pet care franchise

Nation’s Leading Dog Wellness Franchise Partners with Obsess to Bring an Interactive Tool to All Pet Parents

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, recently announced the launch of its new virtual world with Obsess, an AI-powered interactive tool creating the next-generation online shopping interface. The tool lets dog moms and dads experience everything Dogtopia has to offer without leaving their homes.

The innovative virtual world provides a convenient way for pet parents to learn more about Dogtopia’s daycare, boarding and spa offerings and how they help dogs live long, healthy and happy lives. Jam-packed with immersive features, this tool will prepare parents for their dog’s Meet & Greet and answer frequently asked questions. Additionally, it will enhance the experience for existing Dogtopia parents with entertaining and educational elements.

Not only can dog parents tour the virtual daycare, but they can also participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize, take an educational quiz about dogs and learn more about Dogtopia’s services. Pet parents can also peruse products from the Dogtopia Shop, which features at-home items for both dogs and parents, and discover more about the Dogtopia Foundation.

“As the world advances technologically, Dogtopia is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation to ensure the best experience for all dogs and their families,” said Neil Gill, President and CEO of Dogtopia. “We are thrilled to introduce this cutting-edge virtual world and provide parents with a modern, immersive way to explore our wellness offerings and choose Dogtopia with confidence.”

Dogtopia has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. The company’s live webcams provide parents peace of mind and the ability to check in on their pups when they are away. Its mobile app has been ahead of its time in the industry, offering curbside drop-off and pickup concierge services long before the pandemic. To top it off, Dogtopia has a new device releasing soon that will allow parents to monitor their dog’s daily activity—a first in the dog daycare space.

The virtual world can be found here. For more information about Dogtopia or to find a location near you, visit www.dogtopia.com.

Nation’s Leading Dog Daycare Franchise Has Raised More Than $3 Million Enabling Dogs to Positively Change our World

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, proudly announced today a significant milestone: the U.S. Dogtopia Foundation has helped sponsor more than 500 service dogs for veterans. Since the Foundation’s inception, Dogtopia daycares have collectively achieved this milestone by raising more than $3 million, underscoring Dogtopia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the brave men and women who have served our country.

This achievement comes on the heels of the recent groundbreaking research from The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, which was supported by the Dogtopia Foundation with the help of K9s For Warriors, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Purina. The study assessed a total of 161 veterans who had PTSD—88 had a service dog and 73 did not. Cortisol, a stress hormone found in saliva, was assessed at two different points three months apart, and a total of 2,613 cortisol samples were analyzed. The study concluded that overall, veterans with service dogs had stress hormone levels more like those in healthy adults without PTSD than veterans without service dogs.

Much of the Dogtopia community’s energy and passion for supporting veterans with service dogs is inspired by retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a highly decorated and courageous warrior who sustained life-threatening injuries while serving her country. She credits her service dog, Aura, with saving her life. Evans regularly speaks at Dogtopia fundraising events nationwide and recently joined Dogtopia Regional Manager Jordan Cerrillo for the final 10 miles of his 101-mile fundraising run from Dogtopia of Eau Claire in Wisconsin to Dogtopia of Woodbury in Minnesota. Her participation in Cerrillo’s run, along with a recent fundraiser hosted by the owners of Dogtopia of Sacramento – Nimbus Winery, helped boost the Dogtopia Foundation’s fundraising totals by nearly $150,000 in the week leading up to Memorial Day.

“We are fortunate to have Gretchen igniting a spark among the communities we serve, encouraging them to give back to the men and women who so bravely fought for our country,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “Her involvement, along with the outstanding commitment of Dogtopia owners, team members, and pet parents to the Dogtopia Foundation, has been crucial in raising money to support our veterans in need of service dogs. We could not be prouder of our Dogtopia community.”

The Dogtopia Foundation’s mission is to enable dogs to positively change our world. Providing service dogs to veterans is just one of the three key pillars of the Dogtopia Foundation that helps to achieve this mission. Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has also supported youth education programs and employment initiatives for adults with autism.

