After 15 years, Advanced Pet Care of Oakland outgrew its Sashabaw Road location. But animals and their owners won’t have far to go for its new location ? it’s right across the street.
‘Clarkston has the best pet owners ? you can’t beat the location.,? said Dr. Bryan Cornwall, founder.
The new full-service pet hospital is about 56,000 square feet, four times bigger than its previous location. It includes a comfort room, with separate doorway for sensitive animals or procedures, four exam rooms, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, computerized, paperless information systems, and fully equipped operating room.
Attached to the new hospital is Camp Bow Wow, offering day and overnight services for dogs. Owners Linda Ward, Patti McDonald, Sue Rutkowski, and Sue Nara left careers in the corporate world to start their own business.
‘We have a passion for dogs,? McDonald said. ‘This is a new career for us.?
Camp Bow Wow was established in 2000 in Colorado, since then opening franchises around the country.
‘We heard about them a couple years ago on the radio ? We fell in love with the concept,? McDonald said.
They join Advanced Pet Care on Sashabaw Road as tenants.
‘The four of us were looking for a place,? Rutkowski said. ‘We heard Dr. Cornwall was building ? this is a good relationship. We offer a good service for his patients.?
‘We’re fortunate to be here,? McDonald said. ‘Clarkston is a beautiful area.?
Camp Bow Wow has four play areas, indoor and outdoor. Dogs are first taken to an interview room, where they are evaluated by size and temperament, said Marlo Victor of Camp Bow Wow-Clarkston.
‘We want to see how the dog responds to other dogs in the facility,? Victor said. ‘That helps us determine what play area would best serve that dog.?
Dogs sleep in 58 ‘cabins,? 4-by-8 or 5-by-10 foot cages, each with cots and fleece blankets. Meals are set up in a Prep Room, with dish washer.
‘The dogs get clean, fresh water all day long,? Victor said.
Camp policy is to let dogs run free as much as possible ? four-way gates channel dogs from cabins to play areas.
‘We offer a true, free environment,? she said.
Cabins are cleaned when dogs are in play areas, and play areas are cleaned when dogs are in cabins. House training schedules are maintained, so dogs stay in the habit of going to the bathroom outside, she said.
‘Our goal is a dry, safe and clean environment for the dogs,? she said. ‘We’re always cleaning.?
Their main priority is convenience for the customer.
‘If you’re in a hurry, you can come in, hand over the leash, and leave,? she said. ‘We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone except the employees.?
Webcams are set up throughout the play areas to allow owners to keep an eye on their dogs, she said.
‘It’s great for socialization,? she said. ‘For younger dogs, it helps train them to keep on a schedule ? they go outside to potty, same as at home. And its fun ? if you’re a dog, this is the place to be.?
For cat owners, Cornwall set up an indoor boarding room for cats.
‘We could call it Camp Meow Meow,? he said.
Each cage has a separate chamber for the litter box, more easier to clean and more comfortable for the cat.
Hours for Camp Bow Wow, 6374 Sashabaw Road, are 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays; and 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. weekends and holidays. For more information, call 248-620-9663 (WOOF) or check campbowwow.com.
Advanced Pet Care, 6378 Sashabaw Road, is open 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays. Call 248-620-2900 or check www.Advanced-PetCare.com.