Camp Bow Wow Provides a Place to Play When You're Away

New York transplant Amy Ryan came to Cleveland three years ago with a mission – to have a business in the dog industry, a field she’d learned well during her 22 years on Wall Street. She quickly settled on dog day care simply because she personally had experienced the need for such a service.

"I used to travel a lot and had no place to put my dogs," Ryan said, her rascally four Cavalier King Charles spaniels, ages 7, 6, 5 and 4, resting at her feet.

She opened her first Camp Bow Wow nearly a year ago in Alpha Park in Highland Heights, and plans to open a second, currently under construction in Bainbridge, in winter 2012. She also plans to launch a pet-sitting business called Home Buddies in November.

While Ryan is all about business, Camp Bow Wow is all about play. The campers have access to three large indoor play areas and three fenced-in outdoor playgrounds, where they’re supervised by counselors trained in dog behavior, dog first aid and CPR.

Several webcams installed around the facility allow doting owners to watch their campers in action online at www.campbowwow.com.

"The dogs go home exhausted," she said.

"Teacup" dogs are kept in a special area, and overnight campers are assigned private “cabins” with comfy cots.

Campers are screened for sociability, and must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered, flea and tick-free and current on all vaccinations. Fees are $16 for six hours or less, $25 for day camp and $37 for overnight stays. Ryan also offers camp packages and multi-dog discounts.