About Camp Merricks

What they do

Camp Merricks is "A Woman-Owned Business in the Heart of Virginia," a boarding and daycare property at 1180 Tye Brook Highway, Piney River. In its own words it is "a vacation spot for your dog," where dogs can enjoy "a single day of fun, or weeks of country life." The stated style of care provides "daily enrichment with things to climb on and jump over, friends to chase, room to run, places to dig and water to splash in."

The setup is eight fully fenced yards so that playgroups stay small, with dogs grouped in playgroups "appropriate for each dog's size, age, and energy level/temperament."

Getting in

A meet and greet is required before a new camper's first stay, at no charge, by appointment and generally Tuesday to Thursday. Campers must be dog-tolerant, and spayed or neutered if over twelve months. The business notes that behavior issues arising after the initial assessment may be cause for dismissal from camp.

Entry requirements are published: current rabies, bordetella and age-appropriate DHLPP vaccinations, with leptospirosis recommended because it is prevalent in the area; current flea and tick preventatives; and a negative fecal test within the last six months, sent to a lab rather than relying on a routine annual visit. Copies of vaccination records are required before the stay.

Training

The site states that training programs exist and directs readers to a dedicated training page for detail, and training and assessment appointments appear in its opening hours.If training is what you are after here, ask them directly what the current programs are.

Practical detail

Drop-off and pick-up for boarding and daycare run Monday to Friday 7:30-10:00am and 4:00-6:00pm, and Saturday on the same hours; Sunday is closed. Office hours for returning calls and emails are 10:30am-2:00pm on weekdays. Training and assessments are by appointment only.

The business gives its location as "conveniently located in Piney River, Virginia, between Charlottesville and Lynchburg," near Sweet Briar College, Wintergreen, Crabtree Falls and the 151 Brew Ridge Trail.