August 26th, 2015
End of Summer Luau Party at Camp K-9 Day Camp ! August 26th, 2015 ! Stay Tuned for Details ! Book Day Camp for the Luau, spaces are limited to 25 !
Masslive NEws Article
WESTFIELD Written by Brian Steele, August 4th, 2015 – Why stuff your dog into a crate while you're at work when you could set him free in a safe environment and let him have fun with his friends?
Camp K-9, a new doggie day camp at 202 Union St., offers parents a low-cost way to ensure their dogs are given top-notch care, and the chance to have tons of fun.
Ali and Nicholas Connor opened up shop about two months ago and claim a 100 percent customer retention rate. They credit Camp K-9's success to outstanding customer service, competitive prices, highly trained staff and the joy the dogs experience.
"Customers who are working, customers who have to run errands, maybe the single mom at home who just wants some time to herself, maybe the people that work overnight shifts, police officers, firemen, people who work rotations" are just some of those who could benefit from a day care program for their four-legged friend, said Ali Connor.
And the dogs don't lay around all day and wait to get picked up. The off-leash, indoor camp offers a "Fungility Park" that allows them to get plenty of exercise, horse around with their friends and practice what their owners are teaching them.
Connor said Camp K-9 does not train dogs, but they can help to reinforce commands taught by pet parents or trainers.
There's also a safe outdoor space, and dogs stay in spacious, comfortable "cabins" as part of Camp K-9's social sleepovers.
"It's a version of boarding (but) it's not your traditional boarding experience," said Connor. "It's really no different than a human sleepover. The dogs play all day with their friends and then they go back in a comfy room in the back and they sleep."
Little dogs can stay in little spaces and big dogs can stay in big spaces. There's even a luxury "penthouse" with a larger bed and more room to roam. The pet parents can keep an eye on things with a free webcam service.
The day care program can accommodate 25 dogs and 16 can sleep over.
Use of the Fungility Park is open to anyone, even those not in the day care program. As long as your dog is vaccinated and spayed or neutered, you can bring him or her to play for as long as you want.
The Connors opened Camp K-9 after spending a year researching, preparing and getting certified in pet CPR and first aid. The idea evolved over time.
Working in the corporate world, managing teams of 250 employees, the Connors were logging 16-hour days. Their dog, a 4-year-old yellow Lab named Riley, had to stay with Ali's parents, which got to be too much.
The couple were walking along a beach a few years ago when they struck up a conversation about dogs with a stranger, who suggested doggie day camp. They tried it out and Riley loved it.
Nicholas Connor said a lot of new business owners may take shortcuts so they can get up and running quickly, but "that's not what we wanted to do. We wanted to do it right."
He praised Holyoke-based Common Capital for providing the startup money after numerous other institutions shut the door in their faces.
One of the many perks of the day care program is that the dogs spend so much time playing, they're tired by the time the owners come to pick them up. After a long day at work, it can be a relief to spend a quiet evening at home with a relaxed dog.
Because there's so much going on, like the occasional pool party, an upcoming end-of-summer luau, and new and exciting games led by the staff, a lot of dogs can't handle spending every day at Camp K-9. Ali Connor recommends a maximum of three days a week.
Camp K-9 offers a free evaluation to find out if a dog likes camp and gets along with the other dogs. Older dogs and those with physical discomforts or disabilities are welcome, too.
"We are not prejudiced against breed," said Ali Connor. "However, we are very aware that there are just some breeds that are naturally dominant. We take the precautions necessary to make sure that the environment is a safe place. ... We make sure that they're playing with the right friends at camp."
Safe and spotless. The Connors said they hired only staff members that love animals, know how to care for them properly and don't mind getting dirty. Camp K-9 can administer some medications, but nothing that requires an injection.
Basically, "If you can administer it, we can administer it," said Ali Connor.
The Connors said they strive to ensure each customers gets his or her money's worth, partly because they know what it's like to be constantly on-the-go and considered about the well-being and happiness of the family dog.
"They get something more than just the day care," said Ali Connor.
For more information about prices, hours and other services like bathing and "Birthday Pawties," visit www.campk-9doggiedaycamp.com.
Camp K-9, a new doggie day camp at 202 Union St., offers parents a low-cost way to ensure their dogs are given top-notch care, and the chance to have tons of fun.
Ali and Nicholas Connor opened up shop about two months ago and claim a 100 percent customer retention rate. They credit Camp K-9's success to outstanding customer service, competitive prices, highly trained staff and the joy the dogs experience.
"Customers who are working, customers who have to run errands, maybe the single mom at home who just wants some time to herself, maybe the people that work overnight shifts, police officers, firemen, people who work rotations" are just some of those who could benefit from a day care program for their four-legged friend, said Ali Connor.
