Who We Are
Pet Camp is more than a job – we are all pet lovers and pet parents dedicated to providing your dog or cat with a safe, fun and loving environment when you can’t be there yourself. We believe in a personalized approach to pet care ensuring your peace-of-mind knowing your pet is safe, happy, and loved while you’re away or busy at work.
We are proud to be 100% family-owned and operated, an active member of San Francisco’s animal and small business community, and we work hard to earn your trust every single day.
Our Story
Once upon a time, we – Virginia Donohue and Mark Klaiman – had 9-to-5 careers. But as we toiled away in our cubicles (well, actually, Virginia had an office and Mark was stuck in a cubicle), we dreamed of a job where we could spend the day with our dogs and for our dogs to have fun every day just like when they were at our neighborhood dog park. Well, our dream came true and we got to spend the day with our dogs and yours as well!
As we designed Pet Camp, we knew we wanted to create a place where pets do what pets love. We weren’t interested in flashy things that might appeal to people; we wanted to do everything for the pets. We wanted to create both the physical environment and the types of activities that would keep dogs and cats physically and mentally engaged.
As San Franciscans ourselves and with our background in environmental protection, we knew we wanted Pet Camp to be a socially responsible company – engaged in the community, supportive of not for profits, and a good environmental steward.
The Pet Camp Journey
1997
Pet Camp’s Main Campground opens in May 1997. Many things have changed since then, but every decision is made the same way: What would our pets like?
2005
Pet Camp becomes the first certified green pet care facility in the country
2007
Pet Camp’s Cat Safari opens
2011
The “Savannah” is added to Pet Camp’s Main Campground
2015
Virginia left day-to-day operations, but her vision and values remain at Pet Camp’s cores
2019
The “Meadow” and its amazing glass retractable roof is added to Pet Camp’s Main Campground, and our updated Serengeti Plains room and private garden are added to Pet Camp’s Cat Safari.
2023
Pet Camp opens a one-of-a-kind facility, The Ranger Station, built with natural amenities and innovative activity stations where dogs can be dogs – embracing their natural instincts and developing core skills at the same time.
It's Been a Wonderful Journey!
We’ve been blessed with amazing counselors and campers. We are fortunate to be a member of a vibrant small business community that reflects San Francisco’s values. We are grateful to our Pet Camp counselors, our campers, and pet parents who allow us the privilege of caring for their dogs and cats.
Pet Camp’s facilities are fully licensed, permitted and inspected by the City of San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Caring for someone else’s pet is a responsibility that we take seriously. At Pet Camp, we set best practice standards using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures. From electrostatic sprayers to fresh circulated air, we go above and beyond to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
More info here: Health/Safety & Check-In Guide