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?
- Ultimate doggy day-camp experience where dogs can truly be dogs.
- Beautiful shaded fenced 5-acre ranch located within a larger 25-acre tree-filled property, 20 minutes 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: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
- PM Session: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- 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?
Our initial focus will be within Central Austin and Downtown.
Zip Codes: 78756 | 78703 | 78701 | 78731* | 78757 **
(*78731 Only includes portion east of Mesa drive and south of 2222)
(** only area between Burnet to Shoalcreek, 2222 to Hancock)
Service area will expand over time. Please send message if interested to have your area a part of future expansion.
Central Austin, Downtown Austin – See the specific service areas on the Service Area Page https://pupbus.com/service-area/
When is Murphy’s Pup Bus – Dog Ranch & Daycare open?
- Monday through Thursday
- Two sessions daily:
- AM Session 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
- PM Session 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- 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 (downtown buildings).
- Retrofitted Pup Bus includes front & rear A/C, dog seat belts, and custom seating providing dogs with safe and comfy seating.
- After the session, pups are safely returned home happy, tired, and ready for a nap 😊
- Estimated pick-up and drop-off times will be provided to you based on your location on the Pub Bus route for your given session.
- App notifications will alert you when the Pup Bus is approaching.
Do all dogs play together? E.g. Are they grouped by size? Are they grouped by age?, etc
- We use each dog’s Transition Day to understand energy and temperament. This is then factored into ensuring our small group sizes are safe and fun for all the dogs in each small group. The fact that the dogs in each weekly session remain consistent from week to week, we are able to fine tune as needed until we arrive at optimal doggy harmony.
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. Even though all the Pups are supervised 100% of the time by our Pup Pals, this is an extra precaution as well as allows fast-find of any/all pups.
Climate-controlled Pup Bus, including the loving oversight of 2 Pup Pals.
Dog’s wear seatbelts and sit in custom seats on the Pup Bus ensuring high-level of safety and comfort.
No highway routes used during transportation.
All Pup Pals are experienced dog professionals, and Pet First Aid/CPR Trained & Certified.
Supervised swimming at all times.
Safety protocols to address situations where 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)
- We take all sensible precautions to minimize risks of problematic insects and wildlife, which can be a reality when outside in Texas. This includes daily grounds check, daily fence checks, and periodic flea/tick checks.
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 ‘Apply Now’ includes scheduling a 30min ‘meet & greet’ with the Pup Parent to discuss the Pup’s temperament and potential fit.
- Pup Parents will be asked to wait a few minutes at the start of a Pups first session at the Pup Bus pick-up. This allows us to ensure your dog settles on the bus comfortably. Occasionally, a dog will not settle in, in which case we have to return the Pup to the Pup Parent at that time. Although we love all of them, we have to be thoughtful to the full group of Pups.
- Day 1 is managed as a Transition Day. This day is used to provide the Pup with a gradual entry into the Murphy’s Pup Bus experience to give it the best chance for success and a positive experience. This also helps us ensure your Pup is a good fit.
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 challenges persist, the Pup returns to time-out area.
In such cases, Pup Parents are updated at the end of the session at drop-off. After all drop-offs complete for the day, Craig will call the Pup Parent to discuss suggested next steps.
Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered? Vaccinated? Recurring Flea & Tick prevention treatment?
- Yes. Pup Parents will load to the Customer Portal proof of below. This ensures both your Pup and all the Pups at MPB are as safe as possible!
Spay/Neuter required.
Vaccines required: Rabies, Bordetella, DHLPP
Monthly Flea & Tick prevention treatment (oral, topical)
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 a spot at Murphy’s Pup Bus?
- Click “Apply Now”
- Follow the application instructions and next steps
What is the cost per session?
$60 per session
Includes:
1. Transportation to and from Pup Ranch
2. Dog nirvana! (All the experiences and love provided uniquely at Murphy’s Pup Bus: Dog Ranch & Daycare)
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 day’s adventures from bus to ranch to back home.
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.