RUN-A-MUK Cage-free play all day

By Amy DeYoung

It’s clear the minute you walk in to Run-A-Muk that this is a business that cares deeply about its furry clients. Run-A-Muk’s 7,500 square foot building has a long history of being used for animals since its start as a veterinary hospital in 1963. The area behind the front desk is spacious, not for the office team’s benefit, but for older or less able-bodied dogs that can’t run around outdoors comfortably. Instead, they get plenty of love and attention from the office team behind the front desk.

Run-A-Muk has an impressive number of large kennels for their dog guests and a variety of multilevel “cat nap condos” for their feline patrons. Some dog kennels are even large enough to house up to four siblings at once if you have multiple dogs and want them kept together. In addition, dogs are only inside their kennels to eat and sleep. Otherwise, they are outside getting plenty of exercise. Run-A-Muk also has 24-hour-a-day on-site supervision so that you can rest easy knowing your pet is well looked after.

The walk over a large bridge overlooking Granite Creek takes your dog to the outdoor play area, which includes plenty of shade, climbing areas, snoozing spots, and play equipment. The yard team consists of multiple dog handlers watching the dogs and giving them plenty of exercise and personalized attention throughout the day. In addition, the senior associates are trained and certified in Pet Tech, Pet Saver First Aid, and Pet CPR. All dogs are fully socialized and pass an on-site, four-hour temperament assessment, which you can make by reservation. This assessment ensures that all dogs are comfortable being on the grounds and well socialized before their first stay.

According to Mike Branigan, the owner of Run-A-Muk, they do so much laundry every day that between washing all the blankets and linens used to wash and sterilize the entire facility daily, they may as well be a commercial laundromat, too. Additionally, Run-A-Muk offers dog baths and dog and cat nail trims at an additional fee, which can be a great time-saver for busy pet parents.

If you’re worried about the constantly changing Prescott weather affecting your dog’s outside playtime, Run-A-Muk has a plan for that, as well. The outdoor play area is surrounded by trees that effectively cover the play area and provide the dogs with plenty of shade. If the yard team notices that temperatures are rising or dropping sharply, they will take note and bring in dogs that will be more comfortable indoors. In contrast, other dogs who are still comfortable in those weather conditions will continue to have fun outside. With Run-A-Muk, nothing is one-size-fits-all with your dog. Instead, everything is based on your dog’s personal needs, breed, medical history, and personality.

1205 White Spar Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303 (928) 771-9252 run-a-muk.com

Amy DeYoung is an Arizona native and freelance writer who spends her free time baking, reading, and chasing after her playful Boston Terrier, Nickel.

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