Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery 23m · Imagine, you're finally off on vacation with your family, ready to relax and have fun, only to wake up to a text that BOTH your dogs have escaped from the boarding facility you entrusted with their care. This was the beginning of ten day nightmare for Darienne, Biaggio and their two beloved dogs Maggie and Lulu. The family dropped everything and immediately left their vacation and headed to Middletown, NY to The Pet Camp to find their dogs. Instead of care and concern they were met with blame and hostility. Blame, as Chuck, the owner of The Pet Camp said he was not told their dogs were runners and it was their fault. Well, news flash... any dog in a new environment can be a runner and should be treated as such. The owners were told the facility was secure and the dogs would be safe. On the Camps website it states: "Is Your Property Fenced? Yes, this past spring we fenced in 18 acres around the barns and the racetrack so that the dogs have a huge grassed area to run (see the photos) and a pond in which to swim. We also have a separate corral that is fenced with about a 1,000 foot perimeter so that we can separate out any dogs if necessary. In order to enter the property where we keep the dogs you need to go through our electronically controlled gates. People have asked if the fence is high enough to keep the dogs in. We have not had any dogs climb the fence trying to get out." Let me state that the "electronically controlled gates" are held shut only by a bungee cord and there is a large enough space under the gates for a large dog to easily slip under. I began working the case onsite last Saturday and in the course of the week that I was there, I personally witnessed several dogs get out from the fencing, under the gates and also jump over the fencing and run in the road. In fact Maggie entered the camp only to be chased out and get out under the fencing AGAIN a couple days ago!! We were informed by several of the neighbors that many dogs have gotten out of The Pet Camp over the years and just as recently as a couple weeks ago. Some of these dogs we were told were never found and sadly others met a horrible fate. Capture was hindered numerous times as we were not allowed to set traps in areas that the dog was being sighted, we were told it was "bad for business" and he would call the police on us if we did not remove them. Myself and the family were verbally abused and lied to repeatedly. Last night Biaggio caught him as he was going to close one of our traps. He did not work with us, he worked against us every chance he got and told the family "they were killing him". This was a huge inconvenience for him and he made it known. The owners were both distraught over the loss of their dogs and having to deal with how they were being treated made this nightmare ten times worse. As most of you know, we safely captured Lulu Monday morning. but Maggie was still on the run. We had Maggie on camera at a feeding station, down by the Wallkill River early Tuesday morning. A trap was set but she never returned. The fog would come in so thick making the visibility impossible to see a thing or properly monitor traps at night. Maggie was only ever sighted in the mornings, so at 4 am each morning I would make the hour and half trek to Middletown to meet Biaggio to hike all the way down to the river to rebait and set the traps before the sun came up. We did this for several days but she was a no show. Yesterday we received a sighting, Maggie was seen running from the railroad tracks across a field to the woods off route 84. Darienne's mama intuition was in full force, she remembered when she first arrived, seeing a long dirt driveway that led straight back to the woods. Mapping her travel we raced over to the area as it looked as that was where she would pop out. Sure enough when we got there we spotted her trotting off into the woods and then just as quickly as she appeared, she disappeared. A trap was immediately was set. A short time later I spotted her again running back up to the railroad tracks. Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse with a hurricane and the interference, we now had fighter jets making thunderously loud fly-overs as they were practicing for this weekends NY air show, down the road. We were determined to remain positive and kept saying today is the day. Well guess what?? Today was the day!! Maggie finally emerged from the woods and found my trap. I have to say that I don't wish to post to cause drama but what this family was put through was unconscionable. I post the facts so that hopefully no other family or pet will ever endure what this family endured. Welcome Home Maggie and Lulu you are loved beyond measure! read more

Shame on you - instead of the promised safety and security for dogs left in your care, you have shoddy facilities and fencing that allow dogs to escape to their deaths. No one should entrust their pets to your care. read more

Wish I didn't have to give any stars at all after following the HORROR story of the 2 dogs that most recently went missing while being in the care (or lack there of) of this business. Thank god they have been found and are well!!!! Then come to find out from neighbors this kind of thing happens way too often at this place, not all have positive endings! The owners disregard of animals and their humans love and emotions is disgusting!!! How dare you blame your clients for their dogs going missing while on YOUR watch. You're getting paid VERY well to ensure the safety and well being of all of the animals on your premises!! I'd definitely rethink your decision to entrust these heartless unprofessional spineless cowards with your beloved furbabies!!! jus sayin. Check out the buddha dog rescue & recovery Facebook page for more detailed info on this situation. read more

We have now boarded here with two different digs. Both times each of our dogs had a fantastic time. This time, our yellow lab came back completely exhausted. Exactly what a dog owner wants!! The price was extremely reasonable. The cost would have been much more expensive had we boarded him at a facility that just provided a caged run. Nothing against them, but if your dog is super high energy and friendly then this is the place to go. My comment to the poster above is that these people know what kinds of dogs work best at their facility and they were more than likely sparing the poster (and themselves) from needless back and forth. If your pet has a laundry list of issues this is not the place for you. they take excellent care of the dogs but the focus is on play, exercise and social gathering. read more

My 11 year old coonhound was supposed to spend @ 10 days with them. While away on vacation I get a frantic phone call from some guy telling me how I need to come get my dog right now because she has some wound on her leg. Turns out this was a wound that had been getting worse for a few days. My Dog was older but just had her annual checkup prior to boarding and was fine...Told him to take my dog to the Vet as list, he tells me none of his guys showed up for work and he can't. Had to call a friend to save my dog from this place, now weeks of antibiotics and pain meds..... stay away Never again !! read more

The Pet Camp is a country farm where the dogs are outside all day. They get tired out, dirty, and they have so much fun and freedom, in a huge fenced in area. I've read reviews about dirty dogs at pick up. To me, a dirty dog means, they had fun. I would rather my dog be safe, and dirty than in a clean kennel, missing me. The staff cares about each dog, and keeps them safe. My dog loves it there. read more

The Pet Camp - Pet Camp Dog Area. - Pet Sitting Near Me - Middletown, New York

I highly recommend The Pet Camp having used it on a number of occasions from 2 nights to 3 weeks, in winter and summer, over the last four years. It's a real farm so the dogs are in huge fields and are able to be real dogs. They sleep in a converted barn which is heated in winter. The owner Chuck and his team are great with the dogs. When I pick my dog up, I see first hand how the dogs behave in the fields, playing or relaxing, it's up to them. It really is like a Camp for dogs. I'm told what my dog has been up to - apparently he likes to chase frogs, swim in the dam and he hangs out with one or two particular dogs. I just love this place, it's super reasonable and I think it's very good for dogs. My dog comes back exhausted for a day or two, and is a little trimmer. They have a pick up / drop off service if you live in Manhattan and are very clear with instructions if you want to drop off yourself. You can bring your own dog's food or they will supply. They have a bath service which is recommended as the dogs get dirty playing all day. Like any business, they operate within certain hours so obviously you can't show up outside of those hours and expect to collect your dog. Do your dog a favor and send them to The Pet Camp! read more

Great option for weekends away. It's always our first choice. The dogs get to play outside all day and have a nice temp controlled space to sleep in. read more

Our first dog stayed in The Pet Camp for a month before the pandemic and had a great time. Now we have a second dog and they both are staying there while we're traveling for 10 days.The great thing about the camp is that the dogs get to run free in 18 acres of beautiful grounds for as long as they want and there's a pond that they enjoy a lot. Chuck and his team are very cool farm people who know dogs quite well. read more

We have been taking our dogs to the Pet Camp for over 15 years and our dogs absolutely love it there! Outside running and playing all day! Have never had a problem and can highly recommend! read more

We call this place "dog heaven" because it's everything a dog needs to be happy. The grounds are amazing - the dogs essentially have the run of a MASSIVE, beautiful, grassy well-maintained fenced-in field with a huge pond in the middle. All of the dogs are free to roam in this area, play, get in the water, and just be dogs. Someone is out there with the pups at all times - no matter the weather. They sleep in open aired stalls and if you have two dogs, they get to sleep together. You can bring your own beds, blankets, and anything else your dog needs to sleep happy. The price is unbelievable and he owners are simply all about the dogs. What more could you ask for? Thanks, Pet Camp. Our dogs love you! We are lucky to have found you! read more

