There’s nothing better than a party, and dog daycare franchise Hounds Town – Island Park is celebrating its two-year anniversary! Franchisee owner Lauren Southard spent almost a decade in medical sales for a Fortune 250 company before she took the leap and joined the Hounds Town USA franchise system along with her co-owner, Jimmy Farrelly. “Island Park had an existing doggy daycare that was looking to sell,” Southard says. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to take it over and excel as a Hounds Town. I fell in love with the people and the community.”

Leash Envy

After just two short years in business, Hounds Town – Island Park is a howling success, boasting anywhere from 35 to 62 dogs a day in their facility. That’s a lot of leashes! And to celebrate two pawfect years, they are giving away free dog baths to all those pups who attended their grand opening party two years ago. Plus customers coming in on November 2 can join the celebration and help themselves to free bagels and refreshments.

Co-owners Lauren Southard (left) and Jimmy Farrelly (right) with Hounds Town founder Michael Gould (center).

Anyone Can Do It

It can take other franchises years before they start seeing success, but the Hounds Town USA franchise model is simple and effective. Southard believes that anyone can own their own dog daycare business if they have the right skill set. She believes “ambition, patience, perseverance, optimism, and customer service skills,” are a must. And as Hounds Town – Island Park proves, hard work can pay off quickly.

The Secret to Success

Now that Southard has made it past the two-year mark, she shares her wisdom with new franchisees in the system. “Hire staff you trust, get all your permits in place, but most of all, be involved with the community and your customers.” A fetchingly effective recipe for success!

Happy 2-year anniversary, Hounds Town – Island Park!  May your treats be plenty, and may your water bowl runneth over!

Lauren Southard of Hounds Town – Island Park

To find out more about starting your own doggy daycare franchise, please go to Hounds Town USA. Or to follow along with the happy pups at Hounds Town – Island Park, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram.