Long overdue review! I've been taking my puppy to Camp Four Paws since last June for both daycare and overnight stays. My dog, Rue, is very shy and nervous, but the staff have truly gone above and beyond to help build her confidence and trust. I'm so grateful for all the care and patience they've shown her. I'd also like to give a huge shoutout to Flora, Rue and I's favorite staff member. I appreciate the updates the staff provide when I message. It always puts my mind at ease. read more

Camp Four Paws - Pet Training Near Me - Clayton, California

Camp four paws is home away from home for dogs. The staff treats them like part of the family. Each and every dog is special to them, that's why dogs are always so eager to run through the front door when they arrive. I highly recommend them@ read more

I have used Camp Four Paws for daycare and boarding for 10+ years. Troy and her staff are wonderful. Most of my dogs have been/ are friendly and get along, play well with people and other dogs. The release/ instruction paper work is very detailed and you have many extra options to choose from. This detail alone says to me they're very thorough in their intake and also making sure that all pets are current with their vaccinations. One thing that stands out the most to me is I have a fear based reactive McNab fixed male dog. He gets along with people but can be reactive with some dogs. Troy and her staff keep a close eye on him and know which dogs he can mingle with. I am so grateful for this extra sensitivity to his needs. All of my dogs both past and present have loved it here. The big play area, treats, clean kennels and the time each staff plays with and gets to know your pets! I cannot recommend this place enough. I may consider checking myself in for daycare or boarding! Shelly read more

Beware! I learned from a former employee that they put bark collars on some dogs and don't tell owners. They are instructed to remove bark collars before taking photos they post online. Although our dog seemed to have fun there, I will not return. They should disclose this practice to dog owners. read more

Beware - Shady Business- takes your money and forgets to tell you its non-refunable... I am going out of town last minute and called Camp Four Paws and asked them about boarding my dog. They told me that they probably couldn't help me out considering I only had a little over a week before leaving. So, at their direction, we looked for other options. A day or two later Camp Four Paws called me at 5PM and said that they had an opening so I booked an assessment. That evening, we found out that someone else can watch our dog so I called Camp Four Paws multiple times the very next morning and left a voicemail that we would like to cancel the assessment. They refused to return my assessment fee for $45 dollars. They never told me that it was non-refundable, and they cant honestly say that they lost business between 5PM and 8AM the next morning. Shady business in my opinion. Now I will NEVER have my dog there and will trash them every chance I get . EDIT: I got a text from Camp Four Paws right after I asked for my money back (photos excerpts of the actual text attached). They have 130 people in the line to go there, but they have to take my money for doing nothing? I own a business and even if I told someone a deposit was non-refundable, if it didn't cost me anything, I would give them their money back. The shitty text I got from them seems exactly in tune with what I read on other negative posts. read more

Camp Four Paws - Wow, who cares about little old me, they have too much business so a bad review is good for them???? - Pet Training Near Me - Clayton, California

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Our special family member Zeus the Magnificent - a five-year-old Doberman - has been going to CFP for playtime and boarding for over 4 years now. We have nothing but rave reviews for the owner Troy, her office staff and her dog camp "counselors." There's no other facility like it in this area! 5+ acres of outside play areas; splash pools; agility equipment; lots of shaded areas to protect the pups from the harsh sun; clean, adequately sized boarding sleep cubicles; group play activities and individual cuddles! And best of all, the campers are closely monitored to minimize injuries. We always feel confident that our boy Zeus will be well-cared for. Big fans! read more

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My pets Gigi and Ava recently stayed here. It was there first time, and I was happy they had a great time. We love our girls, and want them to be happy, safe, and treated well wherever they stay. Flora and I believe her name was Terry or Kathy welcomed us, and were very nice. There was a guy there the next day when we picked up our girls who was also very nice. loved hearing that my girls did great, and were real sweet. I will deff use Camp Four Paws again. read more

Our furry family member loves this camp! Dogs are exercised several times daily, are given treats, and have special meals, like pancake breakfast etc! We know when we leave our pup, he is in good hands and well taken care of. Sincerely, Dodger's mom and dad read more