This is the place you want to take your dog!!!!! From the moment you pull up, it's PUPPY PARADISE. The dogs are running in a huge, well fenced field. They're happy and playing. My puppy came home with her tail wagging and exhausted from running. One hint is to take your pet's bed with you. The prices are more than reasonable per dog per night in an idyllic setting. The hours are 8 til 5 every day, which gives a wide window to work in. The rules are plainly stated. A call prior to your arrival to drop off and pick up are given in clear language in an emailed agreement. I found the staff to be involved with the dogs, and their safety and care. I've boarded dogs in places where they were kenneled and my dogs were returned scared and upset. They had spent their stay in small enclosures with concrete runs. This is not like that at all. The day is spent running and playing with other dogs. We will definitely be back. I feel quite safe sending my treasured family member to The Pet Camp. read more

My German Shepherd LOVED Pet Camp. We have moved out of the area and I really miss Pet Camp - so does my dog. He used to go to camp quite often because we traveled a lot, Although he was always happy to see us when we picked him up, he was also clearly very attached to the folks at Pet Camp too. The longest our dog stayed at Pet Camp was 6 weeks, and the shortest period was 4 days - but no matter how long he stayed, he was always relaxed and happy. As soon as we turned onto Bart Bull Road to go to camp, the dog would get excited and eager. I really recommend Pet Camp. Chuck and his staff were always wonderful to our dog and to us. read more

On the way home from his last visit and as usual he is fast asleep in the car! A tired puppy is a happy puppy! read more

The Pet Camp - On the way home from his last visit and as usual he is asleep in the car, a tired puppy is a happy puppy! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Middletown, New York

We love boarding our dog here! The Pet Camp is on several acres of land that their doggy guests can run on, they have a pond, and each dog gets it's own heated/air conditioned converted horse stable to sleep in... no cages! They will even come to Manhattan to pick up your pooch, all for a very reasonable price. Sweet place! http://thepetcamp.com/ read more

We sent our lab mix to Pet Camp for three weeks while we got married and went on our honeymoon. He loved it and came back super exhausted, every owners dream when you come back from vacation. I would suggest increasing the food amount as my dog came back a little skinny, but running around all day will do that to a dog. Great place, they even sent me a video of my dog when I emailed them for an update. read more

My 5 lb. Maltese loves The Pet Camp! I've boarded her there at least 3 times in the past 2 years. Because she is so small she does not go out with the big dogs, but there are usually other littles there. When the big dogs go out to play the littles have run of the barn and they have a blast. She gets plenty of exercise and attention, and when we come home she misses her new buddies. She seems to love all of the staff, she is happy when we drive up. She will be there again next week and I'm very comfortable that she will enjoy her stay! read more

The Pet Camp - Pet Sitting Near Me - Middletown, New York

Dropped off my dog today. Thirty minutes later, I receive a call that I need to pick up my dog. Chuck called me, and said "you need to come right now, the dog is running along the fence and is anxious. He said he brought the dog in, put him in the stall and he would not calm down. He stated that he is not taking new dogs. I did not argue, and said someone would be there. He replied "when" I asked if Shane was difficult/mean to the other dogs, he states no. He was obviously anxious/nervous, not knowing where he was. But, if I was hopping on a plane today, and not the next day, I would have had no one to pick up the dog. He gave it 30 minutes. The dog is not an issue. He also stated that he has no help. Maybe this was a blessing! I am not disputing that the dog may have been very anxious, but realistically, how can you ask people to come back. I could have been on my way to the airport. Not recommended, mainly due to the lack of compassion and patience. Maybe it is time to retire and close the camp. Went there many years ago with all my others, never an issue. How can you expect people to come right back. Not realistic. But again, maybe a blessing for my Shane read more

This was the first time we boarded our one-year-old shepherd and I wanted to make sure she had a great experience. I couldn't have been more pleased with the Pet Camp. The grounds are beautiful, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. She spent the week in doing what she loves being outside and playing with other dogs. I am pretty sure she was sad to leave make sure to bark at her friends as we were leaving to say goodbye. I would highly recommend it for anyone who has an active & social dog. read more

