An Unlikely Group

At K9 Resorts, we pride ourselves in being able to accommodate any sized dog with equal love and care, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. We thought we had seen it all until we came across this video on YouTube of one of the most diverse groups of pets we've ever seen. Sure, a large breed and small breed are not so uncommon in a house. Five dogs? Sure, a little more uncommon, but still not an unheard of mix. Even adding an aloof cat to the group is understandable. Throw in a duck who responds to his name just as alertly as the canines, and suddenly, we're speechless.

Check out this video from Erica Griffith who writes about her pets:

Macho - 8 Year old Toy Xolo

Rex - 11 Year old terrier something

Maya - 7-10 Year old Intermediate Xolo

Dave - 3 Year old standard size Xolo

Bella - 1.5 Year old Harlequin Great Dane

George - 1 Year old female Moscovy Duck

Twiggy - 5 year old Cat

If you are thinking about adding a pet (or another pet) to your family, please look into adoption from either a shelter or a reputable rescue group. You can find lots of animals and rescue groups that will fit exactly what you're looking for at petfinder.com That's what I did :)

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.

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:

Franchisee Spotlight: Teresa DeSousa and Ivan Kaplan

Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in both sociology and history, and held a position as Director of Human Resources for a small consulting firm before realizing she wanted to start her own small business. Teresa is a big animal lover, and the chance to open up an animal-oriented business appealed to her and her business partner Ivan.

Ivan has been a lawyer since 1991, and decided to leave law to pursue a business that coincides with his love for animals. After 20 years of law practice, he decided to take his life down a different career path. 

How did you learn about the brand? Why did you choose the brand?

Ivan lives close to the franchise headquarters and saw a billboard for the K9 franchise. We were discussing doggy daycare options because, let’s be honest, who wouldn't want to play with dogs all day? I knew what I wanted and what I expected as an owner, and wanted to make that dream a reality.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A franchise allows you the freedom of owning your own business, while utilizing a model. I don’t have to recreate anything, but K-9 is specifically great because the owners are open to suggestions. There is room for give and take, and franchising in general is a smart thing to do. I wasn't thinking about buying into a franchise initially, however once I received more information, I knew this is what we wanted to do.  

What makes your business different?

K9 is a great location for dogs and it is known for its cleanliness. It’s a different experience for customers and their animals; it’s more of a spa experience. We don’t want these dogs left in cages all day; the animals should be taken care of well. It’s horrible when places isolate the dogs they’re boarding.

How do you connect with the local community through your business?

We want to give back to the community so one of the things we would like to do is work with developmentally challenged individuals who can receive therapy and socialization from working with dogs. Whether it be watching or feeding the animals, the act of spending time with dogs can be very therapeutic and nurturing. We will also get involved with civic community activities, as well as fundraising. We will work with the police and fire department for raising awareness on safety.

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

The uncertainty of opening up a new business is always a struggle. I had to quit my job and do temporary work so I had the time to start K9. There is a huge learning curve and a lot of involvement with architects, engineers, general contractors, and electricians. These things are new to me, as I've worked in corporate most of my career.

What are your expansion or development plans?

We would like to get this one off the ground first. Perhaps in the future we will open more locations.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I’m a huge fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and I also love to travel.

K-9 Resorts Featured on Pet Life Radio

K-9 Resorts was recently featured on Pet Life Radio’s Six Figure Dog Business in a segment titled, "America's Youngest Franchisers Share Their Secrets".

In the segment designed for current and prospective pet business owners, founders Jason and Steven Parker spoke about their story, what marketing and business development initiatives they have used to become successful, and the opportunity in the pet care industry.

Click HERE to listen to the full segment or begin reading the synopsis below:

America's Youngest Franchisers Share Their Secrets

You read that correctly.  America's youngest franchisers are in the pet industry....and they are blowing up.  Steven and Jason Parker of K-9 Resorts have been franchising their award winning pet hotels for only two years and territories are being gobbled up.  People looking to get into the pet care industry realize these brothers have figured out a system for bringing in the revenue, taking care of customers, and running a successful company.

In this episode these brothers are going to share three of their biggest marketing strategies that have helped propel them to such big success at such a young age.  What's best is that most of what they share is not being done in the pet industry.  If you want to learn from some industry leaders and put some distance in between you and your competitors then this is the show for you.

Considering a Pet Sitter / Friend

Please choose your pet care carefully! K-9 Resorts offers the professional luxury care that your dog deserves.

K-9 Resorts realizes that there may be alternative options to licensed boarding facilities for pet owners. One of these options may be a neighbor, friend, leaving your dog at a strangers home, or a pet sitter that comes to check on your pet in your home. Please choose very carefully when making such an important decision in your dogs’ life. It may not seem that significant at first, but choosing who cares for your furry family member when you are away is very important for your pets’ well-being. Please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog.

