- Dogtopia has launched a Canine Behavior Expert Council to guide behavior, training and enrichment initiatives nationwide.
- The council includes certified dog trainers and a licensed veterinary technician with extensive experience in canine care and behavior.
- Members have already developed more than 36 individualized behavior support plans for daycare locations.
- The initiative aims to improve consistency, safety and wellness across the company’s franchise system.
- Dogtopia says the council will provide resources for franchisees, team members and pet parents.
As dog daycare providers face increasing expectations around canine wellness and behavior management, Dogtopia is formalizing its expertise with the launch of a new Canine Behavior Expert Council.
The council brings together professionals with backgrounds in dog training, veterinary medicine, enrichment and playroom management to help shape behavior-focused care across Dogtopia’s nationwide network of daycare facilities.
The inaugural council includes certified professional dog trainers Mikayla Morris, CPDT-KA, and Kaitlyn Azemar, CPDT-KA, along with licensed veterinary technician Heather Antos, LVT. Together, the group will advise on behavior support, enrichment programs, staff training and educational resources designed to improve outcomes for dogs in daycare environments.
Neil Gill, president and CEO of Dogtopia, said the council represents an investment in the tools and expertise needed to support both franchisees and pet parents as the company continues to grow.
From Behavior Challenges to Practical Solutions
Since January, council members have developed more than 36 individualized behavior modification plans for dogs requiring additional support in daycare settings.
The plans include positive reinforcement-based recommendations, environmental management strategies, communication tools for daycare staff and guidance that pet owners can continue at home. Dogtopia said the approach is intended to create greater consistency between daycare and home environments, a key factor in long-term behavioral success.
Beyond case-specific support, council members are developing educational materials and enrichment resources for daycare teams, including training focused on handling anxious dogs, improving playroom experiences and promoting safe social interactions.
Supporting Consistent Standards Across the Network
Dogtopia said the council will also play a role in evaluating behavior trends, reviewing case studies and helping establish systemwide standards related to canine behavior, safety and enrichment.
The initiative arrives as the company continues expanding its presence in the pet services sector. Dogtopia recently ranked No. 2 among pet franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2026 industry rankings and was the highest-ranked dog daycare franchise included on the list.
By creating a formal structure for sharing behavior expertise across locations, the company hopes to make evidence-informed behavior support a more consistent part of the daycare experience for dogs, staff and pet owners alike.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
