Dogs are family at Camp Bow Wow, where they’re treated to first-rate attention whether they’re enjoying day care or boarding services.
Dog owners like Camp Bow Wow because it gives them peace of mind. They know when they go away their pups are busy and happy, not sitting in a cage. Those who want to check in on Fido can do so by logging into the Camper Cam, available in the play areas from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Our camp is great for dogs and great for their owners,” said Randy DeFazio, who co-owns the Lawrenceville and Bridgewater franchises with Sherri Hayes. “Our campers get a lot of attention. Our indoor and outdoor open play areas give dogs the chance to play with each other and with our staff. Owners like the fact that our campers are well cared for, and that they burn off a lot of energy during the day.”
Dogs are social by nature and enjoy the playtime. But dogs who are less active or shy also find fun at Camp Bow Wow. These dogs may play only with people or may simply enjoy their own space. All dogs have access to private areas to eat, sleep, and rest.
“We value our relationships at Camp Bow Wow,” DeFazio said. “We know the dogs’ names; we know the owners. Sherri and I are dog owners, and we wanted to create a place where you’d feel comfortable dropping off your dog. That’s what’s important to us.”
In addition to doggie day care and boarding, Camp Bow Wow hosts parties and offers specials to its clients. On Thursday, February 11, the camp is hosting the Bow Wow Ball, complete with formal wear. It’s also in the middle of its Cutest Pooped Pup Facebook contest. For lucky dogs, there are Spa Days that include a half-day of play and a half-day of grooming. All these and more are fun ways to create community around this canine camp.
“When Sherri and I worked together in corporate America, we always had the itch to do something of our own,” DeFazio added. “We decided to purchase Camp Bow Wow franchises because the facilities we visited in Colorado (where the franchise started) were extremely impressive as was the franchise founder. We signed right away in 2004; she had us at ‘woof.’”
DeFazio and Hayes opened the Bridgewater camp in 2005 and the Lawrenceville camp in 2007. As part of their mission, they do a lot with rescue clubs, such as Animal Alliance, Pet Rescue, and Animal Allies. They and their employees foster dogs and help find them homes. In fact, Camp Bow Wow helped place 33 dogs during 2009.
“Working with rescue dogs is a corporate franchise request, but it’s also our pleasure,” DeFazio said. “We’re all very into it and completely love helping dogs find families.”
Camp Bow Wow is open seven days and holidays: weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays and holidays 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Learn more at www.campbowwow.com, then select either the Lawrenceville or Bridgewater location. Or, call 609-689-DOGS (Lawrenceville) or 732-805-0888 (Bridgewater).
Camp Bow Wow, 231 Bakers Basin Road, Lawrenceville. 609-689-DOGS. www.campbowwow.com/us/nj/lawrenceville2
10W Chimney Rock Road, Bound Brook, 732-805-0888, www.campbowwow.com/us/nj/bridgewater/
