A little preparation helps everyone have a safer, smoother day at Maple Tree Dog Camp. Before your dog joins the fun, please review our health, vaccination, identification, temperament, and reservation requirements. You’ll also find answers below to some of the questions we hear most often from new and returning campers.
Camp Requirements
Health & Parasite Prevention
All campers must be free of fleas, ticks, and heartworms and remain on a monthly preventative. Dogs are checked for external parasites when they arrive. If we find fleas or ticks, we will provide treatment at an additional cost.
Dogs must also be healthy enough to safely participate in camp. We cannot admit dogs that have experienced coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea within 48 hours of arrival. Campers must not have had a communicable condition within the previous 30 days unless a veterinarian has certified that they are healthy enough to return.
Dogs who need to be kept calm, currently have stitches, or are recovering from surgery cannot participate in Day Camp. Overnight boarding without Day Camp privileges may still be available in these situations.
Age & Spay/Neuter Requirements
Campers must be at least four months old.
Dogs participating in Day Camp must be spayed or neutered once they reach approximately 7-8 months of age. Unaltered dogs may still stay overnight, but they will remain separate from group play.
Vaccinations
Before attending camp, dogs must have current:
- Rabies vaccination
- DHLPP/distemper vaccination
- Bordetella vaccination
- Negative fecal test
Bordetella vaccination is required every six months. Vaccinations must be completed at least five days before arrival. Maple Tree must have written veterinary proof of vaccinations on file before your dog attends camp.
Collars, Identification & Leashes
Dogs must arrive on a leash and wear a collar with an ID tag or other permanent identification.
For Day Camp, Maple Tree asks campers to wear a quick-release collar for safety. Quick-release collars are available for purchase at Dog Camp.
Please do not bring:
- Retractable leashes
- Shock collars
- Chain collars or chain leashes
- AirTags
Camp Interviews
Every prospective Day Camper completes a one-hour camp interview before joining group activities. The process begins with an introduction to one camper, followed by gradual introductions to additional dogs when appropriate.
This allows the team to evaluate your dog’s temperament, social skills, comfort level, and play style. Campers are then matched with the group that best suits their size and personality. Owners are asked to be present during the interview, and reservations are required.
Dogs who are not comfortable in group play may still be eligible for overnight boarding without interaction with other campers.
Day Camp & Overnight Policies
Camp Hours
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday - Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Closed daily from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Overnight Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Overnight campers should be picked up before 12:30 pm on checkout day to avoid a $15 late pickup fee.
Dogs approved for Day Camp may stay and play after checkout for an additional $13.50 and can then be picked up before closing.
Boarding dogs who do not attend Day Camp may be dropped off after 2:30 pm. Earlier drop-off is available for an additional $15.
Maple Tree asks that overnight campers arrive by 5:30 pm for a final potty break. Dogs arriving after 5:00 pm should have already eaten dinner; if Maple Tree will be providing dinner, please arrive by 4:45 pm.
If a dog cannot be picked up before closing on the scheduled checkout date, an additional overnight charge will apply. Pickup will be available the following day beginning at 7:00 am Monday through Friday or 8:00 am Saturday. To accommodate incoming reservations, we may move pets from a cabin to a traditional boarding dog house when necessary.
Cancellations & Holiday Reservations
Overnight reservations must be canceled at least two days before the scheduled arrival date. Later cancellations are charged a one-night stay fee.
Holiday reservations require a $100 deposit per pet. If the reservation is canceled less than two weeks beforehand, Maple Tree Dog Camp retains the deposit.
Holiday periods include New Year, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
What to Pack for an Overnight Stay
Maple Tree recommends bringing your dog’s regular food to avoid an abrupt dietary change. Meals must be individually portioned in zip-top bags or a small airtight container for each dog. Large bags or containers of food are not accepted.
If food from home isn’t provided, Maple Tree can supply it for an additional charge.
Bowls, blankets, and raised beds are provided, so there’s no need to pack your own. You may bring other favorite personal items for an overnight camper, although Maple Tree asks that you leave blankets at home.
Medications
Maple Tree can administer owner-provided medications in pill, powder, or liquid form at no additional charge.
All prescription and over-the-counter medications must remain in their original containers. Prescription labels must clearly show the pet’s name, medication strength, and dosage.
If your dog has medication prescribed for thunderstorms, fireworks, or another phobia, please bring it with them and let the Camp Counselors know about their needs.
Behavior During Camp
Camp can be a new experience, and dogs may behave differently than they do at home. Camp Counselors monitor campers closely, and families receive a report card summarizing their dog’s stay.
Dogs who become excessively destructive may have bedding removed or may be moved to a traditional boarding dog house. Owners are financially responsible for damage caused by their pets and for harm or damage caused by their dogs while at camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my dog do at Day Camp?
Campers can move between supervised indoor and outdoor areas, play with other dogs, relax in the shade, enjoy toys, or cool off in the puppy pools when available. The goal is to give them room to engage at their own pace while Camp Counselors supervise throughout the day.
Why does my dog need an interview first?
The interview helps Maple Tree determine whether group play is comfortable and appropriate for your dog. Introductions happen gradually, beginning with one dog before progressing to a larger group. If the interview goes well, your dog can begin attending camp.
Is my dog supervised all day?
Yes. Day Campers remain with the Camp staff from arrival through pickup. Overnight campers have a private cabin when they are not participating in camp activities.
Can my dog nap?
Absolutely. Dogs can rest when they choose, and the facility also closes from 12:30-2:30 pm each day for a scheduled midday break.
Is lunch served at Day Camp?
No. Dogs should eat at least 1.5 hours before arriving so they have time to digest before active play. If your dog ate more recently, please tell the Camp Counselors when you arrive.
Can my dog have their nails trimmed while they are there?
Yes. Nail trims can be requested during your dog’s stay.
Can I check in on my dog?
Of course. You’re welcome to call or email Dog Camp to check in, and owners can also watch their dogs play.
What happens if my dog becomes sick or injured?
Camp Counselors work to keep dogs safe, but accidents and illnesses can happen. Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital is next door, giving the camp access to veterinary care when needed. The team will make every effort to contact you regarding the recommended course of action.
How far ahead should I reserve?
As early as possible. Dog Camp can fill quickly, so Maple Tree recommends booking well in advance, particularly when you need an overnight stay.
Can senior dogs attend?
Camp Counselors monitor all dogs closely and help ensure that individual campers are not overwhelmed by more energetic playmates. Whether Day Camp is appropriate will depend on the individual dog.
What if another dog is bothering mine?
Maple Tree maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and Camp Counselors are trained to prevent and manage conflicts between dogs.
Can Day Campers bring toys or blankets?
Maple Tree provides toys for Day Camp, so it’s best to leave personal belongings at home where they can’t be damaged during group play. Overnight campers may bring favorite personal items, but blankets should remain at home because Maple Tree provides blankets and raised beds.
Questions Before Camp?
Call Maple Tree Dog Camp at (828) 452-5211 or email campleader@mapletreevet.com. The Camp team can help with interview scheduling, requirements, reservations, and questions about your dog’s stay.