Pet Sitter/Pet Caretaker Situation
Some dog owners choose pet sitters or other alternatives to a boarding facility because of cost. Owners should keep in mind that quality care is sometimes slightly higher priced as it is not easily found and maintained. One of the many reasons for the slight cost difference may be attributed to the fact that a boarding facility has staff monitoring and caring for your dog all day long, as opposed to a pet sitter who only stops in to check on your dog for a few short visits each day. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for!” K-9 Resorts offers the highest premium care for your dog in our state-of-the-art facility and with our highly trained, ABKA Certified staff!

When Using a Pet Sitter/Friend:

• Most pets are only checked on a few short times during the day potentially leaving your pet alone for as many as 23 hours a day. Often, there is only a small amount of time spent on exercise, interaction, and observation – all of which are needed even more while pets are away from their owner. K-9 Resorts has trained and loving certified pet care technicians on staff to PROFESSIONALLY care for your pet.
• Pets can experience severe stress, separation anxiety, and boredom when left alone. As a result, stress-related behavior such as destroying the house, yard, and belongings can occur. K-9 Resorts helps alleviate stress by providing hands-on interaction and a variety of activities to keep pets busy and happy throughout the day.
• Pet sitters, friends, or neighbors often mean well, however they usually are not professionally trained in pet care. This lack of professional training unfortunately may result in the following:

1. Backing out of the commitment to care for your dog at the last minute, leaving you without pet care. Due to the fact that this often occurs at the last minute, it is often too late to find a boarding facility that has room for your pet as they are already booked. Pet owners that book reputable and licensed boarding facilities in the first place, are guaranteed their reservation for pet care and can travel at ease!
2. Forgetting to show up to check on your pet.
3. In emergencies, inclement weather, or unforeseen events, a pet sitter may not be able to get to your home.
4. Even if introduced previously, pets may act abnormally or unpredictably while their owner is not home. In an owner’s absence the dog may not welcome the pet sitter into the house as they are protecting their environment or may feel threatened by their presence.
5. Your pet may escape from the pet sitter or your friend and try to look for you. 
6. With someone coming in and out of your home there is always the possibility that they may forget to lock your door, leaving your home and pet susceptible to intruders. 
7. Even if normally not done, when left at home with no long-term human interaction, your pet may become destructive, chewing objects that they could choke on or having accidents that may damage your home.
8. In the event your pet needs medical attention, they may not know how to help or where to take your pet.

K-9 Resorts is the ultimate pet care facility. When you need the best of the best – to guarantee the utmost in your pets comfort and joy – you and your pet will find K-9 Resorts to be second to none. Not only do local veterinarians refer K-9 Resorts to their clients, a number find that our state-of-the-art pet care facility meets their discriminating needs for their own pets. We are very proud many local veterinarians board their own pets here at K-9 Resorts!

Again, please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog. Please call K-9 Resorts today to schedule a private tour of our facility and speak with one of our trained professionals. We are proud of our facility and would love to show you around and explain why K-9 Resorts is the best option for your pet. You will immediately realize that K-9 Resorts is one of the most innovative and well-equipped pet facilities in the nation. Come see, We’re better!

K-9 Resorts featured in Huffington Post

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel was featured in an article on Huffington Post (formerly AOL Small Business) titled, “Dog Businesses Find Success Even During Tough Times: Made in the USA.” The article features Steven and Jason Parker, who not only inspired the entire article but shared their entrepreneur story and the successes they have found in the dog care industry. Click here to read the article, or begin reading below.


Dog Businesses Find Success Even During Tough Times: Made In The USA

by Geoff Williams

Like many kids, when Jason and Steven Parker were teenagers, they wanted a dog. And like many parents, theirs said no. So they came up with the next best thing to spend some time with man's best friend -- they started their own pet-sitting business.

The brothers, now 24 and 27, kept it going through college and eventually sold it for six figures. After they graduated, they went on to start K9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel.

(Continue reading...)

K-9 Resorts featured on TheStreet.com

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel was featured on TheStreet.com in an article titled, “When Customers Become Franchisees,” that ran online on Monday, October 31, 2011. This article was based on an interview with franchisee Andy Lubalin and co-founder, chairman, and CEO Steven Parker. Steven spoke about the development of the concept and how the franchise intends to grow throughout the Northeast. In addition, Andy Lubalin offered great praise about how the customer service and cleanliness of the K-9 operation, along with the solid business model, were the main reasons that he and his wife decided to invest into this concept. Click here to read the article, or begin reading below.

When Customers Become Franchisees
By Laurie Kulikowski

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel was founded by two brothers in the dog-walking and pet-sitting business in New Jersey who decided to combine the operations -- then to expand a quickly successful business through the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area.

"We always knew wanted several stores," co-owner Steven Parker says.

They decided franchising was the best way to do that and officially became a franchised operation this year.

(Continue reading...)