“Dogs are compassionate and affectionate and, most importantly, provide unwavering, nonjudgmental companionship. This support is crucial for emotional and physical wellbeing and helps people navigate their daily lives with greater confidence,” said Liz Meyers, the executive director of the Dogtopia Foundation. “Our collaborations allow the Foundation to assist returning veterans, adults with autism, and at-risk students and help them reach their full potential.”

For more information about the Dogtopia Foundation and how you can support its efforts, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Dogtopia franchise in general, visit www.dogtopia.com.

Jordan Cerrillo Will Run from Eau Claire, WI, to Woodbury, MN, in Support of Dogtopia Foundation; Joined by Retired CSM Gretchen Evans for Final Leg

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota man is embarking on a monumental feat to make a positive impact on veterans over Memorial Day Weekend. Starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, Jordan Cerrillo, Regional Manager for Dogtopia in Eau Claire, WI, and Woodbury, MN, will run 101 miles from one daycare to the other to raise $60,000 for the Dogtopia Foundation. The Dogtopia Foundation is on a mission to enable dogs to positively change our world by supporting programs focused on three key pillars: service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism.

Cerrillo’s long-distance run from Dogtopia Eau Claire to Dogtopia Woodbury is dedicated to raising funds to provide service dogs to veterans in need. Cerrillo’s goal of $60,000 will help support the training of 10 life-saving canines. Donations can be made here.

“The Dogtopia Foundation, Dogtopia daycares, and all Dogtopians across the country are proud to support Jordan on his ultra-marathon run, which will provide several veterans in need with a life-saving service dog,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “Jordan’s determination, grit, compassion, and mission to make the world a brighter place embody everything we stand for as an organization, and we will be cheering him on the entire way.”

For the final 10 miles of his run, Cerrillo will be joined by retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a Dogtopia Foundation ambassador whose journey of resilience and recovery serves as the inspiration behind this ambitious fundraiser. After enduring life-threatening injuries in service in Afghanistan, Evans found solace and strength in the companionship of service dogs. Her celebrated story, recognized with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2022 ESPYs, continues to inspire countless individuals to live with purpose and resilience.

“I am fortunate enough to have a pretty amazing ‘why’ that will fuel me for this run,” said Cerrillo. “Hearing Gretchen tell her story at the Dogtopia Conference in 2022 sparked an immense amount of pride to be part of a franchise that helped impact our veterans in an incredible way. I have many family members who have or are currently serving our country, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to honor and give back to veterans that have sacrificed and done so much for us.”

If you are interested in cheering for Jordan, he will depart from Dogtopia of Eau Claire in Wisconsin at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, and hopes to arrive at Dogtopia of Woodbury in Minnesota around 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27. To make a donation, please visit  https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/101Miles, and to learn more about the Dogtopia Foundation, please visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

Nation’s top dog wellness franchise is partnering with leading dog toy brand to give dogs the gift of exercise and enrichment

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, has announced its partnership with renowned dog toy brand KONG. These “top dogs” aim to bring educational webinars, blogs, and more to dog parents so they can learn how to optimize the wellbeing of their pups and build an even deeper connection with their furry family members. In honor of their collaboration, Dogtopia and KONG are hosting a sweepstakes to kick off National Pet Month.

Now through May 31, Dogtopia and KONG will award five pet parents one week of free dog daycare and a basket full of KONG toys. To enter, visit https://events.dogtopia.com/kongsweeps. A winner will be selected every Friday throughout the month of May. Full terms and conditions of the contest can be found here.

Open to all dog parents, Dogtopia and KONG’s sweepstakes celebrates the joy of pet parenthood and highlights the importance of socialization, exercise, and enrichment for dogs during National Pet Month.

“We are thrilled to join forces with KONG to celebrate National Pet Month,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “At Dogtopia, our priority is improving the lives of dogs and their parents. We know that a safe and stimulating environment is crucial for dog wellness, and partnering with KONG allows us to extend that commitment beyond our daycare facilities. This sweepstakes is our way of showing appreciation for the unconditional love and companionship that dogs bring into our lives.”

