Cascade Pet Camp celebrates 10 years

Located on a five and a half acre site 10 minutes south of Hood River, the camp’s main building houses private “cabins” and “patio” accommodations for dogs, as well as a more traditional group “bunkhouse.” Feline campers enjoy their own individual cabins and cat-friendly playroom.

Client appreciation party Thursday, 5-8 p.m. No pets, please.

Three fenced play yards and a spacious indoor training and exercise building for dogs provide room for customized activity schedules and frequent human interaction.

For more information about Cascade Pet Camp, visit www.cascadepetcamp.com.

Cascade Pet Camp supports local shelters and nonprofits, takes in animals during emergencies, and sponsors family events, such as Families in the Park. Pet parents and their furry kids can also enjoy “Yappy Hour” Thursday nights at the facility’s indoor/outdoor dog park.

“Industry research and our experience tell us the more activity pets have, the happier and healthier they are, especially when away from home,” said camp founder and director Jenni Lott. “And since pets are individuals just like people, we tailor their activities to what works best for each of our campers.”

Lott came to the business as an experienced dog trainer with a background in science. She’s a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), and she holds a PhD in behavioral ecology from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

“I was teaching agility classes, and people were always asking if I knew where they could leave their pets when they traveled,” Lott said. “But I had problems finding someone really responsible to take care of my own dogs.”

So she decided to design and build a state-of-the-art pet lodging and training facility dedicated to keeping animals healthy and comfortable.

“I got really excited about introducing a new, healthier concept of pet boarding, and applying my scientific and training expertise to help animals have a good time away from home,” Lott said. “Because pets deserve a vacation, too.”

Cascade Pet Camp serves the Columbia Gorge and draws clients from Portland, Seattle, the Tri-Cities and beyond.