NEW PET PARENT?
If this is your pup’s first time at Dogtopia, there are a few things pet parents should prepare prior to rewarding your dog with the most exciting day ever!
Meet the Team
Amber Woods, Owner
Amber’s favorite thing about Dogtopia is getting to know all the pup personalities. She has been an animal lover since birth, having worked with both domestic and wild animals. Before coming to Dogtopia in 2021, she was a Management Consultant and now oversees the daily operations of Dogtopia of Houston. Amber and her husband Alex have two human children Gracie (6) and Grady (4), and a Vizsla named Velcro. They live in East Downtown and enjoy family bike rides along the Memorial Bayou and exploring the world through travel.
Tony Howdeshell, Executive Director
Tony spent 30 years serving the country in the Navy. After his military retirement he spent several years consulting mostly in the oil and gas industry. He and his family are all animal lovers. His wife, Ann-Marie volunteers at local shelters and is usually caring for rescues on her own. He has a 30 year old son and a 29 year old daughter who he partners with on a family run Halloween business. You’ll rarely see him without his support dog Sasha by his side. We are excited to have Tony (and Sasha) on the Dogtopia team!
Susan Dennis, General Manager
Susan has been with Dogtopia since October 2006. Dogs and pet parent relations are the most important things to her as is Dogtopia which provides the best of both worlds! She is a true dog lover and has been involved in dog rescue through foster care for many years. Dog rescue is her true passion. Susan and her husband currently have 2 dogs, Lucas and Josie, both rescues. Besides working at Dogtopia, she loves to go fishing, redecorate her house and explore what she hasn’t already seen in the USA.
Abner Payne, Assistant Manager
With 2 years of experience at Dogtopia, Abner currently focuses on team leadership, daily operations, and providing a safe, engaging environment for the dogs in his care. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through fitness and spending time outdoors. He is the proud owner of a 5-year-old husky, Asher, who keeps life both structured and adventurous. Abner values consistency, positive energy, and creating environments where both people and pets can thrive.
Jenna Anchia, Community Relations Manager
Jenna has been with Dogtopia for 4 years and found her passion for working with dogs after the passing of her first dog, Chance. She focuses on exceptional pet care and community outreach, ensuring every pup has a safe, happy experience while building strong connections with pet parents and local partners. In her free time, Jenna loves reading, doing crafts, and going to concerts.
Breann Cooksey, PPRM
Breann has been part of the Dogtopia family since 2022 and loves creating a fun, safe environment for every pup who walks through our doors. As a dog mom to Ember and Billy, she understands just how important it is to trust the people caring for your dogs. Her passion for pups and positive energy help make every daycare day tail-waggingly fun!
Lyla Korits, Shift Lead
With over a year of experience at Dogtopia, Lyla brings a genuine love for dogs to her role each day. She is the proud owner of three dogs—Koda, Dottie, and Piggy—who inspire her passion for animal care. What Lyla enjoys most about Dogtopia is meeting all the sweet, loving pups and their kind owners. Outside of work, she likes playing volleyball, coloring, and watching movies. Lyla truly loves what she does and looks forward to everything still to come.
