When Julie Rae was asked to write a research paper about the Camp Bow Wow franchise for school, she initially had no idea that the assignment would lead to a fulfilling career.
After researching the franchise for her assignment, Julie was so impressed with Camp Bow Wow that she knew she had to open her own location.
“I fell in love with the camp and presented the idea to my husband, Rob, who hopped right on board,” Rae says.
In August, 2019, the couple opened Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa at 2647 W. Baseline Road.
Rae, along with Manager Ashton Gregor and their team of dedicated and dog-loving employees provides dog day care, dog boarding, and grooming—all in a safe, secure, clean, and caring environment.
From pups who need to keep busy while their human parents are at work to pooches who need a place to stay while their families are on vacation, the friendly and experienced staff at Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa is happy to care for virtually any size and breed.
As a devoted dog lover herself—Rae and her husband have five fur babies of their own: Enzo, Hazel, Oliver, Penelope, and Sadie—she understands firsthand how difficult it can be for people to entrust their beloved pets to someone else’s care.
One of the many things that impressed Rae about the Camp Bow Wow franchise is the training process for prospective employees, as well as the many safety measures that are in place at all times.
“We have certified camp counselors who are thoroughly trained in yard management safety protocols, as well as dog behavior, pet CPR, and pet first aid,” Rae says, adding that Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa also strictly adheres to cleaning protocols.
In case pet parents want to check in on their campers throughout their stay, Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa has live webcams that let people watch their pup on their mobile device or computer.
Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa also offers all-day play sessions for dogs in both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The facility is climate-controlled for maximum comfort, and dogs can enjoy various themed enrichment sessions during their stays, which include both physical and mental stimulation.
Rae is also pleased to offer flexible check-in and checkout times for her clients, and, as long as campers pass a free socialization interview, there are no restrictions on which breeds are allowed.
Over the past five years, Rae has enjoyed seeing a steady increase in clients and regular customers.
“I would say around 50% or 60% of our clientele is referral-based, and we have so many regulars at camp, some of which come nearly every day,” she says. "Our employees really come to know each and every one of the dogs that comes through the door!”
Looking back, Rae loves the way a class assignment led to such a fulfilling and rewarding career.
“I absolutely love the dogs, the people, the process, and the connection we build with pet parents,” she says. “I really love that what we do here makes dogs so happy, and I also enjoy helping to educate the community on pet safety, and different ways people can enrich their dogs’ lives.”
"I absolutely love the dogs, the people, the process, and the connection we build with pet parents."