Last Updated on July 25, 2012 by DeanR
Dogtopia Franchise
Dogtopia is a franchise for a full-service dog day care, boutique and spa. It was founded by Amy Nichols in June of 2002. It used to be called Happy Tails Dog Spa. Because of its tremendous success, they started franchising in April of 2005 and initially called it Happy To Be Here Inc.
They have been featured in several magazines, newspapers, websites, and TV shows like The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, People, DogFancy, Washington Business Journal, Forbes, and The Observer. They now have branches in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
What services do they offer at Dogtopia?
They have the Dog Day Care. When you leave for work in the morning and your dog gets left alone in the house, they would be storing all that energy the whole day and when you get home, they would be all over you but you, on the other hand, would be too busy preparing dinner and too tired to play. In their Dog Day Care, they would have time to play and socialize and by the time you pick them up, they would just be tired but happy. If you’re going to be away longer, they have Overnight Boarding. It’s like Day Care, only extended. They also have the Spa. This service includes 2 shampoos and conditioner and even hydrosurge if needed, ears will be cleaned and plucked, brushed and fluff dried, nails clipped, pads trimmed, face, feet, and tail trimmed if needed, and anal glands expressed if needed. Another service available in some locations is the training classes. They firmly believe in positive reinforcement and no use of aversion. They also have the boutique that carries a large selection of clothes and toys from Cain & Able, Nutro, HappyTails Spa, Wubba, Planet Dog, KONG, Sojos Treats, Wacky Walk’r, Nylabone, Etta Syas, and Zanies, just to name a few.
Costs and Requirements Associated with Running a Dogtopia franchise
You would need to contact them directly regarding the net worth and liquid asset requirements. Expect to invest about $250,000 to $458,300. Franchise fee is $40,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 7%.
What’s included in the Dogtopia franchise package?
For site development, you will receive assistance in doing a comprehensive demographic research, support in lease negotiations, contractor recommendations, layout recommendations and design guidelines, and support from someone who has studied over 500 Doggie Day Care locations. For training, there will be 2 weeks with actual playroom management, pack management and general care for the dogs, business management including financial reports, HR and payroll, and customer service aspects. You will also get support prior to grand opening and continuous support in operations, developing marketing skills, and guidance in various aspects of the business. There will be occasional visits to evaluate your business and help you improve it. For marketing, ad slicks are included and you can view these thru the intranet, which you will be given access to. The publications can be ordered thru their partner G3 Solutions or you can download it and have it printed.
Contact Details
You May Reach Them At:
Address: 4920 Wyaconda Rd. North Bethesda, Maryland 20852
Phone: (888)364-8674