Dogtopia Celebrates Grand Opening in Richmond, Virginia

Local Richmond Couple to Host Grand Opening Celebration on Sept. 8th for Residents & their Furry Friends

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Sep 06, 2012, 10:18 ET

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogtopia, a leading national dog daycare and spa franchise, announced today the grand opening of its newest location in Richmond, Va. located at 7217 West Broad Street. With services ranging from open play dog daycare, overnight boarding to spa services, residents will now have a place to take their beloved canines. Dogtopia West End is owned by husband-and-wife team, Will and Heather Baum, who are excited to bring this unique business to the community.

A grand opening celebration will take place at the Dogtopia West End on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy music, delicious tacos from the food truck Boka Tako and a craft beer tasting from Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Dogs will also be treated to goodies from Three Dog Bakery, which specialize in all natural, oven-baked dog treats.

"After researching several business opportunities, Dogtopia was the perfect concept that combined our passion for dogs and ideal business model," said franchise owner Will Baum. "We are excited to bring Dogtopia to the community and invite local residents and their furry friends to come out to our grand opening celebration."

Will and Heather both grew up in Northern Virginia and attended Virginia Tech before marrying and settling in Richmond in 1998. Lifelong dog lovers, the couple currently owns three rescued dogs, one of which was saved from the side of an expressway. Prior to Dogtopia, Will worked in the manufacturing industry while his wife worked as an Assistant Director at Salisbury Presbyterian Preschool. For years, Will and his wife nurtured a desire to build a business of their own. After learning about Dogtopia through Will's brother, who was a customer at the Dulles, Va. and Tysons Corner, Va. locations, they immediately fell in love with the concept. Today, the couple is now embarking as entrepreneurs by opening their first Dogtopia franchise.

"We are excited to have Will and Heather join the Dogtopia family and expand our footprint in Richmond," said Amy Nichols, chief executive officer of Dogtopia. "Their passion for dogs and entrepreneurial spirit is exactly what we look for in franchisees."

Since Dogtopia launched in 2002, it has grown to 24 locations nationwide and currently has five additional locations, in various stages of development, planning to open by the end of this year.

Dogtopia's design mirrors that of a chic, upscale spa. Laid out in a similar manner to a children's daycare facility, Dogtopia has multiple playrooms to suit every personality and size. In addition to daycare and boarding, it also offers a spa, self-service dog wash, and boutique to pamper dogs of all shapes and sizes. Dogtopia's clients enjoy an open layout with play equipment and special rubber flooring to ease joints, prevent slipping, and provide a safer play area.

The division of dogs between rooms allows Dogtopia personnel to control air quality, prevent accidents and provide an overall stress-free atmosphere. Generally, 25-30 dogs play in each room and Dogtopia employs web camera technology in each room that allows the dogs' owners to check on their pets during playtime.

For more information about Dogtopia West End, please visit http://www.dogdaycare.com/westend, call 804-755-7833 (RUFF) or Like on Facebook.

About Dogtopia®

Dogtopia®, prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and dogs enjoy playtime, spa treatments and overnight stays in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their beloved pets in the hands of trained professionals while they're at work or away on vacation. Dogtopia® associates nurture each and every pet as if it were their own. Each location offers dog daycare, boarding, spa services, and most also have professional grooming. Dogtopia does not breed discriminate and welcomes social dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities. The company was founded by Amy Nichols in 2002 and began franchising in 2005. Currently, there are 21 Dogtopia franchises and three company-owned locations in operation across the U.S., with five more in development for a total of 29 to open by year-end. Visit www.dogdaycare.com for more information.

Contact: Carmen Ordonez
Fish Consulting
954-893-915
[email protected]

SOURCE Dogtopia