location_on East County, CA

East County (El Cajon)

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Award-winning cage-free dog daycare and boarding where your pup can romp, run, and relax.

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Welcome to the Pack

Premier Cage-Free Dog Daycare in East County, CA

The award-winning Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is the premier cage-free dog daycare and boarding paradise! Our camp consists of beautiful indoor and outdoor play areas (see for yourself on our Muttcams), which are fun, safe and supervised 24/7. Camp Run-A-Mutt™ East County features over 7,000 square feet for your dog to romp, play and socialize to their heart’s content! Watch your camper online as they run on the spacious grassy area, cool off in the custom water feature, relax on dog-friendly furniture or under the shade sails on a hot day (or in our temperature-controlled indoor play areas during inclement weather).

It’s more than just the amenities that make us unique. Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is also 100% cage-free for both daycare and overnight boarding. Your dog will receive exceptional care by our attentive staff, who are trained to be familiar with dog behavior and certified in dog CPR and first aid. Overnight Campers enjoy the security of a caring human in the same room while they snooze. Our goal is to make boarding fun by minimizing the stress and anxiety some dogs experience when they are away from home. “Pack boarding” instead of cages, human love instead of being alone, it’s a no brainer.

We also offer dog washing, grooming, and surprises you’ll find only at Camp Run-A-Mutt™. Your pup will love it, and so will you.

emoji_events Awards & Media

Thank You, San Diego!

We’re honored to be named Best Pet Daycare & Boarding in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Best of 2025!

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Address

1506 Pioneer Way
El Cajon, CA 92020

schedule

Lobby Hours

Mon-Fri: 6:30AM - 7:00PM Saturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
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Contact

619-312-2267

[email protected]
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Areas We Serve

Camp Run-A-Mutt East County, CA proudly serves dog owners in El Cajon, Fletcher Hills, Rancho San Diego, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Granite Hills, Bostonia, Winter Gardens. Whether you live nearby or commute through the area, our cage-free daycare and boarding is conveniently located to serve your community.

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Google Reviews
4.7 star
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80 reviews
H
Happy Pet Parent
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"Our dog absolutely loves Camp Run-A-Mutt! The staff is amazing and we love being able to watch him play on the Muttcams...."

L
Loyal Customer
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"Best cage-free daycare in the area. Our pup comes home tired and happy every time. The overnight boarding is wonderful t..."

D
Dog Mom
star star star star star

"We were nervous about daycare but Camp Run-A-Mutt made the transition so easy. The temperament test process was thorough..."

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Camp Features

Designed specifically for a dog's happiness and safety.

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What Makes Us Different

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100% Cage-Free Always

Unlike traditional kennels, your dog is never confined to a cage or crate - not even at night during boarding.

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Human Sleepover Staff

A caring staff member sleeps with overnight boarders in pack-style rooms - no dog is ever left alone.

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Pack Play Philosophy

Dogs are matched with compatible playmates based on size, energy, and temperament for natural socialization.

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Premium Synthetic Turf

Safe, clean, and comfortable play surfaces for endless outdoor fun.

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Paw-Friendly Flooring

Cushioned rubber flooring that's gentle on joints and paws.

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Splash Pond & Waterfall

Water features for cooling off and splashing fun on hot days.

A Typical Day (and Night) At Camp

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Arrival at Camp

Quick check in. Bye bye human

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Morning Madness

Yards busiest time, run, play, splash, poop

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Mid-morning

Still playing, fetching, running, sunning, repeat

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Noon Lunch Time

The lunch bunch is separated for private yummies

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Afternoon

Slowing down, mingling, napping in the sun

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Late Afternoon

Mellowing for the ride home

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Pick Up

Happy reunion, then nap in the car

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Early Evening

Dinner is served

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Mid Evening

TV with Camp human, getting ever so sleepy

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Bedtime

Snoozing with friends and Camp human

Watch Your Pup Play Live

Check in on your furry friend anytime during business hours with our Muttcams!

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Want to get 20% OFF your next daycare package?

Want to get 20% OFF your next daycare package?

All you have to do is refer a friend! Your friend will get 20% OFF their first daycare package and you’ll get 20% OFF of your next package.

Pricing & Packages

Simple, transparent pricing. No hidden fees.

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Daycare

Full / Half

Full day is from 6:30AM to 7:00PM on weekdays and 8:00AM to 5:00PM on weekends. Half day is considered six hours or less.

