Pet boarding services: VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding vs. Camp Bow Wow

Quick Verdict

Both VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding and Camp Bow Wow offer comprehensive pet care services, but they cater to slightly different needs. VCA's on-site veterinary care is a major advantage for pets with medical conditions or those needing close monitoring. Camp Bow Wow focuses on a play-based environment and offers more structured daycare and training programs. The best choice depends on the individual pet's needs and the owner's preferences.

VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding offers on-site veterinary care, which is a significant advantage for pets with medical needs, while Camp Bow Wow partners with local vets.
Both VCA and Camp Bow Wow offer dog boarding, daycare, grooming, and training services, but VCA also provides cat boarding.
Both facilities offer webcams for pet parents to monitor their pets, but availability may vary by location for VCA.
Camp Bow Wow emphasizes a play-based environment with Certified Camp Counselors, while VCA focuses on enrichment activities and supervision by kennel attendants and animal health technicians.
Cancellation policies differ between the two, with VCA requiring 24-48 hours notice depending on the location, and Camp Bow Wow requiring 48 hours notice (7 days for holiday reservations).

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding	Camp Bow Wow
Dog Boarding	Offered, safe and secure environment, some locations offer luxury suites with outdoor views and kennels with doggy doors to outside pens.	Yes, offers overnight dog boarding services with all-day play in spacious play yards, attention from Certified Camp Counselors, and cozy cabins with comfy cots and fleece blankets.
Cat Boarding	Offered in climate-controlled facilities, ensures comfort and monitors needs, especially for medication or medical conditions.	Information not found in the search results.
Grooming Services	Available at some locations, includes bathing, haircuts, and nail trims.	Yes, offers professional dog grooming services such as baths and nail trims.
Daycare Services	Offered at some locations, includes supervised and playful activities for exercise and socialization.	Yes, provides a safe and fun-filled environment where dogs can socialize and exercise.
Training Services	Available at certain VCA Pet Resorts, including obedience training.	Yes, offers dog training classes using reward-based techniques.
24/7 Supervision	Offered at some locations, veterinarian available 24/7 at some locations, but some locations do not have overnight staff.	Temperature control, fire, and security alarms are monitored 24/7.
Webcams	Available at VCA Premier Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, allows 24/7 observation with personal internet access.	Yes, live webcams are available in play yards so pet parents can watch their dogs.
Outdoor Play Areas	Available at many facilities, some have spacious exercise pens and in-ground swimming pools.	Yes, offers spacious outdoor play areas where dogs can exercise.
Indoor Play Areas	Available at some locations.	Yes, provides indoor, climate-controlled play areas.
Veterinary Care On-site	Key advantage, some hospitals have 24-hour veterinary services.	Partners with local vets and animal hospitals for medical issues.
Transportation Services	Availability varies by location, contact specific location for details.	Yes, offers doggy pick-up and drop-off services, including transportation to grooming or vet appointments.
Overnight Stays	Offered	Yes, provides overnight dog boarding services.
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Both VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding and Camp Bow Wow: Price: Not available, Ratings: Not available

Pros and Cons

VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding

Pros:

On-site veterinary care
Enrichment activities
Medication administration
Tours of boarding and play areas are encouraged

Cons:

Some locations do not have overnight staff
Cancellation fees may apply
Intact male canines may not be allowed at some facilities

Camp Bow Wow

Pros:

No notable advantages reported.

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback

VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Daily schedule includes multiple potty breaks and playtimes.
VCA emphasizes that pets are under the supervision of kennel attendants and animal health technicians.
VCA will attempt to contact the owner using the emergency number provided and the veterinary staff will provide necessary medical treatment.
VCA offers various enrichment activities, including puzzle feeders, treat hunts, water play, and trick training.
VCA may recommend short boarding visits to help pets adjust.
Owners can bring their pet's bed, blanket, and favorite toys to provide comfort.
Veterinarians may prescribe calming medication if needed.
Generally, rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccines are required for dogs.
Some locations also require canine influenza and leptospirosis vaccines for dogs.
Generally, rabies and distemper vaccines are required for cats.
Some locations may require Feline Leukemia vaccinations/tests for cats.
VCA staff are willing to administer medications as scheduled.
Bring all medications in their original containers with instructions.
VCA Avondale Pet Resort requires a 24-hour notice for canceling a boarding reservation.
VCA Animal Wellness Center of Maple Grove Resort requires 48-hour notice to cancel, or a 10 day notice for reservations over holidays, spring break and MEA weekend.

Camp Bow Wow

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Dogs in overnight boarding enjoy a full day of play in spacious play yards and retreat to cozy cabins for rest.
Camp Bow Wow has Certified Camp Counselors who supervise play sessions. Staff is certified in pet first aid and CPR. There is 24/7 monitoring.
Camp Bow Wow partners with local vets and animal hospitals in the area. Emergency contact information is collected.
It is possible to view the play areas via webcams. A "Camper Interview" is required to ensure the play-based environment is a good fit.
Dogs must be up-to-date on Rabies, Distemper (DHLPP), and Bordetella vaccines. Some locations may require other vaccinations.
Medications should be brought in their original containers with clear labels of the pet's name, dosage, and frequency. Camp Bow Wow does not charge extra for administering medication.
You may cancel your reservation up to 48 hours in advance of your check-in date without incurring a late cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to check-in will incur a fee equal to a one-night charge. Holiday reservations require 7 days' notice for a full refund.
Camp Bow Wow helps relieve boredom and separation anxiety by providing a safe environment for dogs to play and socialize.
Camp Bow Wow offers dog boarding for all breeds. All dogs are required to pass a "Camper Interview" to ensure the play-based environment is a good fit.
Camp Bow Wow offers enrichment programs that stimulate natural instincts and promote overall well-being. These include interactive games, sensory activities, and problem-solving challenges.