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!
At Dogtopia, our passion is giving every single dog the best-individualized care with their health, safety, and comfort as our top priority! Our home away from home environment is the perfect place for your pup to learn, play, and socialize with their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever).
Meet the Team
Laura Ruiz, General Manager
Laura has been in and out of the pet care industry since 2004 and has 6 years of doggie daycare management experience. She has always been an avid dog lover and has always had a passion for providing best-in-class care for dogs and their parents. Laura adopted her first dog, Pepper, 13 years ago and still has her to this day! If she were a dog she says she would be a Border Collie for their take-charge attitude.
Kaitlyn Patrick, Pet Parent Relations Manager
Kaitlyn began her start in the pet care industry at the animal hospital she worked while in college. She has always had a big heart for animals but after three years at the animal hospital, her passions really blossomed! Post-graduation she began her career with Dogtopia and loves chasing the noble cause: to enhance the joy of dog parenthood! Kaitlyn is a dog mom to four dachshunds and a beagle mix who are her whole world! If Kaitlyn were a dog she says she would be a beagle for their social and trusting personalities.
Jose Louis, Canine Coach Lead
As a volunteer at in no-kill shelter, Jose has been in the canine industry for a couple of years now. His favorite moment at the shelter was finding a forever home for a dog who had been deemed ‘un-adoptable.’ Jose has a true passion for rehabilitating and working with any and all dogs! He is working to receive his certification in dog training from the Animal Behavior College and is set to graduate in February 2020! If Jose were a dog he says he would be a Pitbull and Labrador retriever since they’re always happy and everyone loves them.
Michaela Gardner, Rover Lead
Michaela’s first word was dog—no, seriously! Dogs have been a prominent fixture in her life since birth. She currently has three pups of her own: Jax, an 8-year-old Border Collie mix, Nova, a 4-year-old super mix, and Merlin, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd. She is currently training with Merlin in order to compete in Dog Agility events! She has been working in the animal industry since 2016, and doggie daycares specifically since March of 2018. Her experience and enthusiasm led her to become a part of the Dogtopia team. She is thrilled to be part of a doggie daycare that focuses on socialization, education, and exercise! According to a very accurate and irrefutable BuzzFeed quiz, if Michaela was a particular breed of dog, she would be a Corgi due to her ability to “just be [herself] at all times and without apology.”
Lauren Denny, Rover Lead
Lauren recently moved to Georgia and is excited to begin her path in the pet care industry with Dogtopia! She has always been an animal lover and is a dog mom to her yoki-poo, Bella, who is her devoted hiking partner. If Lauren were a dog she says she would be an Irish setter due to their red hair and lovable attitude!
Lizzie Wouters, Front Desk Lead
Lizzie has been working on and off in the pet industry for since 2011 and is over-joyed to continue her work with Dogtopia! She is a dog mom to three pups: Winky the tiniest chihuahua, Zeta a collie mix with a big voice, and Persephone the collie mix she rescued from a bear trap (ask her about it!) Lizzie says if she were a dog she would be a Jack Russel Terrier for her spunky personality and can-do attitude!