And the dogs don't lay around all day and wait to get picked up. The off-leash, indoor camp offers a "Fungility Park" that allows them to get plenty of exercise, horse around with their friends and practice what their owners are teaching them.
Connor said Camp K-9 does not train dogs, but they can help to reinforce commands taught by pet parents or trainers.
There's also a safe outdoor space, and dogs stay in spacious, comfortable "cabins" as part of Camp K-9's social sleepovers.
"It's a version of boarding (but) it's not your traditional boarding experience," said Connor. "It's really no different than a human sleepover. The dogs play all day with their friends and then they go back in a comfy room in the back and they sleep."
Little dogs can stay in little spaces and big dogs can stay in big spaces. There's even a luxury "penthouse" with a larger bed and more room to roam. The pet parents can keep an eye on things with a free webcam service.
The day care program can accommodate 25 dogs and 16 can sleep over.
Use of the Fungility Park is open to anyone, even those not in the day care program. As long as your dog is vaccinated and spayed or neutered, you can bring him or her to play for as long as you want.
The Connors opened Camp K-9 after spending a year researching, preparing and getting certified in pet CPR and first aid. The idea evolved over time.
Working in the corporate world, managing teams of 250 employees, the Connors were logging 16-hour days. Their dog, a 4-year-old yellow Lab named Riley, had to stay with Ali's parents, which got to be too much.
The couple were walking along a beach a few years ago when they struck up a conversation about dogs with a stranger, who suggested doggie day camp. They tried it out and Riley loved it.
Nicholas Connor said a lot of new business owners may take shortcuts so they can get up and running quickly, but "that's not what we wanted to do. We wanted to do it right."
He praised Holyoke-based Common Capital for providing the startup money after numerous other institutions shut the door in their faces.
One of the many perks of the day care program is that the dogs spend so much time playing, they're tired by the time the owners come to pick them up. After a long day at work, it can be a relief to spend a quiet evening at home with a relaxed dog.
Because there's so much going on, like the occasional pool party, an upcoming end-of-summer luau, and new and exciting games led by the staff, a lot of dogs can't handle spending every day at Camp K-9. Ali Connor recommends a maximum of three days a week.
Camp K-9 offers a free evaluation to find out if a dog likes camp and gets along with the other dogs. Older dogs and those with physical discomforts or disabilities are welcome, too.
"We are not prejudiced against breed," said Ali Connor. "However, we are very aware that there are just some breeds that are naturally dominant. We take the precautions necessary to make sure that the environment is a safe place. ... We make sure that they're playing with the right friends at camp."
Safe and spotless. The Connors said they hired only staff members that love animals, know how to care for them properly and don't mind getting dirty. Camp K-9 can administer some medications, but nothing that requires an injection.
Basically, "If you can administer it, we can administer it," said Ali Connor.
The Connors said they strive to ensure each customers gets his or her money's worth, partly because they know what it's like to be constantly on-the-go and considered about the well-being and happiness of the family dog.
"They get something more than just the day care," said Ali Connor.
For more information about prices, hours and other services like bathing and "Birthday Pawties," visit www.campk-9doggiedaycamp.com.
Camp K-9 Commercial
August 12th, 2015
Come Paint with us for Paint Night here at Camp K-9 !!
Camp K-9's First News Article
WESTFIELD, Written by: Angelique Fiske, June 26th, 2015 – As local families prepare for summer vacations, Westfield has a new destination for their pups, as well.
Camp K-9 opened its doors on June 6, offering dog day camp, overnight boarding, an indoor dog park and brushing and bathing.
The idea of Camp K-9 is to give busy pet owners an option for their dogs, rather than leaving them home while they are at work or on vacation, according owners Ali and Nick Connor.
“A lot of our customers are going to be people that work long days and they don’t want their dog being at home. Dogs are treated like kids now,” Ali said. “They’re part of the family, so it’s really important that they have a place for the dog to go that’s safe and controlled, where they can’t really get into mischief or trouble, and that’s really what the day camp part of this offers.”
The idea for Camp K-9 came from their own experience. Both worked long days and felt guilty about leaving their dog Riley alone or with family. With retail and management backgrounds and a passion for dogs, Nick said it was the perfect combination.
“We’re trying to find something that could incorporate loving dogs but at the same time utilizing our management and business skills, so it’s sort of like the best of both worlds,” Nick said. “We love pets and we also have experience running businesses, as well.”
Through certifications and remodeling of the facility, Camp K-9 is ready for their clients, and Ali said she is happy to be getting busy.
Camp K-9 offers boarding for dogs who will be staying for days or weeks while their owners are out of town, with four different cabin sizes available. Ali said as summer goes on, it is important for pet parents to look into options for their dogs. She said Camp K-9 will be taking steps to accommodate local pet owners, even remaining open for July 4.
The day camp is designed for dog owners to drop of their pet for the day. The staff splits the clients up by size and temperament, doing a host of activities ranging from traditional Frisbee to holiday programming. For Fathers’ Day, the dogs of Camp K-9 posed for pictures to send home to their owners.