Camp Four Paws - Pet Training Near Me - Clayton, California

This is the 2nd dog i've taken here. Both are pitty mixes and love to play with other dogs and are not toy or food aggressive. In prep of a longer vacation I went through Troy's interview process and scheduled my first day care for my dog to get accustomed to being there. I was asked to fill out a lengthy release and instruction form where I had the options of booking plenty of extras, things like a bath, nail trimming, ear cleaning, special snack, extra training time, etc. I chose to get Paolo bathed after his first hard day of play there, but was sure to check NO ear wash. In the evening when I picked up Paolo he was obviously happy and tired from playing all day. On the nearly 60 minute ride home he kept shaking his head, like there was something in his ear. I monitored his condition that evening and the next day (Saturday) it was only getting worse and he was now scratching it with his paw. Inside his ear canal. Troy, the owner, admitted to using Pro Ear (with alcohol) to clean his ears, even when I explicitly said NO ears. His bath was fine, but the ear thing was so bad I had to take him to emergency vet on Sunday to get treatment for an ear canal (outer) infection, costing me $250-- an expensive day of 'care'. But what bothered me the most was Troy's communication with me. I'm also a business owner so I understand the dynamics with retail customers. Instead of taking responsibility for her employee not following the written instructions from me on her detailed form, she started the blame game. Telling me that my red-nosed pitty was having an allergic reaction to her play area, or a reaction to the soap they were using (I bath him all the time with various products and never a reaction). He also plays in the dog parks around Concord/Martinez/Walnut Creek all the time without any reaction to the plants or other dogs. Then she tells me my dog is no longer welcome there (meaning really me). Strange way to treat a long term potential customer. And she has lots of excuses, why she can't get back to you (no power, no internet, no email, etc... ), just running a business here. So while the area and concept are great, communication and customer service with the owner, Troy are abysmal. We all love our animals and understand that 'shit happens' when they are playing in the open with other dogs, but communications is key here. So if things run smoothly for you, great. Just be aware in your dealings with the owner. read more

Camp Four Paws - Paolo relaxing at home - Pet Training Near Me - Clayton, California

In the past we have taken our dogs to camp 4 Paws and I'm glad Troy checks them out first to see how they would get along with other dogs. We have had our dog now for four years and the first time he went here his best buddy was here too. Recently we brought him here for a weekend. He was a bit timid but Kathy was wonderful and kept him with her until he started to warm up. He loves to run and they have a huge area for the dogs to run and play so he was pretty tired when he got home . They now charge you though, for pictures which used to be free. read more

our dog just spent three weeks at Camp Four Paws. We couldn't have been happier. Our dog was well taken care of and bathed when we picked her up. Troy, the owner and Kathy, one of the staff were great. We were encouraged to call and ask about her but after our first call, I really felt like she was doing well and didn't feel the need to call again. I'd highly recommend Camp Four Paws, without reservation! read more

Troy and her staff are amazing! I can't say enough about how much they care about each dog. Fully trust her with my fur baby both for boarding when on vacation and daycare throughout the year. There is a ton of things for the dogs to play with besides other dogs of all sizes. Mine especially loves the pools, many different sizes for all sizes of dogs, not to mention the misting system they have. Camp is located in Curry Canyon, which is a bit cooler than the Concord/Clayton/Antioch areas which is nice during the summer. read more

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I can't even begin to describe how amazing Camp Four Paws is. Our GSD Koda gets so excited as soon as she knows that we are close to Camp Four Paws and she cannot wait to get out of the car and start playing! We always get great photos and emails about how much fun she is having each of read more

I can't say enough about Troy and Camp Four Paws! Troy runs an awesome camp for dogs. My dog Zeus had a fun time there and the overall treatment he received during his stay was awesome as well. Needless to say, he was well cared for. Trust is of the utmost importance when you leave your special friend and family member with anyone. Camp Four Paws and Troy gained not only my trust, but my business now and in the future. I highly recommend Camp Four Paws for your pet's place to stay while you're traveling! read more

Camp Four Paws - Zeus (On the right) sharing a smile with a new friend! - Pet Training Near Me - Clayton, California

