Inspired by a mission to enable dogs to positively change our world and save lives, Dogtopia Foundation launched in 2017. Dogtopia, a dog daycare, boarding and spa franchise founded in 2002, now has locations all over the country and in Canada which fundraise to support the Dogtopia Foundation’s three causes: Service Dogs for Veterans, Therapy Dogs for Students, and Employment Initiatives for Adults with Autism. A beautiful black lab named Quinn is the first dog that Dogtopia of Bearden has sponsored and is in training to be paired with her veteran with America’s VetDogs.
“Our donors at Dogtopia of Bearden are very close to sponsoring our second service dog, reaching our goal of $6,000 in celebration of our 2nd anniversary this August,” explains Pet Parent Relationship Manager (PPRM) Katelyn Emerson. Originally from Ohio, franchise owners Amanda and Jeremiah Webb previously owned franchises in children’s daycare in the Knoxville market. After selling those interests, they looked into dog daycare opportunities and secured the franchise for Knoxville, opening in Bearden in 2022. A Dogtopia of Farragut opens in 2025.
Dogtopia Foundation, which has just sponsored its 500th dog nationwide, picks up all expenses so the veteran pays no bills for the life of the service dog. U.S. Army Retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a highly decorated war hero, partners with the foundation to spread awareness about the need for service dogs. She shares her inspiring story that her service dog saved her life and educates the public on the program benefits. Visit youtube.com/@dogtopia
Dogtopia makes donating easy for their pet parents, Katelyn explains. Fetch It Forward is a way for pet parents with enrolled dogs to add a donation to consistently give to the foundation in their weekly payments if they choose. Proceeds from weekly events also benefit the foundation, such as Makin’ Bacon. For a $5+ donation, your pup can enjoy a turkey bacon treat at Friday lunch.
As PPRM, Katelyn says, “I get to meet our pet parents when they first come in, easing their concerns and answering questions. Dogtopia was created to expertly cover every base in dog care, boarding, and spa services. For example, perks like family emergency or last-minute boarding are available to enrolled dogs to offer pet parents peace of mind.”
Katelyn answers FAQs and describes how Dogtopia answers these important questions:
Safety. Is your dog supervised by trained dog handlers in a safe environment?
Our dogs are in one of three open playrooms with dogs of similar size, temperament, and play style. Canine Coaches, certified after vigorous training, supervise, knowing what to look for in behavior in all kinds of breeds and how to handle situations.
Socialization. Are there opportunities for group exercise and social skills?
Our dogs get up to 10 hours of open play daily so they are exercising and socializing with friends, gaining socialization skills for the rest of their lives.
Cleanliness. Are play and boarding spaces clean and odor-free?
We follow vigorous Dogtopia protocols, with online and hands-on training. Noon – 2 p.m. all dogs are crated to give them a break, and allow staff to clean, in addition to constant cleaning in open play.
Climate conditions. If indoor/outdoor, how does the daycare keep your dog safe and comfortable in extreme temperatures?
Our facility is 100% indoors. Each playroom is climate-controlled with its own HVAC system, fresh air constantly pumped in the room for an outdoor feel.
Comfort/Health. Is the daycare mindful of your dog’s health and comfort, especially senior dogs?
Play rooms have easy-clean rubberized flooring instead of cement floors (better for joints, hips, and paw pads, especially seniors). All dogs must pass a Dogtopia evaluation, be vaccinated, and monitored for illnesses at daily check-in.
Access. Can you monitor your dog’s care?
Pet parents can log in and watch their dog at play, and monitor care and boarding via webcams.
Katelyn says, “I am amazed at how well thought out every detail of the Dogtopia experience is for dogs and their pet parents. Amanda and Jeremiah have a passion for excellence that shows every day. My dog is my child and, like all our pet parents, I want the absolute best in daycare. At Dogtopia, we go above and beyond on behalf of those relationships between pet and parent.”
The inherent value placed on the lives of dogs, and their relationships with their humans, is reflected in the work of the Dogtopia Foundation, where donors can be assured 100% of their contributions go to the organizations the foundation supports and its vision of dogs changing the world.
To donate, go to dogtopiafoundation.org or text “Dogtopia482” to 7177 or directly to the Bearden location app.mobilecause.com/if/DOGTOPIA/team/BeardenKnoxville Check out Instagram #dogtopiabearden Book a Meet and Greet. Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville
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