Ali said the day camp faucet of Camp K-9 is a great opportunity for pet parents.
“It’s good to take initiative, even if it’s just one or two days a week, because the dog gets exercise. We all know that when a dog gets exercise, the healthier it is, the slimmer it becomes. It doesn’t become lethargic or lazy. They get that interaction,” she said. “When they are stimulated in that way, their minds are stimulated, so they’re better trained. They’re better when it comes to household commands and things like that. The more energy that they can blow off when they’re at day camp, the better they’re going to be when they’re’ out with their pet parents.”
The indoor dog park is open to the public with an entrance fee, and Ali said on hot days, it will be good for both dog and owner to run around out of the sun. She also said the dog park is a good chance for those owners who want to learn more about the facility to check it out.
Ali and Nick encourage anyone interested in their business to come and see it for themselves.
“It’s very important for a pet parent to treat their pet in this type of setting, just like they’d treat their child. When you research day cares for children, you go in, you tour the facility, you meet the teachers and you kind of figure out if those programs will work for you kid,” she said. “It’s the same concept here. Take the child out of the equation and put the dog there. You need to be comfortable where you’re leaving your animal. If you’re comfortable, then you’ll be able to use the other facets here.”
Though Riley was “the first client” for Camp K-9, according to Nick, the Connors said they and the staff will treat every dog with the same care.
“With our dog Riley, she truly is our first baby. We treat her that way, and we certainly will treat other dogs that way,” Ali said.
For more information about Camp K-9’s programs, visit http://www.campk-9doggiedaycamp.com/.
Camp K-9 opened its doors on June 6, offering dog day camp, overnight boarding, an indoor dog park and brushing and bathing.
The idea of Camp K-9 is to give busy pet owners an option for their dogs, rather than leaving them home while they are at work or on vacation, according owners Ali and Nick Connor.
“A lot of our customers are going to be people that work long days and they don’t want their dog being at home. Dogs are treated like kids now,” Ali said. “They’re part of the family, so it’s really important that they have a place for the dog to go that’s safe and controlled, where they can’t really get into mischief or trouble, and that’s really what the day camp part of this offers.”
The idea for Camp K-9 came from their own experience. Both worked long days and felt guilty about leaving their dog Riley alone or with family. With retail and management backgrounds and a passion for dogs, Nick said it was the perfect combination.
“We’re trying to find something that could incorporate loving dogs but at the same time utilizing our management and business skills, so it’s sort of like the best of both worlds,” Nick said. “We love pets and we also have experience running businesses, as well.”
Through certifications and remodeling of the facility, Camp K-9 is ready for their clients, and Ali said she is happy to be getting busy.
Camp K-9 offers boarding for dogs who will be staying for days or weeks while their owners are out of town, with four different cabin sizes available. Ali said as summer goes on, it is important for pet parents to look into options for their dogs. She said Camp K-9 will be taking steps to accommodate local pet owners, even remaining open for July 4.
The day camp is designed for dog owners to drop of their pet for the day. The staff splits the clients up by size and temperament, doing a host of activities ranging from traditional Frisbee to holiday programming. For Fathers’ Day, the dogs of Camp K-9 posed for pictures to send home to their owners.
Ali said the day camp faucet of Camp K-9 is a great opportunity for pet parents.
“It’s good to take initiative, even if it’s just one or two days a week, because the dog gets exercise. We all know that when a dog gets exercise, the healthier it is, the slimmer it becomes. It doesn’t become lethargic or lazy. They get that interaction,” she said. “When they are stimulated in that way, their minds are stimulated, so they’re better trained. They’re better when it comes to household commands and things like that. The more energy that they can blow off when they’re at day camp, the better they’re going to be when they’re’ out with their pet parents.”
The indoor dog park is open to the public with an entrance fee, and Ali said on hot days, it will be good for both dog and owner to run around out of the sun. She also said the dog park is a good chance for those owners who want to learn more about the facility to check it out.
Ali and Nick encourage anyone interested in their business to come and see it for themselves.
“It’s very important for a pet parent to treat their pet in this type of setting, just like they’d treat their child. When you research day cares for children, you go in, you tour the facility, you meet the teachers and you kind of figure out if those programs will work for you kid,” she said. “It’s the same concept here. Take the child out of the equation and put the dog there. You need to be comfortable where you’re leaving your animal. If you’re comfortable, then you’ll be able to use the other facets here.”
Though Riley was “the first client” for Camp K-9, according to Nick, the Connors said they and the staff will treat every dog with the same care.
“With our dog Riley, she truly is our first baby. We treat her that way, and we certainly will treat other dogs that way,” Ali said.
For more information about Camp K-9’s programs, visit http://www.campk-9doggiedaycamp.com/.