Prices are fair and better than other places I looked. I couldn’t ask for a better environment for my puppy to get socialized. Jehu loves this place and when he comes out, hes a new dog.
We’ll see you guys again soon! 6 Stars… no really, 6.

Camp Run-​A-​Mutt rocks. It used to be that leaving my darling Maui was a tad torturous. (One might say that we are over-​attached.)
It all changed when he became a regular at Camp Run-​A-​Mutt. Maui LOVES this place. As soon as we are within a mile of Camp, he becomes crazy-​giddy (slightly psychotic) excited. At times I have had to board him other places (only do to time drop-​off restrictions at Camp Run-​A-​Mutt.) He whines. He clings to me. He whimpers, — breaks my heart.
Not at Camp Run-​A-​Mutt. The opposite. He runs in … He does not even look back. (Kinda wish he would at least say goodbye?)
The Mutt Cam is a blast. To be able to watch your dog having the time of his or her life … makes your separation bearable.
I cannot say enough about the staff. They are professional, yet friendly and genuinely passionate about their work.

Love love love Camp Run a Mutt. My two cockers love it there too. They come back happy and tired! It’s so nice to have a place that is cage free and that has someone there ²⁴⁄₇. I hate those places that put the dogs in cages and then leaves for the night. That doesn’t make me feel good. Love the staff at the Kearny Mesa CRAM. The best!

This place is amazing!!! I’ve taken my dog here for day care as well as grooming and over night stays and have never been disappointed! The staff and services are all fantastic! If I could give them 10 stars I would! Thank you camp run a mutt for 18 months of exceptional service!

Camp Run-​A-​Mutt is the RADDEST! The staff is very kind, gentle and helpful. And the MuttCam is super cool! (Also incredibly reassuring to any puppy parent who may be unsure or just a lil too attached and miss their «kid» while they’re gone. Wait, that’s just me? Oh well, it’s fun to watch puppies play anyway!)
I’m so thankful to have a place like this locally. My 5 year old Pitbull-​Mix Wilma is a STRESS CASE. To the max. (No prior trauma, just an odd duck if you will.) So dropping her off someplace strange where she’d spend the day in a crate is just not an option that I would ever consider. She has a hard time around most people, loud noises, her shadow, etc. but loves other dogs (and the humans that make it into her bubble). We generally leave her at home on workdays, she spends ‘em lazying around the house/​sleeping all day, but sometimes a girl needs to escape the norm and socialize! Or sometimes Mom + Pop need to take a lil vacay, so she gets one too! Either way this is the only place we’d consider bringing her.
Today for instance is a special circumstance sorta day. There’s currently loud construction being done in our apartment complex and Wilma, being the sensitive gal that she is, just couldn’t stand the noise yesterday… I went home on lunch and found her shaking under the bed. So, today she got the dream getaway! I feel confident knowing that while her normal safe place is a perceived war zone to her, she doesn’t have to stay in the middle of it and stress out. She’s able to go get her ya-​yas out in a place that she enjoys. For a weird kid like her, the joy that comes with that is immeasurable.
Thanks guys!

I love CRAM (Kari, Cayla, Jasmin, Dennis, Mackenzie, Gabriel, Erik, Geoff, Taylor, and anyone whose name I forgot to include, but whose face I am definitely thinking about!)
I had a very positive but unique experience with Camp-​Run-​A-​Mutt that gave me the opportunity to truly appreciate what a special group of people they are. Camp-​Run-​A-​Mutt was my Vizsla, Louie’s «Disneyland», his favorite happy place. It was always my dream to have a Vizsla, but the breed’s energy requirements are demanding and I am an attorney and live alone in a condo. I found my «dream puppy» Vizsla Louie (actually, he chose me!) People thought I was crazy and I would never be able to give him enough time and exercise. I started to think they were right as we hit the 6 month mark and I was walking and running Louie for hours every morning and night myself plus a dogwalker 2x a day, and every night afterwards Louie was still running circles through the house, across the couch, on top of the coffee table, literally leaping over the chair (cleared it). I was definitely feeling like a Dog Mom Failure.
Then we found CRAM, and everything fell into place! My social Louie got to play for hours on ends with furry friends, Busy Mom could watch him on the Muttcam from her office, and Louie & Mom enjoyed hours of peaceful cuddling and enjoyment after a long day of work and play for both. Success!!! So thank you CRAM for all of the amazing hours and time I could enjoy with Louie because he was able to get his exercise and socialization needs met at wonderful CRAM. All the while being so professional, organized and competent — I always knew Louie was in the best hands and that confidence allowed me drop him off and pick him up efficiently, and to focus on my work in between.
Sadly, Louie didn’t get to spend nearly as much time with me or at CRAM as we’d hoped. He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer (embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma) that took his life at just 18 months. I am eternally grateful for all the unconditional love and positive energy CRAM shared with Louie, always and especially during his last few months. Things were happening fast and it was scary, poor puppy was in pain, and there wasn’t much we could be sure of. But the one thing we could depend on is that when we came through the CRAM door, we would be greeted with big smiles and positive energy. That Louie was going to have a FUN DAY and be able to forget about his leg for a bit and focus on happy things like playing with his friends and the loving staff. That Mom would be comforted and supported emotionally by that same staff who loved Louie like family.
Slowly, our trips to dog beach and walks became less frequent as Louie’s pain increased and his energy dwindled. At the end, the ONLY, the ONLY thing Louie geared up for was CRAM! Knowing I could take him to his one «happy place», seeing the «old Louie» energy resurface during his last weeks as he pulled on his leash to try to get into the yard to see his friends, it is truly one of the most beautiful and touching gifts I have ever received, and one for which Louie and I will always be grateful. He spent his last day here on earth at CRAM having a blast.
CRAM is an amazing group of people that are truly invested in the care for all their dog campers, all shapes and sizes, and all personalities and conditions. Thanks always for the love you showed Louie and me during his medical journey and beyond and for all the wonderful work you continue to do everyday.

This place is the best! We have been taking our dog Chance here for about two years now and he loves it! The staff is amazing! They are helpful, friendly and recognize Chance by name when we walk in the door.
I have checked out other boarding/​daycare facililties and so far Camp Run-​A-​Mutt is the best by far. We have used both the daycare and overnight services. They also have a great groomer on site too. I highly recomend this facililty to keep your four legged friend safe and happy while your away.

I hesitated in writing a review because I thought it may be a one off. But after reading another review by a prior dog owner who’s dog had Kennel cough I’d like to warn others.
First time I took my pup here for a night he came back with Kennel Cough. Thought I’d hive them a second chance in a pinch and they were very un-​accommodating. For $ 60 a night you’d think they would have better service and protection. I used a similar type place in Colorado a ton and never had an issue like this place.
Great if you can be there when they say and don’t mind taking a risk on your dogs health. Your dog will come back after tired after having a lot of fun. I’d rather go someplace that is accommodating and can guarantee my dog will be healthy.

Lee is awesome! We took our little girl in to get groomed and she came back looking more adorable than ever! Lee gave our pom an amazing lion cut and even called us to make sure we wanted her mane trimmed. She’s been strutting like a queen all day. Thanks Lee!

Response to owner comment:
Per Bodhi Vet Clinic, infection was caused either by licking (e.g., by another dog), dirty water or humping. Either way, it cost me $ 200 for exam and meds to treat the infection, which is a bummer, but at least it wasn’t a UTI or worse.
Thanks for the info on the other points, I appreciate it!
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Came here based on positive Unilocal reviews. I’ve done a full day of temperament testing and also boarded my dog here for two days. Here’s a quick review:
Pros:
— Nice staff
— Cage free: my dog is crate trained, but this is always a nice option
— Web cams (play areas only)
— Staff present ²⁴⁄₇ (required in a cage free environment)
Cons:
— Expensive: $ 60/​day ($ 70/​day for holidays)
— Dog showed an infection/​discharge in genital area within 24 hours of picking him up from here. Dog hasn’t had any other health issues prior to this.
— Based on the comments of other reviewers, it appears they feed dogs in one area at the same time, so your dog could end up eating another dog’s food, and vice-​versa.
— I don’t think they measure out dogs’ food. I gave them instructions on the food bag (with his name on it) of ¹⁄₃ cup in the morning and ¹⁄₃ cup in the evening. Included a bit extra, just in case our flight was delayed and we couldn’t pick him up until later. Bag came back empty.
Not sure if we’ll be bringing our dog back here.