Whether it’s bouncing, chewing, or chasing, KONG toys are popular for their durability and ability to keep dogs mentally and physically engaged. Combined with Dogtopia’s commitment to providing safe, enriching play environments, the National Pet Month Sweepstakes promises to delight both dogs and their parents. As an added bonus, dogs can enjoy enrichment activities with KONG toys at all Dogtopia locations in the U.S. and Canada all year long.

“KONG is excited to partner with our friends at Dogtopia,” said Sandy Howle, Canine Behavior and Training Specialist for KONG. “Enrichment and play are at the heart of what we do—and are essential to the health and wellbeing of dogs’ daily lives. At Dogtopia, dogs experience vital play through quality time spent with certified Canine Coaches, playtime, and socialization in group settings, and enrichment with special activities and stuffed KONG Classic toys.”

For more information about Dogtopia or to find a location near you, visit dogtopia.com. For more information about KONG, visit kongcompany.com.

Offering the Best Care for Your Furry Best Friend, Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Blvd is Now Open

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard, part of the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, has recently reopened under new ownership. Located at 11300 Beach Blvd., Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard provides award-winning services to dog parents in the community.

Providing personalized care for Jacksonville pups in a fun, enriching, and safe environment, Dogtopia sets the industry standard among dog daycares with its focus on three key benefits: socialization, exercise, and education. Dogtopia allows dogs to enjoy plenty of exercise, play with like-minded dogs, and learn important social skills, all under the supervision of professionally trained Canine Coaches. In keeping safety at the forefront, each of the playrooms includes dogs of similar size and play style and is built with compressed rubber flooring to reduce the impact on dogs’ paws and joints.

Local owners Barbara Laska and Peggy Cunningham decided to re-open this Dogtopia for the community of Jacksonville. After being retired for three months, they both realized their deep-rooted passion for working and helping others, leading them to the decision that retirement was not suited for them. While looking into business opportunities, Barbara and Peggy learned about Dogtopia and decided this was the business they wanted to open, a business that helps pet owners and cares deeply for the dogs of the local community. With extensive business experience between them – Barbara, a former business owner, and Peggy, a CEO of a hospital company – they are well-equipped to run this Dogtopia as a state-of-the-art dog daycare facility in the area.

“After our dog passed away in June, my partner Peggy and I were considering getting a new dog, but what better way to cure that puppy craving than being surrounded by dogs every day,” said Barbara. “We are very excited to re-establish this Dogtopia location in Jacksonville as a fun, comfortable and safe spot for dog daycare and boarding. At Dogtopia, we care about your dog, and, hand-in-hand with that, every dog is treated with respect and understanding.”

Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Blvd also supports the Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to enable dogs to positively change our world, funds programs focused on three worthy causes: service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. One hundred percent of funds raised are donated directly to the supported organizations. To learn more, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Blvd is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information on Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Blvd, call (904) 493-4933 or visit https://www.dogtopia.com/jacksonville-beach-boulevard/.

The University of Arizona study supported by Dogtopia Foundation further highlights the positive impacts service dogs can have on veterans

PHOENIX — New research from The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine looked at the impact service dogs had on the cortisol levels of veterans suffering from PTSD. The study found that those with service dogs had healthier cortisol levels when compared to those without service dogs. The research, led by Dr. Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research and Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Leanne Nieforth, with the help of K9s For Warriors and funding support from the Dogtopia Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Purina, provides further evidence of the positive benefits service dogs offer veterans.

The study assessed a total of 161 veterans who had PTSD, 88 who had a service dog and 73 who did not. Cortisol, a stress hormone that is found in saliva, was assessed at two different points in time, three months apart, and a total of 2,613 cortisol samples were analyzed. The study concluded that overall, veterans with service dogs had stress hormones more like those in healthy adults without PTSD than veterans without service dogs.

