WILBRAHAM – Camp Callahan for Canines is moving to Wilbraham in Unit One of 2 River Road. The site has been occupied by LTM Manufacturing Co. for the past 26 years, and the businesses will be splitting the location.

The mother-daughter duo, Barbara and Meryl Callahan, met with the Wilbraham Zoning Board of Appeals on May 25 to obtain a permit for the new doggy daycare, which is scheduled to open in the beginning of August. Meryl is currently a veterinarian technician and is trained in animal behavior and canine massage therapy. Their application was approved by the Zoning Board.

The two are planning to add a sealant floor over concrete inside the building because it is the most sanitary flooring option. They will also be adding signage.  The Zoning Board of Appeals petitioned to install a fence per approval of the building inspector.

Owners who bring their dog to Camp Callahan need to have their pet registered within their town of origin.  The canines will need to have had a series of vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease between other dogs.

“The dogs will need to have rabies vaccinations, kennel cough vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and I’m highly recommending a flu vaccination.  The dogs should be spayed and neutered.  We’re also going to do a temperament test with different exercises to make sure the dogs will get along well with others,” Meryl said.

At the mention of nuisance barking prevention, Meryl and Barbara both agreed that if the noise of a particular dog became a problem, they wouldn’t hesitate to tell the owner that the daycare may not be a good fit for their pet.

 “The dogs are going to be supervised all the time, but if there’s barking I’m going to redirect them.  We will have crates inside if a time out is necessary. If the dog is a nervous barker, this may not be the right setting for them,” Meryl said.

Concern was raised as to if the Callahan’s business will be open to all breeds of dogs or if they will not allow breeds that are known for aggressive behavior.

“Having worked with dogs in medical settings, I don’t believe in breed restrictions. I think it’s all about how the dog is raised,” Meryl said.  Barbara added, “Usually people who have the money to take their dog there [to a daycare]; they’re well behaved.”

The canine camp will offer canine massages as well as light grooming including teeth, nails and brushing. Webcams will be installed so owners can check-in on their pets while they’re away for the day.

Camp Callahan for Canines will tentatively operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturdays will be by appointment only, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The business will operate as a daycare only.  There will be no overnight stays. 

Over the next few months the Callahan’s are going to be gearing up for the arrival of eight to 10 dogs per day. For those who want to enroll their canine(s) at Camp Callahan, they must complete an application prior to arrival.