Single Day

$44 / $34

5-Day Package

$208 / $154

$41.60 / $30.80 per day

10-Day Package

$373 / $263

$37.30 / $26.30 per day

20-Day Package

$597 / $437

$29.85 / $21.85 per day

Monthly Unlimited

$650 / $480

$21.67 / $16.00 est. per day

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Boarding

Includes daycare during boarding stay. Please note: Campers must be dropped off by noon the day they check in for boarding.

Standard Nightly

$72

Holiday

$82

Ten Night Package

$620
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Grooming

Please Note: Prices may vary due to desired length, temperament and overall coat condition. Grooming is by appointment only, no walk-ins please.

The Works

Bath, nail trim, teeth brushing, anal glands, ear cleaning, de-shed/blowout & sanitary trim

$35-$50

Bath Package

Includes bath, nail trim, & blow dry

$20-$30

Bath Only

Includes bath & blow dry

$10-$20
Please Note: Prices may vary due to desired length, temperament and overall coat condition. Grooming is by appointment only, no walk-ins please.

Camp Requirements & Safety

Ready to join Camp Run-A-Mutt™ East County, CA? Here's how to get started:

  1. 1
    Submit Vaccination Records

    Have your vet email records to [email protected].

    We require current proof of Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo, Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Rabies. Dogs over seven months must be spayed or neutered.

  2. 2
    Schedule a Temperament Test

    Call us at 619-312-2267 to book your pup's brief temperament test. Appointments are available 10:00AM -12:00PM Saturday - Thursday.

    Since Camp Run-A-Mutt™ is cage-free, we strive to make it a positive and safe experience for all our campers, no matter their age or size. Therefore, we have a few more qualifying steps to join the fun than most other places. Every new dog is given the best possible chance to become a Camper and once they succeed, you’ll be glad all their new playmates have gone through the same process.

  3. 3
    Visit Camp

    We'll verify vaccinations, review our Service Agreement, and introduce your dog to our regular campers in a supervised play session while you watch from our customer lounge.

  4. 4
    First Day of Daycare (Required for Boarding)

    After passing their temperament test, your pup must complete at least one full daycare day (minimum 6 hours, $20) before booking overnight boarding. This helps us observe how they interact with the pack and settle into our environment—and helps them feel comfortable for sleepovers!

  5. 5
    Overnight Boarding

    For boarding stays, please bring your dog's food pre-bagged in individual portions, along with any treats you'd like us to give them. There's no need to bring bowls or bedding—we provide everything they need for a comfortable stay. If your dog requires any medications, just let us know and we'll be happy to administer them as directed.

Pro tip: We strongly recommend bringing your dog for several daycare visits before their first boarding stay. It makes the transition much easier!

Ready to Book Your Dog for Boarding at our East County, CA Camp?

Once your pup passes their day of daycare, you can schedule boarding. Fill out our Boarding Checklist (sent via confirmation email), and drop off before noon on their first night. Pickup is available during normal business hours.

Meet the Pack Leaders

Mike & Molly

Mike & Molly

Owners / Dog Lovers

Mike is a California native and loves all that San Diego has to offer. He was in the Army for 8 years and traveled the world, then returned to San Diego to raise his family. Molly moved to California with her family when she was 5, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Raising 4 children and worki...

