Dog's Powerful Healing Effects

Dogs are great companies, but have been known to be more than just that. Watch this powerful story from the folks at ABC News about how this dog saved two soldiers lives. Preview article below or watch full video and story here.

One Dog’s Powerful Healing Effects on Two Wounded Veterans

ABC News’ Kelly Hagan and Sabrina Peduto report:

Justin Lansford and his longtime girlfriend, Carol Balmes, love doting on their golden retriever, Gabe. But there is much more to this four-legged friend than meets the eye.

“The less I use my wheelchair, the more I need his help in smaller tasks and the more he is there,” Lansford, a U.S. Army veteran, told ABC News’ Lara Spencer. “It has been very comforting to know that.”

Lansford, of Silver Spring, Md., was severely injured during deployment when he was struck by an improvised explosive device.

“I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan in early 2012,” he said. “We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely. I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.”

While recovering at Walter Reade National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Lansford was introduced to Gabe through the Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit that pairs support dogs with wounded troops.

See full story here.

"Fanwood's K-9 Resorts EmBARKs Upon a Big 2014"

Check out this article secured in The Alternative Press on Thursday, March 13th, 2014 about the history of K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel and their plans for the future. Preview the article below or read full story here.

"Fanwood's K-9 Resorts EmBARKs Upon a Big 2014"

BY: John Mooney

FANWOOD, NJ - K-9 Resorts, Fanwood’s luxury hotel for dogs, is emBARKing a bold growth plan for 2014.


The company, which specializes in overnight boarding (from one night to two months), is adding franchise locations from Boston to Virginia in the near future. Pet owners turn to K-9 when they go on business trips or leisure travel and when they plan home construction projects. The company also offers “doggie daycare” that includes play groups so that pets can expend energy, exercise and socialize in a cage-free environment.

“Dogs are social animals that need exercise and stimulation. Doggie Daycare is the best way to provide both,” says co-founder Jason Parker, who started the business with his older brother, Steven. “It is important for puppies to socialize. People want their dogs to be social. It’s critical for them to start at a young age.”

Read full story here.

Good Health in Cold Weather

It is vital to keep your pet active, but more importantly we need to take into consideration the steps to properly keep them in good health when the temperatures drop. This article from NPR provides some great tips as to how to do so. Read full article here or preview below. 

"Cold Weather Tips To Keep Your Pets In Good Health"

by SCOTT HENSLEY


Here I sit shivering, wishing I were a dog or cat to get through this cold snap.

A built-in fur coat, no commute and maybe some quality time by the fireplace. What could go wrong?

Quite a few things, it turns out.

The friendly animal lovers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's Ryan Hospital report seeing a few wintery problems for pets in the ER over the last few days. Some you might not have expected.

"One thing that we saw this weekend was rabbits who were in a basement during the cold weather," Dr. Deborah C. Mandell tells Shots. The rabbits were sick with a life-threatening condition called gastrointestinal stasis. Their intestines stopped working. Exposure to cold can trigger the problem, says Mandell, an emergency and critical care vet. The rabbits did fine after they were gently warmed.

Read full article here. 

"Forty-six fascinating ideas that raised 1/2 billion dollars"

The producers of CNBC’s “Power Pitch” posted a year-in-review video featuring highlights of the last year on Thursday, December 26th. View the video here!

"Forty-six fascinating ideas that raised 1/2 billion dollars"

By: Erin Barry

This year, Power Pitch featured 53 founders from 46 start-ups—all with the courage to step up and deliver a 60-second pitch to experts and potential investors. They faced tough questions (and judgments) from some of the biggest names in venture capital, social media, fashion and food.

We’ve had a blast producing this series and look forward to featuring more in 2014.Thanks to all the founders and panelists for participating, and to all our viewers! And a huge thanks to all of our startups for sharing their big ideas:

You can view the entire highlight video here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

This article focuses on winter weather tips from K-9 Resorts to pet parents and how to make sure they stay warm, safe and healthy during the cold months. Preview below or read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

By: Alternative Press

With the cold weather and holiday season upon us, it’s important for all pet parents to know the best advice to take care of their furry family members. K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel would like to share some winter weather tips for you and your pets. For more information about K-9 Resorts in Fanwood, more tips for your pets or to find a location near you go to www.k9resorts.com, fanwood@k9resorts.com or call at (908) 490-0808. 

