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Dogtopia, a franchised dog day-care company, is expanding into Charlotte with its first location in the region.
Tysons Corner, Va.-based Dogtopia already had N.C. day-care facilities in Raleigh, Cary and Greensboro.
Local franchisee Nicole Pennell has not yet signed a lease. She is looking for space uptown or in south or central Charlotte.
Dogtopia, a full-service dog daycare facility, is planning for fast growth. The company expects to have 25 locations in operation or development by the end of 2008. It now has 5.
Pennell was living in the Washington area and working in the public-relations field when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. She packed up and went to Louisiana to assist displaced animals.
After the experience, Pennell decided to open a business where she could work with animals on a daily basis. Her own dogs attended daycare at a Dogtopia in Tysons Corner.
With several locations already in the D.C. market, Pennell decided to move to Charlotte to be with her family and launch the business.
The initial investment ranges from $177,00 to $300,000, including a franchise fee of $35,000. A royalty fee of 7% is charged weekly on gross sales.
"I look forward to providing area dog owners with peace of mind, knowing their dogs is in a safe and happy place while they're at work or away from home," Pennell says.
The typical Dogtopia cares for 50 to 80 dogs per day with a ration of one staffer per 10-15 dogs. The franchises range from 5,000 to 9,000 square feet and include a gymnasium, romper room, and lounge. All locations feature bright yellow, green and blue walls and are designed with the feel of an upscale spa.
Owners can bring their own food, or Dogtopia will provide breakfast, lunch or dinner feedings. All dogs undergo evaluations that include a health assessment and vaccination verification. A temperament test is designed to ensure a dog is social and comfortable in large groups.
Dogtopias typically charge about $30 per day for day care. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
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