My dog Daisy has been coming for many years. She gets very excited when we get close and runs to the front door when we get there. I have to go away for extended business trips and Daisy thrives here. She is so happy. Daisy is wildly spoiled and the fact that she loves this place says a lot. The owner is detail oriented with processes designed for the dogs safety, happiness and health. I don't agree with the negative reviews camp four paws is one of the best run businesses i know. for example they discovered an overpayment on my bill that i never noticed and refunded it as soon as they found it. I have tried the pet sitting route and urban boarding facilities and nothing comes close to camp four paws. read more

So grateful for the love and care they showed to my sweet Labrador, Boulder. I so appreciate this wonderful organization. You could not leave your sweet in a more loving or kind organization. Thank you. SOOOOO GRATEFFUL! Angela read more

I would never leave my dogs in the care of these miserable people. If they treat the animals as poorly as they treated me as a potential new customer, I feel sorry for the pets. I'm just so glad I was able to experience their true attitudes, rude and entitled, before I left my dogs with these people. Just read the reviews of former employees about this facility and its owner if you don't believe this review; the previous employees confirm what I witnessed. I love my pets too much to trust them with rude people; they will take out their anger on your pets! read more

Our Griff, Scout, loves Camp Four Paws! The staff is great and clearly love it when Scout comes to play. She loves it too...so much room to run around and play outside with her friends. Doggie Heaven! read more

Our labradoodle, Charlie, loves Camp 4 Paws! He gets so excited when we go through the gates that his tail is sweeping the car seat! He loves to run and play with the other dogs. Charlie is an energetic dog and the 5.5 acres are perfect for him to race around- open, grassy with lots of toys. Charlie doesn't run; he sprints! The staff are very attentive to Charlie and we know that he is loved. This is Disneyland for Dogs! We are very pleased that we found Camp Four Paws . This is a 5 plus star facility! Henry and Linda VB read more

3/2619 Update C.C. is still rockn' out at Camp Four Paws and lov'n it. Keep up the good work folks. C.C. barks and howls her approval whenever I pick her up. She's so excited and has had such a great time, with her pals, she can't wait to tell me all about it...And she does...all the way home! Thanks for loving my girl like I do. Rannie read more

Wonderful facility for your four legged babies. Our baby girl has been a regular visitor since August. Great care,plenty of activities and lots of tender loving care they give our Yoshi! She loves this place! She is always excited to arrive and just as excited and in a playful mood when I pick her up! read more

My dog boarded here & did day care on and off for the past two years. He was set to do another extended stay here when, unexpectedly, got very sick the week prior and passed away. I had to call to cancel my reservation and about a week after that, I received a beautiful card in the mail from all the staff at Camp Four Paws with their condolences. They were even thoughtful enough to include a photo of my dog during one of his stays there. It honestly brought me to tears (happy tears) that they took the time to send me such a beautiful sentiment but also that he was surrounded by so many caring people when he was staying there. He was always very eager to go and play and would come home happy and exhausted. He usually has some anxiety when being dropped off at daycare but this was the one place he was always happy to come to. During one of his stays, I was out of the country and my phone broke. There had been some storms in the area of Camp Four Paws and, to top it off, he got a little bit sick. I hadn't gotten any of the voicemails they sent me at the time while I was away but rushed to pick him up from the airport as soon I was back in CA (& was finally able to listen to all of the updates they had sent me). They cared for him and took him to the vet. He was happy and on the mend. Honestly, such a scary situation made so much better by the attentive and wonderful staff here. Strongly recommend! read more

We were looking for a new dog daycare and had heard really good reviews about Camp Four Paws. It's basically doggie heaven. They have a massive play area for the dogs (55 acres). They are responsible and very knowledgable about handling dogs. The staff is also amazing. My dog jumps right out of the car and goes in. It's a bit of a drive to Camp, but to have a people you trust take care of your dog when you can't and the knowledge that she is having a great time is 100% worth it. I would highly recommend Camp Four Paws. read more

Troys attention to detail as it relates to my dogs is impressive. My 'kids' are always excited to go (both daycare and boarding) and ALWAYS exhausted when coming home. Troy instinctively caught an issue my dog was experiencing. Had it not been caught, who knows what might've happened. Camp 4 Paws is the BEST daycare around. 5 paw referral. read more

