Before Lauren Duffy owned Hounds Town Island Park, she was a customer who understood why the concept worked. While working in pharmaceutical sales, she brought her dog, Willy, to the Hounds Town location in Farmingdale for years. Over time, she came to appreciate a structured, social place where dogs could play.
That experience stayed with her. In 2016, Lauren and her partner, Jimmy, made a life change. They bought and renovated an existing doggie daycare in Island Park and reopened it as Hounds Town, becoming the franchise’s fifth South Shore location. After building out the space, they officially opened the doors to Hounds Town Island Park nine years ago, beginning a chapter that has grown into both a business and a community fixture.
Lauren says the decision came from seeing a need for pet services, especially in Island Park, which neighbors Long Beach and is filled with dog owners.
“A community filled with dog owners who are young professionals, families and first responders,” she said. “Hounds Town seemed like the right fit as it was a growing franchise with humble beginnings.”
The leap was exciting, but it came with nerves. When Lauren thinks back to leaving medical sales and stepping into ownership, one memory still makes her laugh.
“I hope I can pay my rent,” she said. “Haha. I remember feeling excited and empowered.”
That mix of humor, courage and belief in the business helped carry Hounds Town Island Park through its early years. Today, the facility includes 3,000 square feet of indoor play space and boarding suites, along with a 2,200-square-foot turfed yard. It offers dogs supervised pack play in a safe environment designed around structure and care.
Over the past decade, Hounds Town has changed dramatically as a brand. When Lauren and Jimmy joined the franchise, there were only four stores. Today, Lauren says the company has grown to more than 100 locations.
“Hounds Town has grown exponentially as a franchise,” she said. “Stores are larger and designed better. Safety protocol and training has improved over the years.”
That growth has created a network of franchisees who share ideas, from improved operations to playful events and “pawty” concepts that make the experience fun.
Still, for Lauren, the heart of the business remains local. As Hounds Town Island Park celebrates its anniversary in a “thankful” season, she is especially grateful for the people who have trusted the team with their dogs and helped the business become part of the rhythm of the community.
“I am thankful for being a part of such a close-knit community,” she said. “I live in Long Beach and I see multiple Townies walking in my neighborhood each day. I thank those wonderful people for trusting us with their pups.”
She is also thankful that the business has given her something many working parents hope for: flexibility. Owning Hounds Town has allowed her to build a career while still being present for her children, whether that means volunteering at school, making an appointment or showing up for a camp performance.
That balance is part of what makes the last 10 years meaningful. Hounds Town Island Park has not just been a place for dogs to spend the day. It has been a business built around trust and relationships, where customers become familiar faces and dogs become part of the extended Hounds Town family.
When families walk through the door, Lauren hopes they feel that immediately.
“I hope families feel the warmth of a caring staff, the comfort of professionalism and the ease of a clean and safe environment,” she said. “I hope they see a loving place that allows their pups to have fun in a structured, pack-play environment.”
As for the next 10 years, Lauren’s hope is simple and fitting for a place built around happy dogs and loyal customers.
“I hope the future brings generations of tail-wagging Townies,” she said.
“I am thankful for being a part of such a close-knit community. I thank those wonderful people for trusting us with their pups.”
“I hope families feel the warmth of a caring staff, the comfort of professionalism and the ease of a clean and safe environment. I hope they see a loving place that allows their pups to have fun in a structured, pack-play environment.”