Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Murphy’s Pup Bus experience
Tell me more about the experience at Murphy’s Pup Bus – Dog Ranch & Daycare?
- The ultimate doggy day-camp experience where dogs can truly be dogs.
- The experience takes place on a beautiful shaded fenced 5-acre ranch located within a larger 25-acre tree-filled property, less than 10 miles east of Downtown Austin.
- Pups enjoy:
- Off-leash freedom
- Swimming in the Pup Pool (2ft deep, 95% chemical free, always supervised)
- Hiking shaded Pup Pines trails
- Playing in the Pup Park
- Relaxing in the Pup Tent cooled by our outdoor AC system.
- Two daily sessions:
- AM Session: 7:30am–11:30am
- PM Session: 11:30am–3:30pm
- Sessions include 13 dogs supervised by 2 trained Pup Pals
- Pup Pals ensure every dog stays safe while having an amazing experience.
Where is Murphy’s Pup Bus Ranch located?
Less than 10 miles (20 minutes) east of Downtown Austin.
Where in Austin does Murphy’s Pup Bus pick up from?
MPB initial focus will be Downtown and Central Austin. Apply to see if your Pup’s home can be a part of the route.
When is Murphy’s Pup Bus – Dog Ranch & Daycare open?
- Monday through Thursday
- Two sessions daily:
- AM Session
- PM Session
- Dog’s can also sign up for both sessions
How does Pup Bus pick-up and drop-off work?
- Dogs are picked up either from home or a nearby Pup Stop.
- The retrofitted climate-controlled Pup Bus includes secure seat belts and safety-focused seating.
- After the session, pups are safely returned home happy, tired, and ready for a nap.
What are Murphy’s Pup Bus safety protocols?
Fully fenced & secured ranch, allowing safe off-leash fun.
Shaded ranch, supervised Pup Pool, and Pup Tent cooled by our outdoor AC system.
GPS tracker is attached to each Pup’s harness. Although 100% supervised, this enables fast-find of all our Pups at the 5-Acre Pup Ranch.
Climate-controlled Pup Bus, including the loving oversight of 2 Pup Pals.
Dog’s wear seatbelts within our retrofitted bus that ensures high-level of safety and comfort.
No highway routes used during transportation.
All Pup Pals are Pet First Aid/CPR Trained & Certified.
Supervised swimming at all times.
Safety protocols to address situations wearing a dog is not behaving, and impacting the safety and enjoyment of other dogs.
All dogs must be: Spayed/neutered, Up-to-date on vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella, DHLPP)
Are all dogs a good fit for Murphy’s Pup Bus?
- Murphy’s Pup Bus prioritizes safety and an exceptionally fun experience for all the Pups.
- Occasionally, a dog may not acclimate well to the bus and/or ranch.
- Although all dogs will be treated with care & love, it may be determined that MPB is not the right fit for a dog.
How does MPB manage behavior issues?
Online application includes scheduling a 30min “meet & greet”, as well as asking owners perspective on pet’s socialization skills.
On your Pups first day, Pup Parents asked to wait 2 to 3 minutes at the pick-up to ensure your dog settles on the bus comfortably.
If behavior challenges at the ranch: Pup takes a cool-off in supervised shaded fenced time-out area. After this cool-off, most dogs successfully rejoin the Pup Crew. If not, Pup returns to time-out area.
In such cases, Pup Parents updated at the end of the session at drop-off. Craig will call Pup Parent after all drop-offs complete to discuss suggested next steps.
Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered? Vaccinated?
- Yes.
1. Spay/Neuter required.
2. Vaccines required: Rabies, Bordatella, DHLPP
3. Up-to-date information to be uploaded by Pup Parent to the All- in-one: Customer Portal.
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
- Pup parents are contacted immediately if concerns arise.
- A veterinary partner is available if emergency care is needed.
- Emergency treatment may occur before contact if urgent care is required.
- Registration includes a waiver acknowledging natural play risks and veterinary authorization.
Are there waivers required during registration?
Yes. Registration includes acknowledgment and approval for:
- Liability waiver
- Covers risks like scratches, bites, insect bites, transportation incidents, etc.
- Vet waiver
- Allows emergency veterinary care if required.
- Vaccination verification
- All vaccination and spay/neuter records must be uploaded to the customer portal.
- Liability waiver
How do I apply for the Inaugural Pup Crew program?
- Click “Apply Now”
- Follow the application instructions and next steps
Where will my dog be picked up?
- Pick-up occurs at or near your address.
- Downtown dogs may use designated Pup Stops.
- Estimated pick-up and drop-off times will be provided.
- App notifications will alert you when the Pup Bus is approaching.
What is the cost per session?
- $65 per session
- Includes:
How do I get to see my pup and the Pup Crew having all this fun?
- Daily videos and updates will be shared on social media.
- Follow the adventures from pick-up to all the fun at the Pup Ranch to drop off at the end of the session.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to chat! Reach out and we’ll answer any additional questions you might have. We love talking to our existing and potential Pup Parents.