Boarded my dog here for 2 nights recently and I have mixed feelings. The camp itself is great. The grounds are vast, a lot of land and fresh air for the dogs to run, play, and be dogs. The accommodations are in a barn, so if your dog prefers to be pampered this might not be for you. Otherwise, I felt it would be a good experience for my high energy dog. My troubles with the camp come with the approach that was taken by the way I was treated as a first time (and last time) customer. I arrived back from my trip sooner than expected and my young children wanted to know if we could get our dog the night we arrived rather than the next morning as scheduled. The camp closes at 5pm and they did make the hours of operation clear. I was told that the dogs are cared for 24 hours a day so I assumed if I arrived after 5pm, I would just take a shot at seeing if someone would release my dog to me. I arrived at 7pm, fully willing to accept that if they were not able to release my dog at that time it would be fine and I would return the next morning as originally planned. I was greeted by the keeper who was otherwise a very nice gentleman. He let me know that my arrival at 7pm was a great inconvenience to him and he reiterated the hours of operation. I profusely apologized and understood I was there after hours and unexpected. I wasn't looking for a refund of any kind, just checking to see if I could take my dog that night. He released my dog to me - reluctantly, and once again let me know how much of an inconvenience it was for him to do this. Again, I apologized, took my dog, and left. The next morning I get a call from the owner (Chuck) who felt he needed to tell me "that can't happen again" (referring to my showing up after hours to see if I could pick up my dog). Why Chuck felt it necessary to make the call and attempt to scold me is beyond me. I assured him it would never happen again, nor would they ever see me or anyone I know as a customer again. Basically, I don't care how much my dog may love this camp. Until they realize that the pets aren't paying the boarding tab - the humans are - they won't get my business again. Pet Camp - a course on customer service and how to treat your customers better might go a long way. Customers have options. read more

My dog loves it here. From the second I stop the car, he's racing to get into the field with the other dogs, and he comes back happy and exhausted. Per the negative reviews, sure Chuck can be a little gruff, but if I'm being honest, I would take a dog person over a people person any day of the week. The staff cares deeply about the dogs, and that to me is the most important part. Key Takeaway: Follow the rules, and both you and your dog will be happy read more

Over the past 2 years, I have boarded my dog there 5 times, each time for a minimum of a week. The last time I boarded my dog (for a week 10/2012) I returned to discover that, as per the owner - Chuck, my dog was kept secluded from all of the other dogs for his entire stay. It seems they had an issue 2 weeks prior where a pitbull mix (my dog is a pitbull mix) without provocation attacked another dog which resulted in the required amputation of one of the victim's front legs. For that reason, the decision was made to seclude my dog from the other dogs. I can understand the reasoning and admittedly, my dog does play rough, however, I should have been notified of their intentions and given the option of whether or not I would still like to board my dog there. I was not. That is appalling. They took my money and my dog, knowing they would not honor their dog care agreement. read more

Top notch facility in the country with some of the best trained staff and owners that care. I travel the country and know a lot about pet resorts and this one is one of the very best in my opinion! read more

This summer will be the third summer that we will be boarding our dog at The Pet Camp. I have a large dog (mastiff mix) and I did not want him in a cage for ten days, then thankfully I found The Pet Camp. He loves his stall in the stables (we do always say he thinks he is a horse!). The grounds are wonderful and well fenced. My dog was so happy, well fed, and healthy when we picked him up. They have many safety rules to protect your pet from accident or illness. I highly reccomend The Pet Camp!! read more

We have been bringing our two dogs here for years and they absolutely love it! The dogs can run and play in the huge fenced area, swim in the summer and everyone that works there is wonderful. Couldn't picture a better place! read more

I am the owner of The Pet Camp, Chuck Elmes. Yes, we can no longer take pit bulls. I have in the past and have always found the majority of them very friendly and sweet, but as you will now find in apartment buildings, and other places some insurance companies will now cover pit bulls. And this is why we have changed to this policy. We really try ask people questions about their dogs, and if we feel their dog and The Pet Camp are not a good fit, we try to tell them. Most of the time people understand, but as you can see in some reviews, people get very upset. We are very busy all year around and want all the dogs to have a god time, and we try our best to not have dogs come with issues. If a dog is shy, I personally will make every effort to sit with the dog alone and work with the dog to relax, and it almost always works, but sometimes it takes a day or two. We just try to do the best we can with all the dogs staying here, and yes, occasionally I ask the owner not to bring the dog back. This is a very fun business, and I love the dogs, yours and my best friends who love us unconditionally. Al of you should be so lucky as to have work that is so enjoyable. All you have to do is see all the dogs out in the field running, playing, and swimming and you would understand. I have always had a good relationship with animals and thus I think they feel comfortable with me, and those are the people I always try to find to help handling and walking the dogs. I realize that We cannot make every single dog and person happy, but we try our very best. read more