Beautiful area, rediculous prices. You better make sure you get a quote in writing before you board your dog there. We went in expecting to pay $200 and we're charged over $300 for 4 nights of boarding! I tried to reason with the manager who got really hostile. I told her I was going to write a negative review and complain to the BBB. She told me to go ahead! She said this wasn't their first complaint and it wouldn't be their last! I couldn't believe it! They also proceeded to tell me that my dog started getting aggressive toward the little yippie dogs toward the end of his 3 day stay and that we would be charged $55 because he would have to go into a special training status. First of all I was told that they keep little and big dogs separate, secondly I thought that it was odd that Dexter started getting aggressive seeing as how he is a well socialized dog and we have never had a problem with this. Then I come to find out if two dogs are play-wrestling that they pull them off of each other after 30 seconds. THAT'S HOW DOGS PLAY! These people are super knowledgeable when it comes to dogs, but it seems to me they don't really LOVE and understand dogs.... this place should be called doggy boot camp. Since camp four paws we have taken Dexter to other boarding facilities and have been told that he is sweet and playful. Not once have we had another incidence where we have been told our dog became aggressive.... hmm... It is my belief that Camp Four Paws creates a stressful environment for animals. PS- It's not 54 acres... it's 1 acre. And I have been permanently banned from commenting on their guest page because I don't have a stellar review to write! read more

Have been using them for years and they are awesome. Your dog will be able to play ALL day - not like boarding facilities that "say" they will let them out for a 10 min walk twice a day. Negative reviews are obviously from people who's dogs were not accepted. They are EXTREMELY picky about the dogs they accept and that is a good thing because it will avoid having an aggressive dog in the play area. Know they will put your dog thru a thorough test to see how they handle certain situations. If your dog becomes fearful from someone with their hands in their pockets than this is NOT a dog that will be accepted. They will touch your dogs gums, teeth, paws tail and make sure they don't flip out - I mean this place is picky and I am so glad because I don't want my dog left with a dog that can't handle touch. This makes me know my dog is in a safe environment while I am gone. I highly recommend this place - but know that only 25% of dogs evaluated pass all their test. Don't get all pissy and write a bad review when your dog hasn't even been accepted. This is a premiere dog day care and I for one am glad they are picky. read more

I lived in the Bay Area for 9 years, and during that time, I had to relocate internationally for up to one year. I was a bit hesitant to enter into a long-term boarding situation. My ex-pat stint was only 8 months, and when I came back, my dog was trim and fit and HAPPY! I continued using Camp Four Paws for years, and with more than one dog... I now live in Washington, and wish that there were Day Care and Boarding facilities as wonderful as Camp Four Paws. After reading these reviews, I'm happy to see so many 5-Stars, but it is the negative reviews that have compelled me to write. The fact that Troy assesses each dog before she accepts them is a RESPONSIBLE practice. It enables her to take on many dogs, with what some perceive as a small number of employees. If all the dogs get along, they are easier to manage. My guess is that those who have given negative reviews have done so because they have not taken the time or energy to be responsible dog owners, and have not addressed behavioral issues. The dogs at Camp Four Paws are not kept in kennels all day long. They have a huge fenced in area, where they play fetch, or play in pools; or run around with their many camp friends. What I truly loved about Camp Four Paws is that they intermingle big dogs with little dogs with mid-sized dogs. too many people with small dogs are threatened by big dogs. I have news for you: your small dog doesn't know that the Great Dane is a big dog. Dogs should be socialized with humans and other animals, and Camp Four Paws promotes this...in a responsible and fun way. If you live in the Bay Area, and are looking for a great boarding facility, you are SO lucky to have Camp Four Paws. What is better than coming back from YOUR vacation to a Happy and exhausted (from playing with all his friends) dog? There is no wonder that dogs get happily excited when your car pulls into Morgan Territory Road. read more

My dog and I LOVE Camp Four Paws. I am compelled to write a review because they really don't deserve the negative comments here. I interviewed over four boarding facilities and Four Paws was by far the best qualified, most affordable, safest, and most caring facility of the bunch. I have brought my dog here many, many times, both for day care and long term, and she always comes home happy and exhausted. They post photos of your dogs so you can say hi from afar. They have a masterful agility training program and yes, your dog will be evaluated but seriously if your dog can't pass the most basic interactive tests then you need a trainer. They run a tight ship, are very organized, and wash the dog and the doggy bed before they are picked up. They have always been responsive to my dog's medication/feeding/cuddling requirements, and the staff has been wonderful. I don't work there or know the staff personally, and feel free to send me a message if you want to hear more. I caution people who blast off bitchy reviews to remember there is a person reading your nastiness. When I first went to Four Paws the owner thanked me for not letting a few bad apples spoil the bushel. read more

