Holiday Travel Turns Into Staycations for Pets at Dogtopia
It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year with congested roads and packed airports. But it’s also one of the most playful times for pets.
At Dogtopia daycare and dog boarding facility in Golden Valley, while pet owners are busy traveling, dogs are busy socializing.
“We’re 70 percent busier in actual boarding than on a normal week or weekend,” said Ryan Muhlbauer, owner of the Dogtopia franchise in Golden Valley.
Dogtopia makes sure pets are comfortable in their new environment before they can stay any length of time.
“We do have an influx of new dogs coming in, so making sure those dogs are feeling comfortable and playing well with the others. That’s the main focus during this time, that’s for sure,” said Muhlbauer.
The Golden Valley location offers four playrooms where pets are divided up based on size, age and understanding of social cues. Reese Smith is one of the employees taking care of them.
“Being able to go into the room and have all the dogs jump on you and seeing their tails wagging. It makes me really happy,” said Smith. “We’re looking at a 100 dogs for Christmas. It’s going to be busy.”
Dogtopia offers spa services too where dogs can get baths, haircuts and nails trimmed.
A pet receives a haircut at Dogtopia.
For pet owners like Tracy Thomas, a dog boarding facility also provides added peace of mind during the holidays.
“It’s amazing to be able to leave and go on vacation for the holidays, but obviously Ayla is part of our family and we always want to make sure we have somewhere good, safe and fun for her. So it’s kind of like a vacation for her as well,” said Thomas.
A 2021-2022 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association found that 70 percent of households own a pet. Muhlbauer was one of them before running a Dogtopia, which has become the largest dog daycare franchise in the country.
“The safety and the feeling you get to be able to leave your dog somewhere with people you can trust,” he said. “It’s one less thing you have to worry about during those times.”