After military service, around 52% of veterans face PTSD. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a key provider for veterans, has been hesitant to allocate funds for service dogs for individuals dealing with PTSD service dogs, citing a lack of clinical evidence substantiating their effectiveness. O’Haire’s pioneering research is bridging this gap.

“The goal of our research is to gain a robust understanding of the impact service dogs have on veterans and their mental health,” said O’Haire, who has been conducting research on service dogs and veterans for nearly a decade. “Science continues to evolve in our understanding of how service dogs may influence symptoms for veterans struggling with PTSD and their quality of life.”

“We’ve had the profound privilege of meeting many of the veterans we’ve supported through our fundraising efforts, and hearing first-hand how these service dogs saved their lives,” said Liz Meyers, executive director of the Dogtopia Foundation. “Their testimonials drive our commitment to support Dr. O’Haire’s incredible work, while we continue fundraising to support our veterans in need.”

“Thanks to the support of Dogtopia Foundation, NIH, and Purina, we can continue to pursue our research on the impact of service dogs on their owners and ensure all service members struggling with PTSD can receive the support they need in the future,” said Julie Funk, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Research involving service dogs and veterans further validates the efforts of organizations supported by Dogtopia Foundation, such as K9s For Warriors.

“K9s For Warriors’ mission is simple — to end veteran suicide through the use of highly trained service dogs. The success of our program, graduating nearly 1,000 Warriors, wouldn’t be possible without the important research of the O’Haire Lab at the University of Arizona. This study further legitimizes the positive impact service dogs have on veterans with PTSD,” said K9s For Warriors Chief Program Officer Kevin Steele. “Every day, K9s For Warriors has the privilege to witness the life-changing effect a service dog has on a veteran. Thank you to the Dogtopia Foundation, NIH and Purina for supporting this crucial research, allowing us to continue changing veteran lives.”

In partnership with Dogtopia’s franchise network of more than 265 dog daycares, the Dogtopia Foundation has raised more than $3 million and has helped support the training of 450 service dogs since the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was established in 2017.

More information about Dr. O’Haire’s study can be found here. For more information about the Dogtopia Foundation and how you can support its efforts, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Dogtopia franchise in general, visit www.dogtopia.com.

Nation’s Leading Pet Services Franchise Introduces an Exclusive Collection of Products to Ensure Canine Health and Wellness

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the leading dog wellness franchise, has announced the launch of its comprehensive Dogtopia Spa product line, now available to all pet parents on DogtopiaShop.com with free shipping. Crafted with thoughtfulness for canine wellbeing, the Dogtopia Spa product line includes 12 new products catering to various aspects of dog health.

Among the highlights are a variety of specially formulated shampoos, conditioners, and deodorizing sprays. Each Dogtopia spa product is water-based, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic, making them safe for all dog skin and coat types, even those with sensitive skin. The skin and coat care products include:

• Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner naturally soothes skin and promotes a healthy, soft, and shiny coat
• EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Deodorizing Shampoo and Conditioner promotes healing for skin types, including flaky, itchy, scaly, and creased skin folds prone to hot spots and odor
• Bright & Shine Shampoo for enhancing light and dark coats and promoting healthy skin with colloidal oatmeal to soothe naturally
• Keto-Dog Medicated Shampoo for dermatological conditions in need of therapeutic relief with an antifungal and antibacterial formula to promote healing and restore moisture
• Deodorizers for extra freshness after or in between baths, available in two scents (Cherry Blossom and Piña Colada)

In addition to the skin and coat care lineup, Dogtopia provides three distinct products for gentle ear cleaning, healing, and the prevention of ear irritation and infection:

• Ear Wash for routine cleaning
• Ear Wipes for convenient daily cleaning
• Ear Care Pro for gentle cleaning to help prevent and heal infections from microbial and fungal activity and eliminate odor

The line also includes Dogtopia’s 3-in-1 balm for healthy paws, nose, and elbows, which is ideal for promoting healing and restoring moisture to dry, cracked, or painful paws, nose, or elbows. Made with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the balm provides instant and long-lasting relief.

