by Karen Dybis

Pet franchise thrives as 'paradise for dogs'

She may be a lawyer by trade, but Renee Miller feels she has truly found her calling through her new franchise business.

Her clients are still well heeled, just in a different way. Miller and her husband Rick recently opened Dogtopia, an upscale dog day care, spa and boarding facility in Livonia. Their goal is to provide people's pets with a home away from home.

What separates Dogtopia from the growing number of dog kennels and day cares in Metro Detroit is its attention to detail, Miller said. For example, each of Dogtopia's rooms has rubber flooring, which is warm, easy on a dog's joints and prevents slipping for safer play.

They also have webcams positioned throughout the facility so owners can check out what their pets are doing -- or if they just get lonely for their favorite Fido.

"We've always loved dogs, so we totally understand the mindset of pet owners," Miller said. "With Dogtopia, our mission is to create a local paradise for dogs."

Dogtopia is ideal for what are known as "social dogs," or those that like to be around people. Some pets prefer a quiet environment, Miller said, but most dogs want someone around when their masters are at work or school.

For example, they have a client who is a lawyer as well. Because he has 70-hour work weeks, he relies on Dogtopia to exercise and wash his dog, Scout, so the pooch is happy, Miller said.

"When he picks Scout up, he's clean, tired and relaxed. That way, they can enjoy their time together," Miller said.

The Ann Arbor Road facility has room for up to 80 dogs, Miller said. They take any breed, including pit bulls and others that are typically banned from these facilities. However, big dogs are separated from smaller dogs, and older or calmer dogs can chill in a separate room filled with cushions and futons.

The other rooms in the 6,000-square-foot facility are designed to spark a dog's energy and playfulness. They are painted bright colors, like yellow, green and blue. There are multiple playrooms to suit a dog's personality and size as well as a 1,200-square-foot outside area. Dogtopia also offers spa treatments like nail trimming, a self-service dog wash and retail boutique.

Dogtopia fits into that sweet spot of pet-care services known as doggie day care. And more boarding and day care facilities are popping up, according to the Pet Care Services Association, a trade organization in Colorado Springs.

According to a recent survey of its members, more than three quarters offer grooming services, another 72 percent now provide dog day care and about half provide retail supplies as well as training for their canine wards.

This is the 18th Dogtopia location in the United States. The Dogtopia concept was founded by Amy Nichols, who opened the first location in Tysons Corner, Va., in June 2002. Its initial franchise offering came in April 2005. The franchise anticipates 50 Dogtopia locations will be in operation or in development by the end of this year.

"We could have opened up anywhere, but we want to show that not everyone has given up on Michigan," Miller said. "We are proud to live in Michigan and even prouder to be opening our business here."

© The Detroit News 2009