The Golden Standard: Our Commitment to Animal Welfare
At Camp Goldie, our golden retrievers aren't just part of the experience. They're the heart of everything we do.
We're excited to share that we are now a proud member of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), an organization dedicated to advancing professional standards, ethical practices, and animal welfare in the field of therapy animals.
For us, this membership represents something we've believed in since the very beginning: creating unforgettable experiences for people should never come at the expense of the animals who make those experiences possible.
A Commitment That Started on Day One
When we created Camp Goldie, our goal was simple: bring people and golden retrievers together in an environment filled with happiness, connection, and plenty of tail wags.
But behind every cuddle, belly rub, and playful moment is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. Our goldens depend on us to make decisions that prioritize their physical health, emotional well-being, comfort, and happiness. That responsibility extends well beyond the time they spend interacting with our guests.
From the very beginning, we've worked to build our experiences around principles of responsible animal care, ethical interactions, and respect for the individual needs of every dog. Joining AAAIP is a natural next step in that journey.
What Are the AAAIP Standards of Practice?
AAAIP's Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Interventions provide a comprehensive framework for promoting animal welfare, responsible handling, safety, and ethical conduct. One principle particularly resonates with us:
Animals should enjoy their interactions with people, not simply tolerate them.
This is something we believe every animal-focused experience should embrace. Every one of our golden retrievers has their own unique personality, preferences, and needs, and we believe these should always be respected. At Camp Goldie, we prioritize the happiness, health, and well-being of our goldens by allowing them to interact naturally, recognizing when they need space or a break, and ensuring they receive the proper care, exercise, rest, and attention they deserve.
Our team is committed to understanding each dog's body language, maintaining a safe and supervised environment, and encouraging positive, respectful interactions with our guests. Above all, we believe that when our goldens are happy, healthy, and comfortable, everyone has a better experience.
Because They Deserve Nothing Less
Every day, our golden retrievers bring an incredible amount of joy into people's lives. They make people laugh, help strangers connect, create lasting memories, and remind us all to appreciate life's simplest moments. The least we can do in return is make sure their happiness and well-being remain at the center of everything we do.
We're proud to join AAAIP, proud of the principles we've embraced since opening Camp Goldie, and excited to continue raising the bar for responsible, animal-centered experiences. Because at Camp Goldie, happy guests matter. But happy goldens will always come first.
To learn more about the principles guiding responsible animal-assisted interactions, visit AAAIP.