“With Dogtopia’s impressive growth, most recently surpassing 265 open daycares, we continue to lead the charge on canine wellness, so our spa product line is a natural next step,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “Dogtopia’s top priority has always been to improve the lives of dogs and their parents in communities throughout North America. We’re helping further that commitment by offering products we truly believe are among the best to ensure the health and safety of dogs.”

For more information on Dogtopia’s spa products or to purchase, visit https://www.dogtopiashop.com/spa.

For more information on Dogtopia’s franchising opportunities, visit dogtopia.com/franchising.

The nation’s leading pet services franchise soars to the top of the pet care industry, ranked number 1 in their category for fifth year in a row

PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing pet services franchise, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Ranked at No. 69 overall and No. 1 in the Pet Care Category, Dogtopia stands out among other pet franchises as an innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety and transparency in the market.

Ranking at No. 69 in 2024 marks the fifth consecutive year that Dogtopia has placed in the top 100 of the Franchise 500^®. Over the last year, the company has continued its exceptional performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power. This accolade comes on the heels of the brand’s 250^th daycare opening a few months ago, along with the milestone of 500+ licenses awarded across North America, maintaining Dogtopia as the largest daycare and wellness provider.

“Dogtopia’s success continues to grow, and as we enter 2024, it seems like we’re just getting started,” said Neil Gill, CEO of Dogtopia. “Being ranked number 1 in the Pet Care category would not have been possible without our whole team – from our support office to our amazing franchisees to our dedicated pet parents and dogs. We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Dogtopia.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is then given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500^® in ranked order.

“Every brand on the Franchise 500 has its own unique story, but they all collectively make the same statement: Franchising is strong and resilient, is full of innovation and opportunity, and provides a powerful entrepreneurial path for many people,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “Our 45th annual ranking is full of companies with fresh ideas, exciting business models, cultural sway, and the kind of business sophistication that will define the next 45 years and beyond.”

Over its 45 years in existence, the Franchise 500^® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Dogtopia’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view Dogtopia in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 or pick up a copy of the January/February 2024 issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands now.

Offering the Best Care for Your Furry Best Friend, Dogtopia of Vintage Park is Now Open and Operating

VINTAGE PARK, Texas — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, has opened a new location in Vintage Park on Jan. 22. Located at 10130 Louetta Rd. Suite J, Dogtopia of Vintage Park will provide award-winning services to dog parents in the community.

Providing personalized care for Vintage Park pups in a fun, enriching, and safe environment, Dogtopia sets the industry standard among dog daycares with its focus on three key benefits: socialization, exercise, and education. Dogtopia allows dogs to enjoy plenty of exercise, play with like-minded dogs, and learn important social skills, all under the supervision of professionally trained Canine Coaches. Keeping safety at the forefront, each of the playrooms includes dogs of similar size and play style and is built with compressed rubber flooring to reduce the impact on pups’ paws and joints.

Dogtopia in Vintage Park is owned by husband-and-wife duo, Cody and Veronica Lovins. The seasoned franchisees bring with them an abundance of previous franchising experience, having opened a variety of different franchise concepts throughout Texas over the past few years, including a Dogtopia location in Atascocita. Their new Dogtopia in Vintage Park will be operated by General Manager, Mackenzie Lochrie, who is excited to begin building connections with local dog owners in the Vintage Park community.

“The Dogtopia brand truly sets itself apart from other pet care concepts in our area due to our approach and the quality of our services,” said Lochrie. “It’s extremely fulfilling to be a part of our new Vintage Park location from the ground up, and we cannot wait to begin making a positive impact by offering our award-winning dog daycare, boarding and spa.”

The new Vintage Park location is a proud supporter of The Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to enable dogs to positively change our world, funds programs focused on three worthy causes: service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. One hundred percent of funds raised are donated directly to the supported organizations. To learn more, please visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

Dogtopia of Vintage Park is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. (boarding pickup/drop off only). For more information on Dogtopia of Vintage Park, call (281) 869-8338, or visit https://www.dogtopia.com/houston-vintage-park/.

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