3990 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
ABOUT US
Trusted & Professional - Joyful but always safe, skilled, and responsible.
About Us
Welcome to Happy Paws Pet Camp, Smyrna’s first and only totally kennel-free dog daycare and boarding facility. Since opening our doors in 2004, we’ve proudly served the Atlanta Metro area with one mission in mind: to create a safe, structured, and joyful environment where dogs can thrive—body, mind, and spirit.
At Happy Paws, dogs are more than guests—they’re family. We care for an average of 125 dogs per day, offering enrichment-based activities, healthy routines, and intentional groupings that support confidence, socialization, and emotional balance. Our open-concept model allows dogs to coexist naturally, learning from one another under the guidance of trained pack leaders.
Founder's Legacy
Florence Haines, founder of Happy Paws Pet Camp, opened the doors in 2004 with a pioneering vision—to create Smyrna’s first totally kennel-free daycare and boarding facility, a place where dogs could truly be themselves. Her philosophy centered on balance, trust, and freedom, allowing dogs to play, rest, learn, and thrive under calm, confident leadership.
For two decades, Florence poured her heart into shaping Happy Paws into the joyful, respected, and community-rooted pet camp it is today. Families across the Atlanta Metro area came to trust her approach, and thousands of dogs found safety, confidence, and companionship within the Happy Paws pack.
In 2024, Florence officially retired, proudly passing “The Key to Happy Paws Pet Camp” to Marquita during a heartfelt 20th anniversary celebration. Surrounded by longtime staff, loyal clients, and the Smyrna community, the moment honored her remarkable legacy of love, leadership, and countless wagging tails.
Meet Our Pack Leader
Marquita Hambrick
Co-Owner • Canine Behavior Specialist • AKC CGC Evaluator
Hi, I’m Marquita Hambrick, the Co-owner of Happy Paws Pet Camp and a proud advocate for canine behavior, balanced training, and safe socialization. For more than 15 years, I’ve dedicated my life to helping dogs thrive—emotionally, mentally, and socially—through structure, enrichment, and the power of the pack.
My passion for canine behavior has led me to train and study with some of the most trusted organizations in the industry, including The Dog Gurus, IACP, CCPDT, and APDT. I’m also a licensed AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a hands-on trainer who believes in calm, confident leadership and positive, structured guidance.
At the heart of my work is our “Submit to the Pack” philosophy, where our trained handlers lead with clarity and confidence, and our four-legged friends follow the pack's instinctive rhythm. This approach has helped thousands of dogs become more balanced, social, and secure.
Beyond the walls of Happy Paws, I’m committed to educating pet parents and inspiring future generations. I volunteer my time teaching pet safety, responsible ownership, and positive training methods to students from elementary school through college. Empowering families with knowledge is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Join Our Pack
At Happy Paws Pet Camp, every dog is family and every visit is an adventure. Whether it’s a day of play or an overnight stay, we’re here to make sure your pup feels safe, happy, and loved — just like home. Come see what makes our camp so special and discover why tails have been wagging here for over 20 years.
🏅 Proud to Be Recognized in 2025
Happy Paws Pet Camp, our passion for dogs goes hand-in-paw with our commitment to excellence.
We’re honored to be named the Gold Winner of Atlanta’s Best 2025 for Pet Boarding, a recognition reflecting the trust and love our campers and their families place in us daily.
This acknowledgment celebrates more than just excellent care — it celebrates our belief in what truly matters: compassion, safety, and joyful experiences for every dog who joins our pack.
•••
More news that has our tails waggin'! Happy Paws Pet Camp
•••
We’re also proud participants in the 2025 Dog Gurus Daycare Games, a program led by the industry’s pioneers in pet care education. The Dog Gurus set the standard for excellence, helping pet care professionals nationwide improve safety, communication, and enrichment in every playgroup.
Our team’s participation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to education, professional growth, and the highest standards in animal care.
•••
Every wagging tail, every happy camper, and every recognition reminds us why we do what we do — to create a place where dogs can run free, make friends, and feel love.
About Our Pack Team
At Happy Paws Pet Camp, our team is more than staff — we’re the pack leaders who make your dog’s camp experience safe, structured, and joyful.
Every team member is trained in dog behavior, body language, and positive leadership techniques, ensuring each camper feels secure and understood. We guide playgroups by temperament and size so dogs can socialize comfortably and safely. When summer rolls around, we turn up the fun with pool days, water play, and toy games — always under attentive supervision.
Above all, we love what we do. Every dog who joins our camp becomes part of the Happy Paws Pet Camp family — and we take that responsibility to heart.
Because when your dog is with us, they’re not just cared for — they’re understood.
Currently Hiring Full and Part-Time Employees
Located in Smyrna, GA, and serving the following communities: Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Marietta, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw, Brookhaven, Powder Springs, Douglasville, Austell, South Fulton.
2025 © Happy Paws Pet Camp
All Rights Reserved
Download
Happy Paws Pet Camp App:
Or scan to download the app:
Connect on Social:
