When Michael Gould - a former NYPD canine handler and commanding officer of the Nassau County Police Department - retired from the police force he wanted to find something else that would continue his passion for working with dogs. So he opened a doggie daycare called Hounds Town USA.
From one location launched in Port Jefferson over 20 years ago, Gould has been able to build a canine kingdom based on his philosophy that boarding and daycare facilities should feel safe and welcoming for owners and dogs alike.
Hounds Town USA now has 21 franchise locations in ten different states - six on Long Island, with two more on the way here. And, new franchisees have been gobbling up the brand’s doggie daycare opportunities across the country.
Photo: Hounds Town USA.
The company recently announced that it signed its 100th territory thanks to franchisees from Texas. Between 35 to 40 new stores of that 100 will be operational by the end of 2022. Some franchisees have multiple locations planned, while others are still in the planning or construction stages.
The numbers look very good for Hounds Town USA.
The company reported a 56% increase in year-over-year sales, a record. Revenue is set to surpass $10 million, up from $4 million in 2020 and $4.4 million in 2019.
They have also seen occupancy rates increase by over 20% at fully-matured stores. Stores in growth mode are seeing occupancy rates double and triple from 2020. A spokesperson for the company said that they have about 35,000 visits per month across all locations.
The Texas couple who locked in the 100th territory said they saw an increase in demand for quality doggie day care facilities.
“Especially now, with everyone getting back to normal and starting to travel again, we saw people needing to book pet care and struggling to lock down appointments,” said co-franchisee Holly Garland. “We knew the demand would continue to grow and we wanted to be the ones to provide that service.”
