Dogtopia Signs First Regional Developer Agreement In San Diego County & Temecula

TYSONS CORNER, Va., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogtopia, a leading national dog daycare and spa franchise, announced today that it has signed its first regional developer (RD) agreement with Jim Rowe for the San Diego County area. Rowe is now seeking franchisees to own and operate nine new Dogtopia locations throughout the region, with opportunities to convert existing dog daycare and boarding facilities to the Dogtopia brand, as well as target key real estate opportunities for new locations along the 5 Freeway corridor. Additional opportunities exist along the 15 Freeway, extending north to Temecula.

As the company's first RD, Rowe is part of Dogtopia's aggressive growth strategy to expand its brand to more than 400 locations across the U.S. and Canada over the next seven years.  In October 2012, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Thomas Franchise Solutions, Ltd. (TFS), an investment firm dedicated to guiding and growing select unique franchise concepts.  This partnership attracted Rowe to Dogtopia, as well as the opportunities he saw in the $52 billion U.S. pet industry. 

"When I heard about the franchise growth Dogtopia has achieved over the past seven years and learned more about the four revenue streams it offers, including recurring revenue from daycare, I recognized it is a formula for success," said Jim Rowe, Dogtopia regional developer. "Now, we are going to target key areas of real estate in San Diego County that are a perfect fit for the Dogtopia market and expand this business opportunity on the West Coast." 

Rowe has identified Downtown San Diego, Point Loma/Ocean Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Oceanside as areas ripe for franchisees to take advantage of high density, high-end consumer shopping and living districts.

Rowe has been helping to grow franchised brands since 1999, when he joined a real estate business that expanded from 80 to 850 franchisees in just five years.  In 2005, Rowe acquired the largest all women's weight loss franchise and oversaw a strategic merger with another brand. Currently, his primary focus is owning and managing real estate through his company SIMCAL Properties, Inc., which he founded in 1990. He enjoys advising and consulting with franchisors on growth, maximizing profits and creating strategies.

"Jim has the franchise experience to take what we have built in terms of our brand and proven systems and to pair them with quality franchisees to grow Dogtopia strategically in San Diego County," said Amy Nichols, chief executive officer of Dogtopia.  "As we continue to expand across North America with our regional developer model, it is critical to identify experienced leaders like Jim who serve as a local representative for the brand and are focused on owning and managing a rapidly growing business."

Since Dogtopia launched in 2002, it has grown to 22 franchise and four company-owned locations nationwide, as well as six locations currently in development. Dogtopia's design mirrors that of a chic, upscale spa. Laid out in a similar manner as a children's daycare facility, Dogtopia has multiple playrooms to suit every dog's personality and size. In addition to daycare and boarding, many Dogtopia locations also offer a spa, self-service dog wash, and a boutique to pamper dogs of all shapes and sizes.

To fuel growth, Dogtopia is now seeking regional developers to expand the brand in major metropolitan areas, including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Southern California, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, and South Florida. Additionally, British Columbia and Alberta are key target markets in Canada. Candidates should have an affinity for dogs and the skills to grow a successful business within a proven franchise model. Regional developers will be required to open at least one store within the first year of signing then develop additional stores during a scheduled development period, either by opening and operating more units themselves or by recruiting franchisees for their region.

For more information regarding Dogtopia franchise opportunities in San Diego and Temecula, contact Jim Rowe at [email protected] or call 619.365.4321.

About Dogtopia
Dogtopia prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and dogs enjoy playtime, spa treatments, and overnight stays in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their pets in the hands of trained professionals while they're at work or away on vacation. Dogtopia associates nurture each and every pet as if it were their own. Each location offers dog daycare, boarding, spa services, and most also have professional grooming.  Dogtopia does not breed discriminate and welcomes social dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities. The company was founded by Amy Nichols in 2002 and began franchising in 2005. Currently, there are 22 Dogtopia franchises and four company-owned locations in operation across the U.S., and six additional locations in development. Visit www.dogdaycare.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Amanda DelPrete
Fish Consulting
954.893.9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Dogtopia