by Valerie Walker

Bristow couple to open doggie day spa in Prince William

Though the final location is still unknown, one thing is certain; doggie day care is coming to Prince William.

Suzanne and Brian Fitzpatrick of Bristow have signed a franchise agreement with Happy Tails Dog Spa.

The first Happy Tails opened in Vienna in 2002 to serve the needs of working pet parents whose lonely dogs spent long days alone.

Amy Nichols, the CEO and president of Happy Tails, decided to begin selling franchises in April 2005. The organization has signed six franchise agreements in as many months.

"Now is the golden era for the pet care industry," Nichols said. "The number of dog owners in the U.S. has swelled to nearly 50 million."

Nichols also said the national pet care industry has reached $34.3 billion annually.

"More and more dog owners are providing their family pets with the kind of care they would give their own children," Nichols said.

According to the corporate Web site, Happy Tails Dog Spas provide day care for dogs age 3 months and older with up-to-date vaccinations. All dogs must be spayed or neutered if they're older than 7 months.

Friendly and sociable dogs might enjoy one of the canine playgroups. The Web site features photos of the dogs in several play rooms complete with the same kind of plastic play houses and slides seen on many a preschool playground.

For less active dogs, Happy Tails offers "the 'lounge' for dogs who just want to relax with company and watch dog videos."

Happy Tails also schedules a nap time, during which owners can opt to send their pets to the spa for a bath, blow-dry and manicure.

The Fitzpatricks had been looking to open their own business for two years when they happened to drive past Happy Tails' corporate office in Tysons Corner.

"When Brian and I returned home," Suzanne Fitzpatrick said, "it felt like it was a sign when we found that the company offered franchise opportunities."

Brian Fitzpatrick, currently working in private security for the Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington, will oversee the day-to-day operations for the center. Suzanne Fitzpatrick will act as a part-time financial consultant while keeping her day job as an accountant at Avalon Bay Communities in Alexandria.

Once they settle on a location, the couple expect to open the doggie day care in early 2006.

© Times Community Newspapers 2005