1. When you bring your pet in from outside, make sure to wipe its paws and underside to remove any ice balls that could cause frostbite. Check ears, tail, and paws for any signs of frostbite as well.


2. Make sure you check your house for plants that could potentially harm your pets. Poinsettias are extremely poisonous to dogs and are most commonly found during the holidays around the home.

Read full article here. 

“K-9 Resorts Plans Luxury 'Dog Hotel' in Madison”

Below is the article featured in Madison Patch Journal surrounding the new K-9 Resorts location opening in Madison, NJ. Read full article here or begin below.

“K-9 Resorts Plans Luxury 'Dog Hotel' in Madison”

BY: Jake Remlay


A K-9 Resorts franchise plans to open on Prospect Street in Madison.

The business offers luxury, cage-free boarding, and doggie daycare, K-9 resorts co-founder Jason Parker said. Dogs are given a temperament test, and then are able to play in a large playroom throughout the day.

There is no maximum amount of time dogs can stay there, and some dogs have stayed for months at a time. Dogs can stay in private rooms with outdoor windows and TVs tuned to Animal Planet, Parker said.

The building at 22 Prospect Street in Madison, a former St. Hubert's location, is being outfitted with top-of-the-line ventilation systems and improved noise control.

The Madison location will be the fourth K-9 Resort. Other locations are in Fanwood, Fairfield and Middletown. Nine more franchises are in development, he said.

Read full article here. 

Separation Anxiety

It's sad to think the pets that bring us so much happiness could ever feel blue. 

However, Veterinarian clinics report that approximately 14% of dogs seen are suspected to suffer from separation anxiety. Since canines are naturally social animals, it's no surprise that many develop increased attachment behavior to their human family members.The onset of these problems often coincide when there is a dramatic change in the amount of time the owner spends with a pet. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include increased activities like restlessness, pacing, and whining when the owner is not present. Depression and physiological changes such as panting or even vomiting can occur. But short of never leaving your pet's side, how can you avoid increased anxieties in your furry friend?

Professionals report that medications should only be used in extreme cases, and there are many things owners can do to avoid serious situations. Ignoring attention seeking behaviors such as whining and nudging during training is important. Certain departure cues such as picking up keys and purses, or putting on coats and shoes should also be kept as low key as possible or even done in a different room until a pet is desensitized to these cues. Creating a big to-do when leaving a dog at home is common in humans, but this can increase the likeliness of anxieties in pets. 

Upon returning, you of course want to play with your dog immediately, but it can be very helpful to wait until your pet has calmed down a bit to begin playtime. 

K9 Resorts' Doggie Daycare is a “cage-free” environment, designed for dogs that are social with other dogs. Daycare provides an outlet to expend excess energy, socialize, exercise and remain active. Dogs are social animals that need exercise and stimulation, and Doggie Daycare is the best way to provide both! While it is just great fun, this exercise helps curb behavior problems like separation anxiety. Consider bringing your dog to our Doggie Daycare and see if it helps with those canine blues!

Pets a Threat to Gadgets?

TIME recently reported that pets may be a threat to the safety and longevity of your gadgets. Is anyone surprised? Most of you probably have a story of at least a close-call between your dog and an iPad or cell phone.

Eight million electronic devices are harmed by pets each year according to a study sponsored by SquareTrade Inc, a San Francisco company that sells extended warranty plans for consumer electronics. Since you've probably been through several in the past year regardless of your pet's involvement, you won't be surprised to hear that mobiles make up one-third of all devices vandalized by furry friends.

SquareTrade made a few more interesting finds:

• Incidents happened 66% of the time when pets were left alone with the devices in question.
• 17% of the incidents happened when owners believed their pets were "angry" with them.
• Males pets were 50% more likely to damage a device than female pets. 
• Overprotective pets were twice as likely to damage a device. 

Of course, SquareTrade wants you to buy an extended warranty, so their stats include even a lick from your pet, but the study does remind pet owners to be a little more careful with their electronic devices. 

