Tysons Corner, VA – With consumers spending more than $38 billion to pamper their pets each year, a prominent franchise consulting and development company has “spotted” Dogtopia, a full-service dog day care, spa and boarding facility, as a standout and potential “leader of the pack” of pet-care related franchise concepts.
In an announcement that speaks volumes to Dogtopia’s market potential, the Findley Group, led by the former president and franchise-builder of Curves International, Gary Findley, has chosen to invest in Dogtopia and provide sales and marketing support to help take the company to the next level in franchising. The addition of Dogtopia brings to eight the number of innovative and exciting franchise concepts that the Findley Group has chosen to work with. Under Findley’s direction as president, Curves International experienced growth in franchises from 50 locations in 1996 to more than 8,000 in 2006.
“With more than 43 percent of U.S. households owning a dog, the demand for quality, upscale day care and boarding facilities is on the rise,” said Gary Findley. “Because of its strong management, quality systems and its niche in pet-care, we believe Dogtopia has tremendous potential to become the leader in the dog day care franchise category. We plan to build on the strong foundation that the founder has laid to take Dogtopia to the next level.”
Findley was referring to Amy Nichols, who established the concept and opened the first location in June 2002. Under Nichols leadership, vision and drive, Dogtopia has experienced overwhelming success and growth that led to the initial franchise offering of the concept in April 2005. The franchise company, Happy to Be Here, Inc., backed by the Findley Group, anticipates that 25 Dogtopia franchises will be in operation or in development by 2008.
“"What makes us so different is our ability to provide dogs with a fun and positive experience,"
To create even more peace of mind for its customers, Dogtopia employs web cam technology that allows the dogs’ owners to check on their pets at any time. Their Dogtopia Web Cam logs more than 50,000 hits each month.
Barking up the right tree
Currently, three Dogtopia franchises operate in Houston, TX, Bethesda, Maryland and Tysons Corner, Virginia, and three more are set to open soon in Chicago, IL, Alexandria, VA and Orange County, CA. The typical location cares for up to 100 dogs per day with a ratio of one caregiver per 10-15 dogs. Locations range in size from 6,000-8,000 square feet and include a gymnasium, lounge and toy box area.
All Dogtopia locations feature bright yellow, green, and blue walls and are designed with the feel of an upbeat, upscale spa atmosphere. At $33 per day for dog day care service, hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11am – 2pm on Sundays. Owners may opt to bring their own food or Dogtopia will provide during the twice daily feedings. All dogs undergo evaluations that include a health assessment, vaccination verification, and a temperament test to insure that the dog is social and comfortable in large groups.
“For us, the strongest testament to our quality of service is a happy dog,” Nichols said. “When the customers walk up to Dogtopia, these dogs are literally pulling their owners in the door. That’s the kind of thing that gives our customers the peace of mind they need. They’re not worried that their dogs are at home alone depressed or acting out. They’re at Dogtopia, having a blast! ”
Dogtopia offers an affordable franchise opportunity ideal for dog enthusiasts with business or marketing experience, particularly former corporate executives who understand the careful balance between being your own boss and following a proven business model. The franchise fee is $35,000 and the investment range to open a Dogtopia is between $140,000 to $240,000. Dogtopia supports franchisees with initial step-by-step training on-site and at corporate headquarters that includes site selection, facility layout and other guidance to help them run a successful business.
