Safety, Vaccinations & Requirements

  • A temperament test (also called a Camper interview) is our way of getting to know your dog before they join group play. We review their health and vaccination records, introduce them gradually to our environment and other dogs, and observe how they respond. This helps us ensure your pup is a good fit for open play and place them in the right group for their size and personality.
  • Puppies must meet our minimum vaccine requirements for their age before attending daycare. This usually includes a series of Distemper/Parvo vaccines and Bordetella, with Rabies added once they’re old enough, plus any local requirements. Because vaccine schedules vary, your Camp will review your puppy’s records and let you know when they’re ready for their first day.

  • Yes, Bordetella (commonly known as the kennel cough vaccine) is typically required for boarding to help protect your pup and their Camp friends from respiratory illness. Many Camps may also recommend or require other vaccines, such as canine influenza, depending on local guidelines. Your Camp will provide a full list of boarding vaccine requirements.

  • For the safety of all Campers, dogs must be current on core vaccines, which usually include Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella. Some locations may have additional requirements, like canine influenza or fecal screenings. Your local Camp will review your dog’s records and confirm exactly what’s needed before your pup joins the fun.


  • Camp Bow Wow requires all dogs to be spayed or neutered at 7 months of age in order to receive daycare and boarding services.

    • Camp Bow Wow understands that the choice to spay or neuter and at what age is a decision to be made for each individual dog and by the dog’s owner and veterinarian.
    • For safety in a play group, dogs must be spayed or neutered by 7 months of age to take part in boarding or daycare services at Camp Bow Wow.
    • As dogs reach sexual maturity, they are able to reproduce and hormonal changes occur that can alter behavior or may cause tension amongst other dogs within the group dynamic. This can impact the safety of all Campers and is not advised for open play environments.
  • If your pup shows signs of not feeling well at daycare, we’ll remove them from group play, keep them comfortable, and monitor them closely. We’ll contact you (and your vet, if needed) to discuss what we’re seeing and the next best steps. Your dog’s safety comes first, and we’ll keep you informed so you’re never left wondering how they’re doing.
  • Pups must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered (if seven months or older), be up-to-date on core vaccinations and meet our health criteria. Contact your local Camp Bow Wow today to learn more!

  • Our goal is to maintain safe, manageable playgroups so every Camper gets plenty of supervision and attention. While exact ratios can vary by Camp and play yard size, all groups are monitored closely by Certified Camp Counselors® trained in safety, body language, and first aid/CPR. Your local Camp can share more about their typical group sizes and staffing.