Franchisee Spotlight: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physician assistant for the past 10 years, Bill has now transitioned into the corporate world, where he has decided to open a K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Bill is lifelong dog owner and new a dad.  

How did you learn about the brand?

My girlfriend’s (Larisa Citsay- who will be helping me run the business) brother is friends with Jason and Steven Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts.  Their entrepreneurial accomplishments at such a young age really inspired me to invest in opening my own K-9 Resorts.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

I am currently a physician assistant, so the business world is somewhat new to me. I knew as a franchisee owner, I would get great help with the process and have instant support on day one and well into the future. 

What makes your business different?

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is a very well organized and clean facility. Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. K-9 Resorts doesn’t have a distinct pet odor, is incredibly clean and runs efficiently. It is the perfect option for people who need a safe, comfortable place to leave their pets. K-9 Resorts is also a very young franchise, and I am very confident that it will be successful. I thought it would be best to get in early and help them grow.

I have also been a physician assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about.  The career change is an exciting adventure.

What are your expansion or development plans?

Once we open this location, I would love to be able to open a second location in the near future. I am confident in success of this business.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I love dogs. I grew up with a yellow lab and now I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. I am also a new dad! I have a 9 month old son, who consumes a lot of my time. I also enjoy exercising, sports and cars.  

Middletown Grand Opening

K9 Resorts in Middletown, New Jersey will be holding its Grand Opening this Sunday, June 9. The newest K9 Resorts is located at 889 Route 25.

Please join owners Dan and Lisa Cody from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. to tour the new facility and meet the team. However, if you are unable to attend the Grand Opening, feel free to call the location to schedule a tour for any other day of the week during business hours by calling 732-671-0948.

Click HERE for more information about the Middletown location, including business hours and detailed directions.

Franchisee Spotlight: Andy and Darcie Lubalin

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Andy Lubalin went to Penn State University earning a degree in economics, with a minor in business administration in 1995. He met his wife Darcie at college and they relocated back to New Jersey. He worked at Hertz Equipment Rental for two years. Andy then worked for 15 years as a consultant at CSC Corporation as a Software Developer, and ended up as a Business Manager assigned to a major brokerage firm. His job duties required a lot of travel, to the point where he would be gone weeks at a time and missed the first moments of his kids’ lives. 

Having known K-9 Resorts’ founders Steven and Jason Parker when they were neighborhood dog sitters back in the day, Andy’s passion led him to K-9 and is the first franchisee in the network. As the #1 rated pet care service in all of New Jersey, Andy couldn’t be happier. Andy and Darcie live about a mile from the original K-9 store and became owners because of their high admiration of the franchise and its genuine line of work.

How did you learn about the brand?

Andy: It’s been three years in the making. I knew I wanted to work with dogs when I was going through my career transition and came back to K-9 when I made the decision to make a change.  I signed in the summer of 2011 and it took a full year to find the best location when we found it in the summer of 2012.

Jason Parker: Andy is our first franchisee, so this is very much our first rodeo working out the kinks to find the right location. We went through a bit of a challenge at first, but found a really good location advisor. Working with Larry Barto has been great. We have 13 locations including this one. This will be the first franchise location, with the original corporate location opening in 2005.

Why did you choose an opportunity with K-9 Resorts?

I’ve known the Parkers since they were in high school. We moved into the area, and they were our dog walkers, so I had the history with them. Their level of customer service was through the roof, especially for kids that age. They understood the value of relationships so I always had a positive opinion of them.

Five years went by and I knew they had since opened K-9 Resorts but had yet to take a tour. After doing the tour, I went in to meet with them and knew it was the right fit for me. It was immaculate. I didn't smell anything, didn't hear anything. Plus, I feel we saw eye-to-eye on life and the big picture, so the corporate culture was the icing on the cake.

Describe the location and demographics of the area.

The location is in a high income, densely populated area with a high pet index. The national average is a score of 100, but in this area, it’s nearly 300. In addition, the location on Bloomfield Avenue happens to be next to the only 24-hour animal emergency hospital in the area.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We just served as the largest sponsor for the Dress for Success's Ad Journal, an organization that helps women in difficult situations get back on their feet.

