Camp Run-A-Mutt franchise startup costs run $367K–$711K for a dog daycare and boarding franchise with outdoor open-play yards, webcam monitoring, and a straightforward service model at a more accessible investment than competitors.
Camp Run-A-Mutt is a dog daycare and boarding franchise built around outdoor open-play yards with live webcam access for dog owners. The concept was founded in San Diego in 2007 and positions itself as a more natural, outdoor-focused alternative to indoor kennel boarding. Dogs spend their day in outdoor play yards supervised by trained staff rather than indoor playrooms, which reduces HVAC and specialty flooring costs versus fully indoor dog daycare concepts. The webcam-first philosophy — owners can watch their dogs live throughout the day — is a central customer satisfaction and retention driver. Prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436).
Camp Run-A-Mutt locations provide dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and training. The outdoor play yard model requires locations with ground-floor retail or commercial space that has outdoor access — this limits site options in dense urban markets but is well-suited for suburban strip centers with rear outdoor areas. The brand has locations primarily across the Sun Belt, Southwest, and Pacific Coast where outdoor year-round operations are most practical. Corporate provides franchisees with technology, operational protocols, and marketing support.
Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Camp Run-A-Mutt franchise runs $367,000–$711,000. The outdoor-focused model has a lower average buildout cost than fully indoor dog daycare concepts — outdoor play yard surfacing and fencing replace expensive specialty indoor flooring systems:
Camp Run-A-Mutt charges a 5–6% royalty on gross sales. Revenue comes from daycare day passes and packages, overnight boarding, grooming services, and training. The outdoor model is weather-dependent in northern climates — operators in year-round-weather markets have a structural advantage in operating efficiency. Multiple service lines allow franchisees to capture customer spending across the full pet services spectrum.
Camp Run-A-Mutt is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $367K–$711K, most openings fit within SBA 7(a) standard or SBA Express:
Camp Run-A-Mutt operators typically target breakeven within 18–30 months. The lower investment level versus fully indoor competitors means debt service is lower, improving the path to breakeven at moderate occupancy levels. Building a loyal daycare membership base takes 12–24 months — once customers develop a daily or weekly routine, churn rates are low. Sun Belt and Pacific Coast markets with year-round outdoor weather have the strongest operating model for the outdoor play yard concept.
Camp Run-A-Mutt suits owner-operators who are passionate about dogs and comfortable managing a staff-dependent service operation. Trained dog handlers, groomers, and front-desk staff are hired employees. Financial benchmarks typically require net worth of $350K+ and liquid capital of $100K+. Operators in suburban markets with access to rear outdoor commercial space and strong local dog ownership rates have the best site opportunities. The outdoor model is best suited for markets with mild year-round climates.
ClearValue Lending works with pet services franchise operators on SBA 7(a), equipment financing, and working capital lines. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
Camp Run-A-Mutt is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA-approved lenders to process applications without an independent franchisor review step. At $367K–$711K, the lower end fits SBA Express and the upper end fits SBA 7(a) standard. Here is what lenders evaluate:
Most Camp Run-A-Mutt loans are structured as SBA Express or SBA 7(a) standard term loans covering franchise fee + leasehold improvements + outdoor yard construction + equipment + technology + working capital. At $367K–$711K total cost, the loan amount after 10–20% equity injection runs $294K–$640K. SBA Express (up to $500K) covers the lower range with faster approval; 7(a) standard handles higher buildouts. Equipment financing for grooming stations, webcam systems, and kennel infrastructure can be split from the main loan. 10-year terms for working capital; up to 25 years for leasehold improvements. See SBA 7(a) vs. term loan for structural comparison.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $367,000–$711,000. Real estate, leasehold improvements, and outdoor play yard construction are the primary cost drivers.
Camp Run-A-Mutt charges a 5–6% royalty on gross sales.
Camp Run-A-Mutt uses outdoor open-play yards as the primary activity space rather than indoor playrooms. This reduces specialty indoor flooring costs and appeals to owners who prefer their dogs have outdoor exercise. Webcam access is a central customer feature.
Yes. Camp Run-A-Mutt is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. The lower end of the investment range fits SBA Express (up to $500K); the upper end fits SBA 7(a) standard. Equipment can be financed separately.
The outdoor play yard model works best in year-round mild climates — Sun Belt, Southwest, and Pacific Coast markets. Northern and Midwest markets with harsh winters require weather management strategies (covered outdoor areas, indoor backup space) to maintain year-round operations.
SBA SOP 50 10 7 sets a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×; pet daycare lenders typically require 1.25×+ on projected stabilized enrollment. The 12–18 month ramp to stable daily dog counts is the primary DSCR risk — lenders model revenue at below-capacity enrollment to verify the 1.25× floor holds during the ramp period. Owner-operator involvement and pre-enrollment deposit documentation can strengthen the pro forma. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7 (sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs).
SBA SOP 50 10 7 requires equity from non-borrowed funds. At $367K–$711K total project cost, pet daycare franchise lenders typically require 10–20% equity injection — $37,000–$142,000 in liquid owner capital verified via 90-day bank statements. SBA Express (up to $500K) is available for the lower investment range with faster approval. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7.