Dog parents want the absolute best for their furry friends. When it comes to dog daycare, two big names stand out: Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow. But with both companies offering similar services, how do you choose what’s right for your pup?
This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros, cons, features, and key differences to consider when choosing between Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dogtopia | Camp Bow Wow |
| Staff Training | 120+ hours | 30+ hours |
| Daycare Group Size | 15 dogs max | 20 dogs max |
| Overnight Boarding | No overnight staff | 24/7 staff |
| Grooming | No | Yes |
| Training Classes | No | Yes |
| Cat Care | No | Some locations |
| Swimming Pools | Yes | No |
| Scheduling Hours | 7am-7pm | 6am-10pm |
| Prices | $30/day avg | $30/day avg |
| Locations | 150+ | 165+ |
| Sanitization Procedures | Standard | Enhanced |
| In-Home Boarding | No | Yes |
| Webcams | Photos | Live video |
Overview Of Dogtopia
Founded in 2002, Dogtopia pioneered the concept of all-inclusive dog daycare. They aim to provide a safe, fun environment where dogs can play and socialize while their parents are at work or away.
With over 150 locations across North America, Dogtopia offers both full-day care as well as boarding services. During daycare hours, dogs are grouped based on size and temperament into playrooms with rubberized flooring.
Each location has live webcams so owners can check in on their pups.
Dogtopia employs extensive screening and training protocols for their staff. All daycare attendants must complete 120 hours of hands-on dog behavior and pet first aid/CPR training.
This ensures each employee is qualified to monitor dog play and health.
Overview Of Camp Bow Wow
Founded in 2000, Camp Bow Wow offers a similar dog daycare model with over 165 franchised locations in the US and Canada. Their playrooms feature rubberized floors and live webcams as well.
Camp Bow Wow aims to provide a fun, safe environment for dogs to play and get exercise. During the day, dogs are grouped into playrooms by age, size, energy level and personality.
Camp counselors monitor play activity to ensure safety and intervene if needed.
In addition to daycare, Camp Bow Wow provides grooming services, overnight boarding, training classes and even cat care at some locations. Their staff must complete a 30+ hour training program on dog behavior, health, safety and CPR/first aid.
Comparing Features And Services
Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow have many similarities when it comes to their daycare environments and services. Here’s an overview of how they compare:
- Playrooms
Both feature rubberized flooring, live webcams, and climate control systems. Dogs are grouped based on size/temperament for safety.
- Boarding
Overnight boarding offered at additional cost. Premium suites and cuddle time available.
- Webcams
Live webcams allow pet parents to check in on their dog anytime.
- Staff Training
Employees must complete extensive dog behavior and safety training programs. Camp Bow Wow requires 30+ hours, Dogtopia 120+ hours.
- Pool Time
Dogtopia offers scheduled swim time in bone-shaped pools at some locations. Camp Bow Wow locations do not have pools.
- Cams and Counselors
Both have dog behavior experts monitoring playrooms and trained counselors providing care and affection.
- Grooming
Full-service grooming available at most Camp Bow Wow locations. Dogtopia does not offer grooming.
- Vaccine Requirements
Both require all dogs to have up-to-date vaccines, including Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella.
- Webcams
Live webcams allow pet parents to check in on their dog anytime.
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Pros Of Choosing Dogtopia
So what are some of the biggest advantages of choosing Dogtopia for dog daycare?
- More Extensive Staff Training
With 120+ hours of required dog behavior and training courses, Dogtopia staff are exceptionally qualified to monitor play and handle any issues. This produces a safer environment.
- Pool Time for Pups
Dogtopia locations feature bone-shaped pools for scheduled swim time. This provides dogs with exercise and cooling downtime from play.
- Spa Services
Some locations offer aromatherapy, massage, teeth brushing and other spa treatments for an additional fee. Great for pampered pups!
- Vaccine Management
Dogtopia keeps detailed vaccine records for each dog so pet parents don’t have to remember when shots are due. They notify you when it’s time for an update.
- Interior Dog Parks
For more fragile or elderly dogs, Dogtopia provides a small, gentle indoor park as an alternative to active playrooms. Great for dogs needing quiet time.
- Rewards Program
Sign up for the Dogtopia Rewards program to earn points with every visit. Points can be redeemed for discounts on services.
Pros Of Choosing Camp Bow Wow
Camp Bow Wow offers some excellent benefits too:
- More Locations Nationwide
With 165 locations across North America, Camp Bow Wow has slightly more daycare options to choose from in most areas.
- Additional Services
Camp Bow Wow provides training classes and even cat care at some locations – services not offered at Dogtopia.
- Flexible Scheduling
Most Camp Bow Wow locations offer more flexible drop-off and pick-up times, including later evening hours. Ideal for busy pet parents.
- Fully-Staffed Overnight Care
For overnight boarding, Camp Bow Wow has staff on-site 24/7. Dogtopia locations do not have overnight staff.