Jason: We reserve a certain portion of money per year for philanthropy and support in the community; that is something the brand as a whole believes in.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

There’s a certain stigma that boarding rooms are loud, smelly and dirty. On some level, this is true, so part of our job is to educate people on great places such as K-9 that do have state-of-the-art materials and are really clean.

How many employees will you have when you start out?

We will have four up-front and four in the back.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with K-9 Resorts?

It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that we will expand. We have a location, but I can’t think about that until at least after this summer because I have to show this is going to be a money maker.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I have two kids so enjoy coaching my kids’ and being with my family. I enjoy playing sports myself.

Grand Opening in Fairfield, NJ

K9 Resorts recently celebrated our grand opening in Fairfield, NJ! We would like to congratulate new owners Andy and Darcie Lubalin, as well as thank the hundreds of new customers who came out to celebrate with us. Though there was rain, the sun was certainly shining upon the many smiling faces!

Here are some photos of the amazing day:

Franchise Owners Andy & Darcie Lubalin celebrate the Grand Opening of K9 Resorts of Fairfield, NJ

Hundreds of new customers come out to see the new K9 Resorts facility!

Bouncy House for family fun!

Face paintin

Front view of K9 Resorts of Fairfield! 

Co-Founder Jason Parker giving tours to eager guests

All front desk staff taking reservations and creating new client accounts

Cutting the ribbon!

Creating new client accounts

K9 Resorts Featured on FIOS1 News

K-9 Resorts was featured on FIOS1 News  in a segment titled, "K-9 Resorts Offer Luxury Lifestyle to Four-Legged Clients".

In the segment, Long Island K-9 Resorts owner Earl Blasi spoke about why he decided to open a K-9 Resorts and how he is looking at this business as a passion. Founder Jason Parker discussed why Long Island is a good market for the brand. 

Click HERE to view the segment on FIOS1's website or use the link below:


K-9 Resorts Offer Luxury Lifestyle to Four-Legged Clients

Trooper Takes the Prize, Fairfield Almost Finished

K9 Resorts has announced a winner in their most recent Facebook competition, "They're Just Like Us".

The winner is Trooper, a rescue dog who resides with his owner Saleena G. in Springfield, NJ. Trooper took the lead early in the competition and never looked back. Who could resist voting for a dog in a purple velvet jacket with zebra print lining? We believe it was the matching hat that pushed Trooper to the prize of a $150 Visa gift card. That's sure to buy a lot of milk bones for this cultured canine.

Trooper isn't the only new thing in New Jersey. K9 Resorts also posted photos from their new Fairfield location scheduled to open soon. Check out those sparkling hallways, and a sign that's sure to sparkle once the rain passes:

Franchise With K-9 Resorts!

Have you ever thought about owning a business? Think of how great it would be to be your own boss. When you buy into a franchise, you're buying into a proven business model without having to worry about all the stress that comes with a start-up. At K-9 Resorts, we have the tools you need to get started.

Today, one out of every three dollars spent by Americans for a good or service is spent in a franchise business.  A franchise increases your chances of business success because you are associating with proven products and methods. Purchasing a K-9 Resorts franchise allows you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself.  You will benefit from our 14+ years of success and proven track record in the pet care industry.  K-9 Resorts is the only pet care facility in New Jersey that is rated #1 by multiple major publications; that means we’re the best!  Don’t you want to learn from the best?

Brand Awareness

K-9 Resorts is the only facility in New Jersey that is rated #1 by multiple major publications.

The System

Our proven system works and will allow you to follow a proven track record and avoid the mistakes associated with starting a business on your own.  K-9 Resorts can offer you a level of support unmatched by others.

Economies of Scale

If you’re a single entrepreneur, you have the buying power of one.  If you’re a franchisee, your franchisor can negotiate bulk rates and pass along the savings to you.

Financing

Most new businesses require start-up capital, regardless of whether you franchise or not.  While most franchisors do not supply financing, we have relationships with lenders who will view that brand’s referrals more favorably than an independent business owner just starting out.

Marketing

We know what works and what doesn’t work.  With the help of K-9 Resorts Marketing Team, more of your advertising dollar is spent on advertising that has been proven to be successful.

Speed to Market

You can build the most beautiful dog boarding facility and fill it with the most expensive equipment.  That takes time as well as money.  Or, you can sign up with a franchisor who has done this before and be handed a shopping list of exactly what you need to set up shop, allowing you to open for business more quickly than if you had to research it all on your own.

Training

We offer extensive training in every aspect of running your business.  We cover everything from caring for pets to training new employees, from running a doggy daycare to purchasing supplies for your business. Our training program is designed with both classroom learning and practical training in a K-9 Resort to provide you with all the information and tools needed to run your business.

Support

We are here to support you as you begin your dream of owning your own business.  Our support begins the moment you sign your franchise agreement.  We work with you to help you select and secure the best site, obtain your financing and build out the location.  We will continue to support you as you open and grow your business.  Consistent communication and visits to your resort will be made by our team to provide business coaching, plan marketing, assist with employee development and create new strategies to build your sales.

Steven and Jason Parker Featured on MO.com

The founders of K9, Steven and Jason Parker, have been featured in an online article on MO.com. See the full article and interview below. 

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel Founders

By: MO.com

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel was founded in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker in Fanwood, N.J. When in their early teens, their parents denied them a dog of their own, so the entrepreneurial pair opened a professional pet-sitting business to prove they were not only willing, but ready to care for a dog. That business not only became a highly profitable enterprise that they sold for a six-figure sum in 2006, that revenue became the expansion fuel for their burgeoning K-9 Resorts business.

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel, which is rated #1 in NJ, offers both doggie daycare & luxury cage-free boarding services. K-9 Resorts has cage-free accommodations which are spacious and well appointed. K-9 Resorts is the only facility in New Jersey to have been rated Number 1 by multiple major publications. K-9 Resorts started franchising in 2011, and has been offering franchises throughout the Northeast U.S.

MO: Where does your strong entrepreneurial spirit come from?

Steven & Jason: That’s a good question! We don’t know exactly where it comes from, but we can tell you we’ve both had a very strong entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age. We had lemonade stands, leaf blowing business, snow removal business and a dog walking business all before I was 14 and Jason was 12.

MO: Did anyone think you were crazy when you first started to pitch your idea of a luxury dog hotel?

Steven & Jason: Absolutely! Everyone thought we were crazy! Our parents, our friends, and most banks were not ready to listen. But, then we met a bank who believed in us and our idea and loaned us the money, which enabled us to grow our business and live our dream!

MO: Your facility is pretty impressive and had to be built to specification to accommodate your unique requirements. Can you talk about some of the challenges you encountered along the way and how you overcame them?

Steven & Jason: We had to overcome many challenges. The most difficult one was our age. We knew what we were doing, but convincing a bank to loan a half a million dollars to two teenagers was a different story. So, if I had to pick one obstacle, our initial financing would definitely be high on the list.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Dan and Lisa Cody

Projected Opening: Summer 2012

Location: TBA, New Jersey

Q: Where do you live?

A: Dan: My wife, Lisa, and I have both lived in Lodi, NJ in Bergen County our whole lives.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Dan: I own a bonding and insurance company.

     Lisa: I am an elementary school teacher.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: Dan: We have been thinking about owning another business for a while and we were looking for about a year before we came across K-9. We saw an ad in NJ Monthly and started to look more into the brand.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: Dan: We saw a presentation when we went to a franchise seminar for K-9 and were really impressed with the business and the model that was already in place.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: Dan: We both bring different aspects to the business because I have first-hand experience running a business and Lisa has a lot of experience with animals. She loves pets and is very involved in the animal community and volunteers at the Bergen County Animal Shelter.

Q: Why did you choose to enter this industry?

A: Dan: We are both big animal-lovers and enjoy working with them. We have fostered and adopted several pets over the years. We currently have two Wheaten Terriers.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: Dan: What stood out the most to us about K-9 is that the animals and their owners are all treated with so much respect and the facility itself is so inviting.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?

A: Lisa: We will definitely be very involved with animal shelters and organizations because that is extremely important to us.