Been taking my dog here for three years now. Sometimes a night, sometimes a week. Every time he comes back exhausted. Plenty of room to run around. Excellent conditions. And the dogs are looked after attentively. read more

I own two dogs and have never had to board them before. I've always been lucky enough to leave them with family. As I had never boarded them before, I had a few questions (to be precise, I had two questions - regarding my bulldog in the heat and their pond). I contacted the pet camp with my concerns and received an email telling me - and I QUOTE - "It would be better if you didn't bring your dog here. It seems with your many concerns that you would not be happy at our facility." Clearly the pet camp does not understand that their job is not simply to take care of dogs but to provide peace of mind to dog owners. Since I am shopping around for a daycare/boarding facility, I have asked many business similar questions. Other places have responded patiently to my inquiries, invited me to visit the facilities, provided references and detailed information. I was truly astounded by the lack of customer service from the pet camp. So if you want to leave your pet someplace where no one wants to listen to your concerns or answer your questions, I guess you may as well go here. If you want to leave your pets someplace where employees will treat you politely, value your business, and address your individual concerns, take your business to one of the many other cageless facilities where people don't just care about animals, but the owners as well. read more

The owners are only nice once you give them a check. My dog came home with a big cut next to his eye, sad and afraid of other dogs. He used to be very social and easy going with other pets. They never acknowledged that my pet was hurt. In fact, I dont think they payed much attention to him. read more

Awful awful awful. Thy are cruel to the dogs. My dog returned hoarse after spending a week there. They nevr responded when i asked why she was hoarse. If you are a responsible dog owner you will not leave your dog here. read more

I give this place 2 stars because I know my dog loves it here. We have left her here a few times before, and have had no problems. She sleeps for two days when we get back home. :) However; we called this morning after booking a vacay this past weekend, and I find out the they are no longer taking Pits or Pit mixes due to a recent incident. I am tired of the pit discrimination. Just because one does something wrong, doesn't mean they all do! My dog has been several times and has done nothing wrong. She is a sweetheart and socializes everyday with other dogs since I take her to the park. The craziest part is that I have referred a ton of people to this place, and my dog ends up being turned away. Truly disappointed in this new policy. But hey- if that is the kind of policy in place here, not very interested in leaving her here anyhow. read more

Years later and we are still taking our dog to Pet Camp. She likes it out there and is more interested in hanging out with the other dogs than in me when I am leaving. She always comes home skinnier even though I send extra food because she is always on the go while she is there. She usually needs a bath when she comes home but they can give your dog a bath before you pick them up for an additional charge. It is definitely not one of those places that are little better than the dog pound. I like to leave her with friends that have a dog so it is kind of like home for her while we are gone but I think she really prefers it at Pet Camp. read more

Stopped by The Pet Camp today to check out the facility prior to making an appointment to board my dog. I was let in the gate by a pleasant employee, and drove up the beautiful drive, to find my car surrounded by about 8-10 dogs. I was shocked that they let the dogs run loose around the parking area! Never have seen a kennel do that before and it doesn't seem safe at all! I carefully parked and got out and squatted down to greet the dogs, all happy to see me, and I got a lot of kisses, but oh my gosh were they filthy! Happy, but stinky! I spoke with the owner, and asked to see the boarding area, and he said they did not do that without an appointment. I asked if, since I was there already, couldn't he grant an exception (we were standing right next to the barn where the dogs are housed), and he said no, that I would need to call for an appointment. As I got back in my car and backed up, creeping along as the dogs again swarmed around the car... he called them but they ignored him (typical pack mentality). It was just an extremely odd situation. Dogs running loose around moving cars, stinky, dirty dogs, and an owner who was, well... not very friendly or helpful, and unwilling to let me see the kennel. I just did not get a good feeling about the place, even though their website is very nice and makes them sound professional. I think I'll skip boarding my dog there... I'd rather drive farther to a couple of kennels we've used before that have an open door policy and seem much safer as well. read more

The spot reserved for our dog was withdrawn and given away two days before we left on a 10-day vacation. Chuck made no effort to be accommodating or understanding and has not made himself available for further clarification or discussion. So...a really bad experience! And we had been looking forward to boarding our dig with them. read more

At first i thought it would be a great place for my dog , they have huge field and large horse stable.Unfortunately, when we came to pick him up he was dirty, lost his voice almost completely and had sores on his skin(probably from bite). I dont know what did they do to him but i will never take my dog to this place again!!! read more