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
Camp Bow Wow implements extensive hourly and daily sanitization regimens to keep facilities clean. This reduces illness risk.
- In-Home Boarding
For pets who get anxious away from home, Camp Bow Wow offers in-home overnight boarding at an additional cost. Keep your pup comfortable in his own environment.
- Live Stream Cams
View your pet anytime not just with snapshots but with live stream footage of your dog at play.
Watch this video!
Key Differences To Consider
To recap the biggest differences:
Staff Training – Dogtopia requires 2-3x as many training hours
Pool Time – Dogtopia offers scheduled swim sessions; Camp Bow Wow does not
Grooming – Available at most Camp Bow Wow locations, but not Dogtopia
Overnight Staff – Camp Bow Wow has overnight staff; Dogtopia does not
Services – Camp Bow Wow offers training classes and cat care
Locations – Camp Bow Wow has slightly more locations in the US/Canada
Scheduling – Camp Bow Wow offers more flexible hours
So in choosing, consider which features are most important for your dog. Dog parents wanting pools, ultra-qualified staff and spa treatments may prefer Dogtopia. Those needing night care, training, or grooming may like Camp Bow Wow better. But both offer excellent care and fun social environments for your pup!
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Cost Comparison Of Dogtopia And Camp Bow Wow
Of course, cost will play a role as well when choosing between Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow. On average, both brands charge around $30 per day for full daycare. However, prices can vary by location.
Some other typical costs:
- Dogtopia boarding: $45-55 per night
- Camp Bow Wow boarding: $40-50 per night
- Spa services at Dogtopia: $5-20 each
- Grooming at Camp Bow Wow: $25-60
- Half day Dogtopia: $22
- Half day Camp Bow Wow: $18
Multi-day packages, monthly memberships and first-time customer discounts are also available to help pet parents save. For specifics on pricing at your nearest location, check with each facility directly.
Both offer price-matching policies if you find a competitor advertising lower daycare rates. So it pays to do your research!
What Owners Are Saying?
In terms of customer satisfaction, both Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow receive overwhelmingly positive reviews. On average, each brand has a 4+ star rating on Google based on hundreds of customer comments.
The most common compliments for Dogtopia cite the friendly knowledgeable staff, convenience of services, live webcam access and clean environments. Critical feedback focuses mainly on higher costs.
For Camp Bow Wow, happy customers praise the caring staff, safety protocols, flexibility of hours, and fun playgroups. Negative critiques focus on variability in cleanliness standards across franchises.
So both companies seem to score well in overall customer service, providing dogs with a tail-wagging good time! Pet parents agree the services positively impact dog behavior, happiness and health. Many mention their timid pups coming out of their shells thanks to socialization during daycare.
Still Unsure? Ask These 5 Key Questions:
If you’re still on the fence between Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow, ask yourself:
- What hours suit my schedule best? Camp Bow Wow offers more flexibility.
- What extra services matter most? Dogtopia has pools/spa; Camp Bow Wow offers training classes.
- Does my dog need grooming? Camp Bow Wow provides full-service grooming.
- Is overnight staffing important? Camp Bow Wow has 24/7 personnel.
- Does my dog need specialized care? Dogtopia may be better for shy/elderly dogs needing quiet time.
Prioritizing your needs and your pup’s needs can make the decision simpler. And rest assured both companies have years of experience caring for canines!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dogtopia prides itself on ultra-qualified staff with 120+ hours of dog training. They also offer amenities like bone-shaped pools for dogs to swim and play. Spa services like massage and aromatherapy provide a pampered experience.
Dogtopia was the first to create the open-playroom model for daycare in an indoor setting. Their facilities feel like an upscale country club for dogs, with rubber floors, webcams, climate control and calming decoration.
Dogtopia is a private company so exact financial data is not disclosed publicly. However, some estimates put their average annual gross revenue around $500,000 to $1 million per location. Their 2015 revenue was approximately $70 million systemwide.
Camp Bow Wow offers both indoor and outdoor play under supervision. Indoors, dogs play in size/temperament-based groups in rubber-floored playrooms. Outdoor time allows more freedom to run on turf play yards. Activities keep dogs engaged mentally and physically.
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The Verdict
No matter which option you choose, Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow both provide safe, affectionate environments for your dog. Their open play areas allow pups to exercise, play, and socialize under supervision while you’re away.
For busy pet parents needing a reliable daytime haven for their furry friends, either brand could be a great solution!
To learn more and find contact information for your nearest location, visit:
Both offer free introductory visits so you can see their facilities first-hand before making any commitment. And be sure to ask about new customer discounts to save on your pup’s adventures! With a little research to find the right fit, Dogtopia and Camp Bow Wow give pet parents peace of mind while keeping dogs blissfully happy. Your new furry BFF will be begging to come back again!