WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
Are you looking for extensive experience working with all dog types and interested in becoming a highly-trained dog care professional? Join our friendly, family-oriented team and you’ll learn about dog behavior, dog body language, how dogs learn, basic canine first aid, and more!
What Makes Our Team Unique
It’s the Dogtopia Team who choose to work at Dogtopia that create our loving, respectful culture — from a professional front desk team to the caring and affectionate Canine Coaches who shower your dogs with love and attention.
Our Canine Coach training program has been approved for continuing education credits by International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Most of these educated and highly-trained staff are dog parents themselves and trust their teammates with the love and care of their own dogs. Our staff utilize Dogtopia’s open-play, spa, and boarding services right alongside our clients. We promise you, your dog will receive the same level of care and attention that we’d expect given to our own!
JOIN OUR TEAM
Meet the Team
Trevor Conti, Co-Owner
As it has been said, a dog is the only thing that will love you more than you can love yourself. I grew up on a farm, always had an entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to own my own business. With a career in wealth management, I was searching for a business opportunity and found Dogtopia. I saw that Dogtopia was not just a dog daycare, boarding, and spa business, but that the Dogtopia staff sees dogs the same way I do – as part of the family. The decision was easy. In April of 2018, with lots of excitement, I embarked on my new adventure as the proud owner of the Dogtopia of Madison West location!
Shauna Marlowe, Co-Owner & General Manager
My neurodivergent brain has always had a special interest in dogs. When I was little, I used to pretend I could understand them, Like Dr. Doolittle! Growing up, career day never included dog daycare so I didn’t know it was a possibility. Back then, if you wanted to work with animals, it was suggested you become a vet. I knew that I didn’t have the heart for the hard decisions that come with veterinary medicine so I pursued a career path in university life and student services instead. After working in student housing for a few years out in New Mexico, I saw there was an opening for a dog daycare manager, applied, and was hired at Dogtopia by the then owner, Betsy. Little did I know that Betsy would be selling only a few months later to Trever Conti, who welcomed me as his business partner. The best parts of my day are when I get to work directly with the dogs. Dogs are truly the best medicine. The more you give to them, the more they give back to you.
If I were a dog…
Standard Poodle. They are affectionate and protective, very perceptive dogs. They don’t seem to have a range to their energy. They are either exuberant or cavalier. I would describe them as “all or nothing” dogs who sometimes struggle with their social skills!
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
PACCC Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, PACCC Certified Professional Animal Care Manager, Fear Free Certified Boarding & Daycare Individual, IBPSA Certified Canine Pet Care Provider; IPBSA Certified Canine Pet Care Specialist; Heroes for Healthy Pets Certification in Infectious Disease Management, Feline & Canine CPR & Basic First Aid, IIABC Member
Steph Tauscher, Manager of Education
(608) 620-3865
I have been working with dogs for nearly 11 years in various capacities from group play to puppy specific care and dog education for both the caregivers and dogs. I made the transition to Dogtopia 2 years ago to be able to offer training services to Dogtopia clients. The thing I love most about working with dogs is the connection moment between dog and caregiver when they start to become fluent in each others language – especially if those dogs have big feelings. Also, puppies are my literal favorite. I have 3 dogs right now, a 14 year old beagle mix named Bella, a 3 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Rodney, and an almost 6 months old Great Dane named Commissioner Gordon (Gordie for short).
IF I were a dog…
I would most certainly be a herding breed of some sort, probably a German Shepherd. I like things in order!
Additional certifications
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Tricks & S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, CCPDT Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification, Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, PACCC Certified Professional Animal Care Provider, PACCC Certified Professional Animal Care Manager, IBPSA Canine Pet Care Provider, First Aid Certified
Dana Janicke, Manager of Operations
I started working with dogs when I was 18. I went in looking for a volunteer position and ended up leaving with a job! Ever since then, I knew this industry is where I wanted to be. My experience ranges from dog daycare, boarding, veterinary clinics/hospitals, grooming, and even aftercare. From a dog’s beginning of their life, to their end, it’s my honor to be their friend.
What I love most about working at Dogtopia is of course the dogs, but also the want for dogs to succeed at our facility. I love how passionate each and every staff member is in their role in providing a safe environment while it’s also fun and full of learning. Having so many knowledgeable humans in dog behaviors and their way of thinking makes our day to day not only great for us, but it becomes the best day ever every day!
I have an almost 9 year old brindle Pit Boxer. His legal name is Kenai, but we call him Beans. Kenai does have a feline sister at home, Indra. He’s a gentle, loving, kind, big boy who loves snackos and butt rubs.
IF I were a dog…
I feel it would depend on the day. Some days I feel more like a sassy, silly, couch potato pug, and others I feel like a focused, ‘ready,’ hardworking shepherd!
& A Few of Our Co-Workers...
