In order for everyone to fully enjoy a relaxing stay, Camp Unleashed has established a health protocol and safety rules that are strictly enforced.
Each Camp Unleashed session is limited to 50 people to ensure a high quality experience and maximum freedom for the dogs.
Health
We do everything we can to ensure all dogs arrive and leave healthy. Therefore we require a Health Certificate signed by your veterinarian (within 30 days of camp start date) stipulating that your dog is free of any contagious skin condition or other health problem. You will also need to provide proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination, as required by law. In case of an emergency, veterinarians are available in the area 24/7, and for minor problems, veterinary technicians on staff at Camp Unleashed may be able to assist.
All dogs who attend camp must be neutered. The reason we cannot accept intact male dogs, no matter how sweet their temperament might be, is because the testosterone in their bodies results in a chemical arousal in the other dogs present, which can lead to a natural behavioral response such as aggression. In order to maintain a very relaxed environment for all the dogs, we cannot take on the additional intrinsic challenge and potential problem presented by this specific olfactory stimulus.
Dogs need not be highly trained in obedience, but should be generally well behaved. That means no fence jumping, running away, destruction of property or excessive barking, especially when left in a crate, on a tie-out, or apart from their human for brief periods of time.
We do not allow choke/chain or prong collars at camp, as they are not in keeping with our philosophy and can also be dangerous during play. Also, no flexi-leads.
Living at Camp
Each camper may bring up to 2 dogs.
For most of camp your dog is free to be off leash as long as she/he responds to your voice recall, doesn’t have any problems around other dogs, and doesn't run away. However, in certain workshops, we may ask for you to keep your dog on a leash for a short period in order to limit distractions.
Campers are responsible for cleaning up all dog poop immediately. Trash cans and bags will be conveniently located.
Camp Unleashed is not responsible for weather conditions resulting in site-related difficulties. In the event of inclement weather, the camp schedule may be changed to allow for alternative indoor activities.
Your deposit of $200 per person guarantees your space. Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
The wellbeing and safety of dogs and their people is our Number One priority at Camp Unleashed. We recognize offering the experience for dogs to be off-leash is not without its challenges. But freedom for the dogs is what Camp Unleashed is all about. So we must be clear: Camp Unleashed is intended only for well-behaved, well-socialized dogs. That means dogs who have demonstrated self-control, engage well with other dogs, and are responsive to their guardian when asked to come. We don’t expect dogs to be perfect. But they must be safe around others in this environment. Here’s how we do it:
1.) Camp location — Although the camps where we hold our retreats are not fenced in, they are located in secluded, private, rustic places, far from automobile traffic and roadways. These are camps where people pay to send their children for weeks at a time, so they are naturally designed for the safety of kids. Cabins and playing fields are located within the grounds.
2.) Exclusivity — When we hold a camp, we are the only group on the premises at that time. So the only other people you will see are other campers and camp staff. Dogs are respected and embraced by everyone. We do not allow children under 12 to attend camp.
3.) Screening process — Before a dog is accepted to Camp Unleashed, guardians must fill out a detailed questionnaire about their dog’s history, behavior, training, upbringing. Camp Unleashed staff review this information very carefully. If we see any red flags, we arrange for one of our trained behaviorists to have a conversation with the guardians to determine whether the dog is appropriate for our off-leash environment. Dogs must play well with other dogs and not be aggressive. In some cases we may ask for references from a trainer or veterinarian. To minimize potential tension, we don’t allow unneutered male dogs, females in heat, or dogs less than eight months of age. Camp Unleashed reserves the right to ask you to leave camp WITHOUT A REFUND, if we
deem your dog to be a danger to other dogs or people at camp.
4.) Camp limit of 50 dogs — We limit the size of each camp to no more than 50 dogs so the size of the pack is manageable and not overwhelming. This enables us to make camp a more relaxed, more personal experience. Because we offer multiple activities at the same time, people and dogs are usually in groups of 10 to 15.
5.) Professional, trained staff — The people who run Camp Unleashed — our logistics team — and teach workshops — our behaviorists, trainers, and sports instructors, are trained, qualified professionals, many with multiple certifications. Their role is to teach their specialty and also to help us maintain a safe environment. The ratio of Camp Unleashed staff to campers is approximately one staff member for every four campers, which ensures a great deal of personal attention. Every camp has at least one certified veterinary technician with an Emergency Veterinary Medicine Kit on hand.
6.) Program and methodology — Hundreds of dogs have attended Camp Unleashed. We are continually learning by observing them and from camper feedback. We have a process and protocol for introducing and mixing dogs, and managing the flow of their energy in a safe manner. This includes reminding guardians that they must have visual contact with their dog at all times; just because a dog is off leash doesn’t mean you are off the hook from being responsible for your dog’s behavior and well being. For indoor workshops, we ask dogs to be leashed up.
7.) Camp rules — We have an established set of rules that each camper must follow. For example, we do not allow chain, choke or prong collars, or flexi-leads. Every dog must have certification of a current rabies vaccination (or acceptable titer), as well as a Health Certificate signed by their veterinarian within 30 days of camp, stipulating that the dog is free of any contagious skin condition or other health problem.
8.) High repeat rate — Camp Unleashed has a high percentage of campers who return every season — many attending more than one session a year. Having a core of seasoned, experienced campers and dogs sets a tone for the others in the pack.