Camp Forms & Polices 

Camp Dogwood’s Rules & Regulations are designed to make the camp experience positive and safe for everyone. If you have any questions about our policies, please contact the camp office for further details.

Human Participants must be at least 18 years old. Puppies must be at least 3 months old. We’re sorry, but even with an adult guardian, no camper (human) less than 18 years old can attend camp.

• 2 dogs per person. If you would like to bring more than two dogs, there will be an additional fee of $50 per dog. Please contact the Camp Dogwood office to discuss multiple dog situations.
• Dogs must be reasonably well socialized, potty-trained and non-aggressive towards people. If your dog has been aggressive towards people in the past, please do not bring him/her to camp.
• Dogs who need more “space” must wear an orange bandanna in order to prevent unwanted situations between dogs at camp. See a further explanation of this Bandanna Program below.
• No dogs in heat. If your dog comes into heat while at camp, you will be asked to leave immediately without refund.
• Dogs must be in good health, free of contagious diseases and fleas. Proof of vaccines and a negative fecal sample will be required prior to camp. Forms will be sent with your pre-camp packet to verify these requirements.
• Participants are required to “Scoop the Poop” immediately and consistently while on camp property. Trash cans and plastic poop bags are placed abundantly around camp for added convenience.
• Dogs need to be leashed during classes, sessions, and all-camp activities. Dogs are allowed off leash on the large empty fields, the beach, the trails, walking from one activity to another, and in other less populated areas at camp. Full details of our on/off leash rules will be provided at camp.
• Campers must stay off of all equipment (agility, flyball, lure coursing, etc.) unless an instructor is present. Also, canoeing and/or human swimming is only permitted during scheduled times when a lifeguard is present, however dogs may be in the water at any time.
• Dogs are never allowed in the dining hall at any time for any reason.
• Smoking is not permitted in any building at camp. Smokers must do so outdoors and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
• In order for Camp Dogwood to be welcome at the facility where we hold camp sessions, dogs must be kept in a crate or small pen when left unattended in your room or cabin if they may cause damage otherwise. When the temperature is cool enough, dogs can also be left in your car or attached to a tie out if they can remain calm. If your dog is not crate trained, please call us to discuss this rule. If your dog is left loose and unattended, and as a result causes damage to your room, you will be responsible for paying for such damages (i.e. chews up the furniture, scratches the door).
• Your dog will be around many dogs and many people while at camp. If your dog demonstrates aggressive behavior at camp that is negatively impacting the camp experience for other people or dogs, Camp Dogwood reserves the right to expel you and your dog(s) from camp without notice or refund. Although camp can be a great environment to work on some negative behaviors/traits, some of these issues can be aggravated in a camp setting. If you have concerns about your dog’s ability to “get along with others” at camp, please call the Camp Dogwood office so we can discuss your individual situation.

Camp Dogwood is a great place for you and your puppy. There will always be activities and areas specially designated “Puppies & Small Dogs Only” for you at camp. This will give puppy lots of opportunities for socialization with others their own age or size.

In addition, camp is a wonderful way to begin exposing your puppy to various activities, find your puppy’s hidden talents, and get a jump-start on puppy training. Above all else, camp is guaranteed to burn off all of that “puppy energy!” All puppies coming to camp must be at least 3 months old.

Dogs who need more space will be wearing a special orange bandanna provided by Camp Dogwood. These are not bad dogs. When you see a dog wearing this orange bandanna at camp just proceed with caution when approaching, and speak with the human about the best way to handle a dog-to-dog introduction.

All dog campers at Camp Dogwood are expected to be reasonably well socialized and people/dog friendly. However, just like people, our dogs have good and bad days, which need special attention. The bandanna program is for the safety and precaution of all campers, including these dogs wearing them… safety first is out top priority!