by Gillian Gaynair

Former AOL workers open Dogtopia franchise

Two former AOL employees are opening a new dog day care center at 3850 Dulles South Court in Chantilly.

The franchise will mark the fourth location in Virginia for Dogtopia, a full-service dog day care, spa and boarding facility. Another is slated to open in June in Woodbridge.

"We're excited to offer area dog owners an alternative to leaving their dogs at home alone or in a kennel environment," said Taylor James, who owns the Chantilly franchise with Art Pediger.

Dogtopia was founded in 2002 as Happy Tails, and changed its name in early 2007, according Amy Nichols, the company's president and chief executive. Along with the new store, Dogtopia is also located locally in Alexandria, Manassas, Vienna and Rockville.

The company began offering franchises in 2005, and anticipates 50 more stores to be in operation or in development by 2009. Currently, the Alexandria, Manassas, Chantilly and the future Woodbridge day cares are franchises. Several more Dogtopias are operating or about to open in other states across the country.

Franchisees pay between $180,000 to $400,000, depending on size and location, to start up the business, Nichols said. The average Dogtopia franchise investment nationally is about $250,000.

The typical store cares for between 50 to 80 dogs each day, with a ration of one caregiver per 10 to 15 dogs. Chantilly's Dogtopia is 6,500 square feet and includes a gymnasium, romper room and lounge.

© Washington Business Journal 2008