by Mallorie Ann Ingram

 Things are heating up on Space Coast but cooling off at K9 Kampus with numerous developments underway to better serve the pets of Brevard. 

President and CEO of K9 Kampus Sherry Acanfora-Ruohomaki is excited about the improvements being made to modernize and enhance the doggie daycare from top to bottom, all designed to better suit the needs of animals. 

“The artificial turf gets hot in the summer, so we’re installing three additional shade structures to cover more of our outdoor play areas,” Acanfora-Ruohomaki says. 

Along with that, and the addition of 32 luxury boarding suites, the facility is also installing hurricane shutters to keep everyone safe during the tropical season. 

“K9 Kampus will provide boarding to non-clients in the event of a hurricane. This is especially helpful for those living beachside and forced to evacuate,” Acanfora-Ruohomaki says. “As long as the pets have all their vaccinations, we do our best to take in as many animals as possible during a hurricane.” 

For those unfamiliar with this pet paradise, K9 Kampus provides a interactive off leash play environment for the dogs to enjoy while their parents are at work for the day or for extended periods of time when the family is away on their vacation. The luxurious facility offers 21,000 square feet of indoor play yards and luxury boarding suites and 35,000 square feet of outdoor play areas with K9 Grass, a specially designed swimming pool, hills, tunnels and a large Lure Course. 

“We have plans to expand the facility to include a separate area to care for dogs that don’t do well in an interactive open play environment,” Acanfora- Ruohomaki says. “This will open our services for more people and dogs to enjoy the K9 Kampus facility.” 

Acanfora-Ruohomaki explains that some dogs take a little more time to assimilate to group play and others just aren’t a good fit interacting with others. 

“With our future plans, we will be able to accommodate these dogs and work with them more individually,” Acanfora- Ruohomaki says. 

Acanfora-Ruohomaki realizes that animals are like humans; once away from mom and dad, they can act completely different. Some become shy and prefer to stay by the humans’ side while others suddenly gain courage and enjoy playing with the other dogs. That’s why K9 Kampus conducts a temperament evaluation beforehand to make sure the animal is a good fit for the facility. 

“Our motto is that the happiness, health, safety and well-being of each and every animal in our care is first and foremost our priority,” Acanfora- Ruohomaki says. “We are all about keeping the animals safe and happy when they are away from their families and the community loves us for that.” ◆