Why This Question Surprised Us
I have to admit, I was a bit embarrassed when I learned that this question pops up on Reddit from time to time. Full disclosure: I’ve never been on Reddit and only have a vague understanding of what it is (but I suspect most of you already knew that).
Why was I embarrassed? Here’s the short answer:
Back in 1997, when Virginia and I opened Pet Camp, we wanted to recreate the San Francisco dog park experience for dogs coming to a pet care facility (back then it was called a “kennel”). Dog day care wasn’t even a thing in 1997! Pet parents took their dogs to the park before and after work to get exercise and socialization.
When we opened Pet Camp, we designed it so dogs from different families could play together in our 5,000-square-foot outdoor “dog park.” At the time, the idea was so controversial that the American Boarding Kennel Association almost didn’t let us join! From day one, outdoor play space has been central to who we are.
How Pet Camp Has Evolved
Over the years, our philosophy around play space, dog socialization, and canine enrichment has continued to evolve. What has that meant in practice? More play space and more enrichment opportunities for San Francisco dogs!
Main Campground
What started as 5,000 square feet of play space has grown into more than 20,000 square feet. Today, the Main Campground includes:
-
The Prairie (5,000 sq. ft.): Our original outdoor play space, upgraded over the years with better turf and equipment.
-
The Savannah (13,000 sq. ft.): An outdoor space with trees, climbing structures, and sunshades.
-
The Meadow (3,300 sq. ft.): A unique indoor/outdoor play space with a retractable glass roof.
-
- The Meadow
-
- The Prairie
-
- The Savannah
-
- Campers and Counselors enjoying group play in the Prairie
-
- Campers and Counselors cuddling in the Savannah
Ranger Station
For dogs who need more than group play, our Ranger Station offers 7,000 square feet of outdoor enrichment, featuring:
-
The Overlook: Tunnels, a suspension bridge that moves with each step, and even a slide.
-
The Grassland: A wide turfed play zone.
-
Sensory Gardens: Three different spaces designed to stimulate dogs’ senses.
-
- Campers and Counselors in the Grasslands
-
- Camper Freya on the suspension bridge in the Overlook
-
- Camper Blue Cheese in the Grasslands
-
- Camper Clover in the Scent Gardens
Why the Question Still Comes Up
After 28 years of building outdoor play spaces and enrichment experiences, I was surprised that San Francisco pet parents are still asking if there’s a dog day care with outdoor play space. The answer is a big, resounding YES — and we’ve been doing it since 1997!
So if you’re reading this, would you mind helping us spread the word? Share this with friends, neighbors, or anyone else looking for a safe, fun outdoor space for their dog.
Thanks for reading — and thanks for being part of the Pet Camp community.