Camp Four Paws is the best. Troy and Nicky are great dog people. I have grown up with big dogs and horses my whole life. I know good animal people when i meet them. Troy is very particular about who comes to the camp. She has never had an incident and that is because she is careful with whom she allows to come to camp. I will say, my dog is not an angel, but he works within their program and they work with him well. They are fantastic and i strongly recommend camp four paws to anyone... read more

I have been taking my dogs here for several years. This is the best place around for boarding or to just take your pal for a day of playing with other dogs. The facility is amazing with lots of space to run and even pools if they love playing in the water. The staff is so good with the dogs. I highly recommend Camp Four Paws! read more

Just like children look forward to summer vacations, dogs yearn to frolic freely with their 4 legged friends free of the restraints of leashes. You don't have to go to a magic kingdom to make that happen. Camp Four Paws is like a Disneyland for dogs. Several years ago I found Camp Four Paws quite by chance. Struggling with a young, energetic Pug after the death of my husband, I wasn't sure I could cope with keeping my dog. A dog trainer told me about these doggie daycare/boarding facilities and Camp Four Paws came with high recommendations. The owner (Troy Lee) is caring, conscientious and always dedicated to the welfare of the dogs under her supervision. I was able to keep my Pug as he now goes once a week to doggie daycare and gets the socialization and exercise he needs. An added bonus is that a wonderful staff member (Karen) picks my dog up and brings him home after a day of fun at the camp. Camp Four Paws is in an idyllic setting in rural Clayton and is certainly a safe haven for dogs. read more

We had our dog boaded her while we were on vacation recently. The dogs play outside by day (along with the dogs attending their daycare) and sleep in air-conditioned and very clean kennels by night. Dogs must has an "interview" process, be spayed/neutered, current immunizations, etc. I was really excited to have our dog camp here and have a great time playing outdoors with the dogs and toys and wading pools. But even though she passed the interview (with Peaches, their resident super alpha dog and interviewer), she was not let out to play with the "general public" because she wasn't polite on the playground, etc. I was very disappointed that she was not able to play with the other dogs (but was let out to play with the more dominant resident dogs) but it goes to show that the counselors here really know dogs and don't want any of the dogs under their care to get into any trouble or possibly get hurt. Hopefully we can get propper training for us and our dog and so she can return and play! read more

My 9-mo-old lab/cattle dog mix spent the weekend here. The facilities are amazing and the staff are friendly and caring. I never worried about her once while I was gone. Maggie had such a good time that she refused to get in the car to go home! Now that's a testimony! read more

We've boarded our dog here for several years. She's always nervous when she first gets there, but they do a great job of coaxing her in. They then put the new dog into a fenced run next to the other dogs in the play area, so everyone can sniff and greet in a safe way. Then when they're ready, the new dog is released in with the others. They also group by size, so the little dogs all play together, and the bigger dogs play together, and no one gets trampled in the fun. They take great photos, and at holidays the staff dresses up and takes silly photos with your dog -- dogs having an Easter Egg hunt, or your dog and a giant human Christmas tree. They do a good job with hiring -- everyone seems really dog friendly and knowledgeable. My dog has been put on a bark collar there as well, and they do work on behavior, which I think is great. Do pay for the bath at the end -- after running and playing all day in the corrals your dog will be good and dirty (and tired!). It's not the cheapest place, but for me it's worth the 45 minute drive from Oakland!! read more

