Business & Tech
Neighborhood Shop: Farmington Hills Dog Care Business Has College Theme
Owners keep an eye on Canine College 'students' through webcams.
Visit website, and you might think you were about to enroll your pooch into a four-year university.
Complete with a list of "faculty and staff", admission guidelines and enrollment forms, this dog care facility is a place where “It’s Cool to Drool.”
Founded by Deb Watkins in 2006 as a dog daycare, boarding, training and grooming facility, the 16,300-square-foot facility is staffed by Certified Pet Care Technicians. "Students" have 5,000 square feet of outdoor play space and five play fields to accommodate dogs of varying temperaments and sizes.
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With all of this, prospective dogs must be accepted into the school by completing the orientation program and "pledging", or passing a temperament test. The dog is introduced to the other dogs, to see how he or she "acts, reacts and interacts" with other dogs, according to the Canine College website.
The site has 24-hour security, with CollegeVision cameras covering playfields and dorms. Canine College also offers a few "suites" with webcams, so that owners who are traveling can keep an eye on their pets.
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“We offer a safe place for your dog to stay or come here for daycare,” said Dion Cimini, the college’s secretary.
Among the many perks that students enjoy are lunch and dinner service, smoothies, private play sessions and a latchkey service that allows the dog to stay later in the evening. Also available on the Canine College campus is a Bark Shop, where owners can purchase specialty items, training tools, and more.
Canine College also offers a wide variety of obedience training options ranging from one-session seminars to five-week courses designed for all students.
“We have it all, it can’t get any better,” Cimini said.
The facility can house up to 150 dogs. Cost is $24 for a full day stay and $35 overnight. Discount packages are available.
Canine College is located at 23717 Research Drive in Farmington Hills. Hours are Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. On Sundays and holidays, boarding drop-off and pick-up (no daycare) are from 7-10 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.
For more information, call 248-427-8245, visit caninecollegemi.com or like them on Facebook.
