FAQs

General

What exactly is Camp Dashaway? Camp Dashaway is a unique adventure service for dogs! We provide a fun, safe, and enriching outing where we pick up your pup, take them to our private wilderness reserve for several hours of hiking, exploring, and playtime, and then return them home happy and tired.
Where are you located? We are based in beautiful Jackson, Wyoming. Our wilderness adventure takes place on our private reserve just a short drive from town.
What are your hours of operation? Our adventure days run from approximately 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Mountain Time.
Is Camp Dashaway insured and bonded? Yes, for your peace of mind, Camp Dashaway is fully insured and bonded.
What are your qualifications and experience with dogs? We are passionate dog lovers with extensive experience caring for and working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for every camper.
What is your philosophy on dog care and adventure? Our philosophy is centered on providing dogs with the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors in a safe and stimulating environment. We believe in the power of outdoor exploration for their physical and mental well-being, fostering socialization and joyful experiences.
What makes Camp Dashaway different from dog walking or daycare? Unlike typical dog walking, Camp Dashaway offers a dedicated multi-hour adventure in a large wilderness setting. While daycare focuses on longer periods of supervised play, our program emphasizes exploration, hiking, and a unique outdoor experience.
Do you operate year-round? Yes, Camp Dashaway operates year-round, providing exciting adventures for your pup in all seasons! Feel free to opt out if your pup isn’t a fan of the cold. In extreme cases we will notify campers in advance of cancellations.

Eligibility and the "Camper Consultation"

How do I know if my dog is a good fit for Camp Dashaway? We're looking for friendly, social dogs who enjoy being outdoors and have a moderate level of fitness. The Camper Consultation helps us ensure your dog will thrive in our group setting and enjoy the adventures.
What is the "Camper Consultation" and why is it required? The Camper Consultation is a brief 30-minute meet-and-greet where we get to know your dog. This helps us assess their temperament, demeanor, and basic rule-following abilities to ensure the safety and happiness of all our campers.
What happens during the Camper Consultation? During the session, we'll observe how your dog interacts with our team and potentially other dogs (if available and appropriate). We'll also briefly assess their comfort level with handling and their response to simple commands.
Is there a fee for the Camper Consultation? Yes, there is a small fee of $50 for the consultation. Consider this your Camper on-boarding cost!
What types of dogs do you accept? We welcome most breeds and sizes of dogs who meet our temperament and fitness requirements.
Are there any dogs you cannot accept? For the safety of everyone, we cannot accept dogs with a history of aggression towards people or other dogs, or those with severe behavioral issues that would make group outings unsafe or stressful for them.
What if my dog has special needs (medical, dietary, etc.)? Please discuss any special needs during your Camper Consultation. We will assess whether we can safely and effectively accommodate your dog's specific requirements.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

What is your pick-up and drop-off service area? We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off for campers within a 5-mile radius of Jackson town. For those outside this area, we have a central "Howl-and-Go" meeting location in town, located at (spot TBD).
How does the pick-up process work? We will arrive within a scheduled window to pick up your dog from your home. Please ensure your dog is ready with their collar and leash.
What time will you pick up and drop off my dog? Pick-up generally begins around 8:30 AM MT, and drop-off is typically around 12:30 PM MT. Specific times may vary slightly depending on the daily route.
What happens if I'm not home for drop-off? For your convenience, if you're unable to be home at our estimated pick-up or drop-off time, we are happy to enter your home to gather and later drop off your pup. To make this process smooth and secure, we will need to discuss and arrange entry details during your Camper Consultation. This might include providing us with a key or a secure entry code. Please notify us in advance if you anticipate not being home so we can confirm the arrangements.
Can I drop off and pick up my dog myself at the wilderness reserve? For logistical reasons and to maintain the flow of our adventure day, we currently handle all pick-up and drop-off.
What if I live outside the 5-mile radius? If you live outside our pick-up radius, we ask that you bring your dog to our central "Howl-and-Go" meeting location for both pick-up and drop-off located at (TBD).

The Adventure Day:

Where do you take the dogs for their adventures? We have exclusive access to a beautiful and enclosed 2,000-acre private wilderness reserve located just a short drive from town, offering a safe and exciting environment for exploration.
What kind of activities do the dogs do during the adventure? Our adventures typically involve hiking along scenic trails, exploring natural terrain, engaging in playful games like chasing and fetching, and plenty of opportunities for safe socialization with other campers.
How long are the dogs out on the adventure? The dogs enjoy approximately three hours of playtime and exploration at our wilderness reserve.
What is the dog-to-staff ratio? We maintain a low dog-to-staff ratio to ensure close supervision and personalized attention for every camper. Our ratio is typically no more than 5 dogs per counselor.
How do you ensure the safety of the dogs during the adventure? Safety is our top priority. Our experienced staff closely supervise the dogs within our large, securely enclosed 2,000-acre wilderness reserve, providing a safe environment for exploration. We utilize leashes when appropriate, we are always aware of our surroundings and potential hazards, and we have established comprehensive emergency procedures in place to address any unforeseen situations.

The Wash and Return:

What does the "refreshing wash" entail? Our post-adventure wash typically involves a thorough rinse with fresh water and a towel dry to remove any mud or debris from their adventure.
Will my dog be completely dry when they are returned? We do our best to towel dry your dog thoroughly, but they may still be slightly damp, especially if they have a thick coat or the weather is humid.
What if my dog doesn't need a wash that day? The post-adventure rinse is a standard part of our service to ensure all campers return home clean.

Pricing and Booking:

What are your rates? Our daily rate is $90. We also offer package deals for multiple days.
Do you offer packages or discounts? We offer packages with discounts associated.
How do I book a spot for my dog? You can book a spot for your dog within the Camper Portal, which you can access ass soon as your dog has passed the Camper Consultation.
What is your cancellation policy? We require 24 hours cancellation, after which you will forfeit your payment for the day. We have a limited amount of seat on our Waggin’ and craft our Waggin’ Routes based on camper addresses.
How far in advance do I need to book? We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your dog's spot, especially during peak times.
What forms of payment do you accept? Credit card.

FAQs

General

Eligibility and the "Camper Consultation"

Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

The Adventure Day:

The Wash and Return:

Pricing and Booking:

Other Important Questions:

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