New Jersey Natives Open A Fully Interactive Doggie Day Care Facility, Hounds Town USA

Clifton, New Jersey local Steve Garibell worked in the retail and financial service industry for 20-plus years, but it wasn’t until he adopted his dog, Cooper, that he understood Bergen County’s vast need for a trustworthy dog care facility.

“I couldn’t find a place with the family feel I was looking for,” explains Garibell. Through a conversation with his friend and personal trainer, Anthony Mitchell, Garibell discovered he was not alone in the search for a pet care franchise.

Mitchell, a local entrepreneur, had experience with starting multiple small businesses within the New Jersey area and decided to join Garibell in his search for an affordable pet care franchise that they could bring to Bergen County. “I was quickly drawn to Hounds Town because of my love for animals and the franchise offers a unique way to help dogs and the community,” said Mitchell.

What sets Hounds Town apart from other pet care competitors is its focus on catering to the needs of the dogs, not their owners. The Ronkonkoma, New York-based company, Hounds Town USA, has become known for its exceptional approach to dog care and boarding since its inception in 2001. CEO and Founder Mike Gould applies his nearly 40 years of canine handling experience as one of the founding members of the New York City Police Department and Commanding Officer of the Nassau County Canine Unit to provide a place for dogs to be dogs.

“Dogs are social pack animals who crave interaction with other dogs,” said Gould.

Garibell and Mitchell researched multiple pet care franchise opportunities but what ultimately tipped the scales in Hounds Town’s favor was Gould’s unwavering commitment to the “real client” - the dogs. “The fact that Mike builds each facility from an 18-inch vantage point was what sold us, it was all about the dogs,” said Garibell.

The two business-savvy Jersey boys choose an 8,000 square foot facility in Lodi, New Jersey for their first Hounds Town USA location; the facility offers larger play areas for dogs, grooming stations, a full-time groomer, and a sizable retail space. “We both have an extensive understanding of how to tailor a business in order to maximize its value for community members,” said Mitchell.

Garibell added, “We want to be the go-to place when it comes to pet daycare and boarding,”

Another differentiator that will help set Garibell and Mitchell’s pet care facility apart from competitors is the brand’s choice not to discriminate against any dog breeds, including those that have been coined as ‘aggressive.’ Traditionally, a significant portion of Hounds Town USA’s dog population are breeds that have been rejected from other doggie daycare facilities; Hounds Town evaluates each dog’s temperament and find the right pack to fit the dog’s personality.

“We want dog owners to come in and see how much fun their dogs are having,” said Garibell, “This approach is how Hounds Town sets itself apart from other dog care franchises.”

Jackie Bondanza, President of Hounds Town USA, anticipates Garibell and Mitchell’s large Hounds Town location will become a pillar of the Bergen County community and hopes their dedication will inspire others to join the Hounds Town family. She said, “We are thrilled that Steve and Anthony have joined the Hounds Town USA family as they epitomize our ideal franchisee: business savvy dog lovers with an incredible work ethic and dedication to their business and their community.”