Established
2008
Franchise Units
13
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$49,500
Total Investment Range
$1,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Camp Run-A-Mutt is a one-of-a-kind dog daycare and boarding franchise that has set a new standard in the booming pet care industry. Known for its cage-free, interactive environment, Camp Run-A-Mutt combines daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and retail all under one roof. This award-winning concept has gained national recognition for its commitment to providing a safe, fun, and enriching experience for dogs while delivering peace of mind for pet parents.
With the U.S. pet care market surpassing $136 billion annually, demand for high-quality pet services is stronger than ever. Camp Run-A-Mutt has positioned itself as a leader by offering an innovative approach: cage-free play yards, live webcams for owners, personalized care, and premium amenities. Franchisees benefit from a trusted brand with a proven system, making it an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the rapidly expanding pet services industry.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Exploding Market Growth: The U.S. pet services industry continues to grow, driven by rising pet ownership and increased spending on premium pet care.
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Unique Business Model: Cage-free daycare and boarding with live camera access set Camp Run-A-Mutt apart from traditional kennels.
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Multiple Revenue Streams: Daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail sales create strong and diverse income opportunities.
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Strong Brand Identity: With loyal customers, glowing reviews, and national recognition, the brand stands out in a competitive market.
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Proven Franchise System: Franchisees gain access to established processes, training, marketing, and technology that minimize risks and maximize growth potential.
Background
Established Year
Camp Run-A-Mutt was founded in 2008 in San Diego, California.
Founders
The franchise was started by Dennis and Severn Peterson, two passionate dog lovers who envisioned a safe, fun, and cage-free environment for dogs. Their idea was to create a daycare and boarding facility that mimicked a dog park more than a kennel, giving pets freedom, exercise, and socialization.
Company History & Brand Journey
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The first Camp Run-A-Mutt opened in San Diego and immediately stood out in the market with its cage-free boarding and live webcam system, allowing pet parents to watch their dogs in real-time.
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The unique model quickly gained popularity among dog owners, setting it apart from traditional kennels that often relied on cages and limited playtime.
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Due to growing demand, the company began franchising in 2010, helping entrepreneurs nationwide bring this innovative concept to their communities.
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Over time, the brand expanded into multiple states and has been consistently recognized as a top franchise in the pet care industry.
Franchise Units (Current Number)
As of 2025, Camp Run-A-Mutt operates 13 franchise locations across the United States.
Ownership
Camp Run-A-Mutt remains a privately held company with a strong focus on franchisee success and brand consistency. Each franchise is independently owned and operated, but supported under the national brand umbrella.
Market Presence in the USA
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The franchise has a strong footprint in California, Texas, Florida, and other pet-friendly regions.
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Known for its dog-centric approach, it has built a loyal customer base and continues to expand into suburban and metropolitan areas with high pet ownership.
Industry Category
Camp Run-A-Mutt belongs to the pet care services industry, specializing in dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail.
Reputation & Recognition
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Praised for its cage-free boarding model and commitment to animal welfare.
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Frequently listed among the top dog daycare and boarding franchises in the U.S.
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Known for delivering a premium customer experience while offering franchisees a scalable and profitable business model.
Support Training
Camp Run-A-Mutt ensures that franchise owners receive comprehensive support at every stage of their business journey.
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Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation.
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Guidance on facility design and layout for optimal cage-free operations.
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Help with securing financing options and vendor relationships.
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Operational Training
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In-depth training on dog behavior, safety, and staff management.
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Technology training, including live camera systems and POS software.
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Day-to-day operational procedures for daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail.
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Marketing Support
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Local and national marketing strategies.
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Access to branded promotional materials and digital marketing campaigns.
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Social media management guidance to increase customer engagement.
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Academic & Staff Training
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Training programs for employees to ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality care.
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Ongoing workshops and refresher courses on dog handling and customer service.
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Ongoing Support
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Regular field visits and operational support.
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Franchisee forums and peer support networks.
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Continuous updates to systems, services, and marketing strategies to stay competitive.
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Ideal Candidate
The ideal Camp Run-A-Mutt franchisee is:
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Passionate about animals – Must genuinely love dogs and want to contribute to their well-being.
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Business-Minded Entrepreneur – Individuals with management, customer service, or retail experience will thrive.
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Financially Prepared – Should have the investment capacity to cover startup and operational costs.
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Community-Oriented – Must be willing to build relationships with local pet owners and become a trusted community resource.
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Hands-On Operator – While semi-absentee models are possible, owners who are actively engaged often see the best results.
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Location Preference – Best suited for suburban or urban areas with high pet ownership and disposable income.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost / Fee |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $300,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $49,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $250,000 – $600,000 (depending on location & size) |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital (First Year) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Training & Support Fee | Included in franchise fee |
| Expected ROI | Within 3–5 years |
| Break-Even Point | Typically 18–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dog Daycare, Overnight Boarding, Grooming Services, Dog Training, Retail Sales (food, toys, accessories) |
| Current Franchise Units | 13+ Locations in the USA |