As our time with Camp Four Paws draws to a close, I felt compelled to write this review. My husband and I relocated to Pleasant Hill this summer from Oregon for a 3 month summer internship, and the first priority on our list was finding a daycare for our 1.5 year old chocolate lab. I read all of the reviews below. The three star rating was discouraging. However, I kept coming back to the pictures on the camp four paws website. I looked at the well kept up property, the tired looking dogs, the pools, the agility course, and all of the incredibly quality toys littering the property. I decided that I was going to take the internet with a grain of salt, and call for an interview anyways. I'm so glad I did. This has been the greatest experience that I have ever had with a dog daycare. You will not find a place as well equipped, staffed, and cared for as Camp Four Paws within a 100 mile radius. The staff are AMAZING. They know my dog, her habits, her favorite areas to be scratched, and are constantly working with me to help extend and improve her manners and obedience training. Once, my dog had an allergic reaction to a bug (at my house.) I called in to cancel daycare for the day. For the entire next week, staff were asking how she was because they had heard that she was sick and missed her. My dog experienced rather severe anxiety from the move. The owner, Troy, took great interest in my dog, her issue, and making my life easier. You won't find someone who knows her stuff better than Troy. Every time I saw her, she had a suggestion on some new training video to watch, or an observation and insight based on Sudo's day. This is a quality business, and the price reflects that quality. You have CPR/FIRST AID trained staff constantly watching and interacting with your dog. You have acres of amazing toys and other stimulus. Don't cheat your dog by paying for some cramped and stuffy, understaffed place that will try to interact with your dog as little as possible. Pay for quality, and it will reflect in your dogs physicality, social abilitity and happiness. These people are flexible, loving, active, and friendly. We've boarded her overnight with no guilt on our part. I highly recommend this daycare to anyone looking to have a tired and happy dog. Once you meet Troy and her staff, you'll understand the quality of the care your dog will be receiving and any lingering doubts will be gone. For my thoughts on bark collars, the commute from Pleasant Hill, and Sudo's Anxiety you can read my review of this business on my personal blog here: http://minnie.prismaticgreen.com/?p=104 Thank you so very much for a wonderful summer Camp Four Paws! You will be missed FIERCELY. read more

Had our little pom-chi puppy stay over for a few days recently ( our first visit - after evaluation ). I loved how the staff all kept me in the loop with how she was doing when I would call in and they never made me feel stupid for checking in every so many hours. She seems to have adjusted well, sounded pretty spoiled ( which I loved to hear ) We can't wait for our next stay ! read more

We have used Camp Four Paws on several occasions during the past year since moving to California. We have boarded dogs in many other locations and Camp Four Paws is by far the BEST BOARDING FACILITY WE HAVE EVER USED!! It is perfect for our energetic and very social lab. He knows when we are heading to Camp Four Paws and gets excited when we get close. Once he is in the office, he bolts for the back to be with his friends. He is always in great spirits when we pick him up but is lean and mellow from all the play and exercise he receives. The evaluation process is careful and picky but we were happy for the care and attention the owner and her staff give each dog. While Four Paws is not cheap, it is competitive and good value for the services they provide. The staff is very good on the upsell, however, and the extras can really add up. It is important to only order what you think you dog needs as there are lots of things that seem enjoyable to humans that the dogs probably don't care much about. We try to stick to a bath on departure day, agility training and one river walk for our water loving dog. Despite that we usually agree to a couple of additional extras to assuage our guilt at leaving him. read more

Camp Four Paws is a Dog's Paradise. I am impressed everytime that I am out there. The camp counselors are animal lovers and wonderful with the Dogs. What impresses me most is the way that Troy screens every dog that comes in for aggresive behavior. No bad dogs equal no harm to my puppy. Highly recommend! Johnny - Custom Computers Concord, Ca read more

I love this place, and I wouldn't take my dog to any other dog kennel/hotel. The staff is amazing. They treat the dogs so well. Their extra services are adorable! read more

Camp 4 Paws is the greatest! The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. My dog LOVES going to Camp 4 Paws. I've been bringing my dog here for nearly a year for both day care and boarding. She loves it and is very happy there. Troy and her staff are lovely. I have an 80 lb American Bulldog who is very friendly but at times can play a bit rough. They always make sure they keep an eye on her and calm her down when she needs it. Sure, having that much attention costs a little more but I'd rather have my dog be safe and happy than locked in a crate because she was too rambunctious (which is the solution at other dog kennels). She plays with a lot of dogs there regularly and has a great time. Troy has made recommendations for training (such as agility training which my dog LOVES) that have been tremendous. I've boarded dogs several places in Contra Costa and this one really is the best. read more