By Jennifer Russo

 According to a recent study published by Forbes, over 65 million US households own a dog. What’s more, almost all pet owners consider their pet to be a true part of their family, because…well, they really are. From making sure they get the best in vet care to researching what is in the food we give them, and even replacing a favorite toy again and again when it is chewed beyond recognition, the love we have for them goes beyond words. So, when it comes to making sure they are cared for while we are at work or on a trip, we only want the absolute best.

The good news is that there is a new home away from home for those canine companions that exemplifies the ideal in dog care. It combines a state-of-the-art facility, impeccable safety standards, certified animal-loving team members that are trained to meet the needs of your pup, and a true commitment to the happiness and welfare of your furry, four-legged relatives.

Dogtopia, located in the Franklin Village shopping area, aims to be a haven for dogs by creating a fun and engaging environment for them while their owners are busy with work, errands, vacations, or other responsibilities.

“We treat your pup to fun-filled days of safe socialization with other dogs while they are interacting with our caring team, with exercising and burning off their pent-up energy, as well as basic education to help them improve behavior both inside and outside of your home. We believe daycare and overnight stays should be more than just a place to leave your dog when you are unable to be with them. It should be a place where your dog feels safe and loved while learning valuable socialization skills,” says Dogtopia manager Keri Saccoia-Beggs.

Keri is no stranger to the world of canines, coming from a family which bred, raised, and showed Boxers and spending much of her teen years traveling to dog shows.

“You learn a lot about dogs when you are seeing hundreds a day! Now at Dogtopia, I get to meet and play with all breeds of dogs in our playrooms,” shares Keri.

That said, Dogtopia understands that not all dogs are the same and they have organized their facility in such a way that they can meet the needs of different dogs. Each dog needs to be fit for an open play environment, and they conduct a thorough temperament test during the first visit (called a Meet & Greet). Once they are ready for a fun-filled day, they are separated into one of three spacious playrooms based on similar size, temperament and play style. There is even a dedicated area called the “Wee Pen” for dogs under 8 pounds.

“Safety is always our number one priority,” shares Keri. “Our team is certified by two nationally recognized associations in canine behavior and each member has 80+ hours of training. All dogs need to be at least 12 weeks of age and must be up to date on all required vaccinations (Rabies, Canine Influenza, DHPP, and Bordetella). Dogs 7 months old and up must also be spayed/neutered. If you don’t have the records on hand, we can even call your vet for you!”

The innovative facility is climate-controlled, with compressed rubber flooring to minimize impact on your dog’s joints. 

Leaving a pet in the care of someone else can be stressful for some owners, but Dogtopia promises true peace of mind. With live webcams in every playroom, owners can check in on their furry family members and watch them play at anytime throughout the day. Owners will also receive periodic report cards to keep them in the loop.

In addition to day care, boarding and spa services are also available. Boarding crates are set up comfortably for rest and that feeling of “home away from home” and pups can even be pampered with a bath, nail trim and blueberry facial!

“We create a safe environment to give owners a trusted second home for their dogs. We can’t wait to meet more dogs in the Franklin area! We have some great events happening in September, including a special Labor Day weekend sleepover, Back to School Portraits on Friday, Sept 6th, a Birthday/Gotcha Day party on Thursday, Sept 12th, and our Foundation Fundraiser on Friday, Sept 20th. We will also be at the Franklin Harvest Fest on Saturday, Sept 28th,” says Keri.

In addition to helping the community by caring for local pets, the Dogtopia Foundation also comes together to raise money for important causes. Currently, they are sharing a goal with the community to sponsor a service dog for a veteran, aiming to raise $6,000 by the end of the year and truly enable dogs to positively impact the world.

Have a pup that could benefit from a place that brings socialization, exercise, love, and all-day fun? Learn more about Dogtopia of Franklin Village and their amazing services by visiting www.dogtopia.com/FranklinVillage and for more information on the Dogtopia Foundation, visit www.DogtopiaFoundation.org.

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