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour the facility? expand_more
YES! We understand the importance of transparency when it comes to your fur baby, so we are happy to provide tours of our facility. This may be easier during certain hours of the day than others (such as morning drop off or feeding times) so please give us a call to confirm the best time.
How old does my pup need to be before I can bring him or her to Camp? expand_more
The minimum age requirement for puppies is 12 weeks of age. Typically, by this point they have received at least 2 sets of their initial puppy shots, and most vets agree this is an acceptable time to begin introducing your puppy to other dogs. Don't forget, all Campers are required to be up to date on all vaccinations while at Camp Run-A-Mutt, so this is also one of the safest places for your puppy to begin interacting with new dogs.
What are your vaccination requirements to attend Camp? expand_more
We require proof of current standings on Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo, Canine Influenza Virus, Leptospirosis, and Rabies.
Why does my dog need to be neutered/spayed at 7 months of age? expand_more
Our spay and neuter requirements are for the safety of all dogs in our care, especially yours. Often, when puppies begin to produce sex hormones, it can lead to unwelcome behaviors. It can also cause other dogs to behave differently toward that dog than they normally would. In order to prevent behavioral issues on both sides, and since this is the average age where problems begin to arise, all dogs must be altered by 7 months at the latest.
Can I watch the temperament test? expand_more
Absolutely! We have a live camera feed of our temperament test area so that you can see exactly what's going on, from the comfort of our customer lounge. In an effort to create the most accurate representation of our primary play areas, we don't permit customers to be in the area while we are conducting the temperament test. But we promise to communicate with you during every step of the process!
How long does a temperament test take? expand_more
The short answer: it depends. Each temperament test is conducted based on the unique needs of the new dog. For a dog that's been in daycare their whole life and is happy-go-lucky and super confident, it may be no more than 5-10 minutes. For a dog that hasn't had a lot of socialization, we will slow it down to match their comfort level. We generally ask that you budget about 15-30 minutes for the whole process.
Can I do a temperament test first thing in the morning? expand_more
We know that life is busy, which is why we offer temperament testing every day that we are open for daycare. However, when we first open in the morning (or at the very end of the day), we do not have the appropriate number of staff or dogs to facilitate an accurate temperament test. Please call or email us to determine the best time for you to bring in your pup.
I just adopted my dog. Can I schedule a temperament test? expand_more
Congratulations! The majority of our Campers are adopted, and we love that! However, newly adopted dogs have had a lot of transition in their lives. Since they are still in an adjustment period, we ask that you wait at least 3 weeks before bringing your new family member into daycare. In the meantime, we recommend lots of bonding time through walks, playtime, and treats!
My dog has been in daycare before. Why does Camp Run-A-Mutt require another temperament test? expand_more
We do this to ensure the safety of each and every dog that enters our facility. Dogs are very sensitive animals and may respond differently to new sights and smells, people, and dogs, so we want to ensure that the combination of those stimuli at our location is a good fit for your pup.
Why does my dog need to complete a "test day" before they can board? expand_more
Our cage-free boarding is a unique concept. To ensure the safety and comfort of all pups in our care, we require that all Campers spend a minimum of one 6+ hour day with us prior to being allowed to spend the night. This allows us to observe their behavior over the course of the day. We also encourage customers planning for a long boarding stay to consider a "trial" boarding night first.
Why do we need to check in before noon for boarding? expand_more
Our noon drop-off requirement has several benefits, all geared toward ensuring your dog has the best first night possible. Arriving by 12pm gives your dog the chance to play for at least 6 hours before the day starts winding down. And we know that a tired dog makes for the best slum-grr party guest.
Why do you want me to individually package my dog's meals when boarding? expand_more
We ask that you bring your dog's meals in pre-portioned containers so that we can quickly determine at check-in that your pup has enough food for their entire stay. It also eliminates any disparities in measurements, so you know your dog is getting exactly how much you intend. And most importantly, it frees us up to spend more time playing with your dog!
Can I pick my dog up before you open or after you close? expand_more
Although we are staffed 24 hours per day, we cannot accommodate after-hours pick ups. For the safety of all dogs in our care, Camp Run-A-Mutt has very strict policies when it comes to employee supervision of Campers. However, if you give us advanced permission, we will gladly allow someone other than you to pick your dog up during normal business hours.
Why can't I see my dog on the Muttcams? expand_more
Our Muttcams are placed to provide the maximum view of our play areas and the best action footage. Many of our dogs play so much that they have to rest and recharge, so there's a good chance your pup is just relaxing out of camera view. If you can't spot your dog for awhile, always feel free to give us a call and we can give you an update.
Why did you put a Camp collar on my dog today? expand_more
For their safety, all Campers must wear a proper fitting quick-release collar while participating in daycare or boarding. If they happen to arrive at Camp without one, we can utilize one of our collars for the day. (Please note: if your dog cannot wear a collar for medical reasons, we can permit them to wear a harness instead.)
Why did you leash/time out/or move my dog today? expand_more
There are a number of reasons why we may temporarily leash a dog, or move them to a different part of the facility, but it's always based on creating the safest environment possible for all the dogs in our care. Please give us a call, or talk to us when you pick up your dog and we will be happy to discuss in detail.

Find Us

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location_on

Address

1506 Pioneer Way
El Cajon, CA 92020

schedule

Lobby Hours

Mon-Fri: 6:30AM - 7:00PM
Saturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
call

Contact

619-312-2267

[email protected]

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