To thrive in the dog industry, “must love dogs” is usually one of the first requirements. Meet one dog mom who took her love of dogs to new heights by becoming a Dogtopia franchisee.

Meet Amber Sutton, Dogtopia of Springfield Owner

Meet Amber Sutton, owner of Dogtopia of Springfield VA

HOW DID BEING A DOG MOM FIRST GIVE YOU A LEG UP AS A DOGTOPIA FRANCHISEE?

A lot of pet parents want to chat about problems they might be having with their dogs, whether it’s food or behavior related, and I just always feel like things are more genuine if you’ve had first-hand experience. It also actually helps a lot in negative situations – like if a dog has to be dismissed. It’s very personal and pet parents naturally get upset. But since I had to dismiss my own dog from my own daycare – true story! – I can help them understand that it’s not something they or their dog did, but that the dog is just unhappy in a daycare setting. I can come from a place of empathy.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY?

I love seeing the dogs run in to Dogtopia. All the tails, dragging their parents through the parking lot, barking when they come through the door. The dogs are just so happy to be here, and it makes for a happy environment. I mean, it’s not like we can tell the dogs to get excited when they’re here – it’s just so genuine.

Interested in opening your own Dogtopia daycare center in your neighborhood? Learn how you can become a member of the Dogtopia family here.

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