Shelby, Regional Manager

Dogtopia combines my love for dogs with my dedication to leadership & team development. I’m passionate about growing strong teams, creating positive workplace culture, and of course, getting to pet all the perfect pups!

Michelle, General Manager

I moved from Chicago to Michigan 9 years ago with my husband, son, and our two dogs. I have spent most of my professional career managing restaurants, but I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs! My amazing husband pushed me to pursue my dreams, and my 19-year-old son was a huge inspiration for me as well. My ultimate dream is to buy a farm and eventually open a rescue. I have spent several years learning dog training techniques and health-related knowledge.

My soul dog was Princess, a Carolina Dog/Pit mix. She gave me the passion to pursue my dream of working with dogs. I currently have a 10 year old German Shepard named Lilith. They have taught me so much and I have loved every second of it.

I am grateful to be able to share my passion and knowledge with the people and dogs here at Dogtopia. Moreover, I am looking forward to all of the new things they can teach me. I am so excited to be working in a place I am passionate about while doing the things I love!

Noah, Pet Parent Concierge and Canine Coach Level 3

I began working for Dogtopia of South Ann Arbor in 2024. Before working here, I traveled all around the country with my family and got to see many new places. I settled in Michigan to attend nursing school and am currently working toward my degree to take care of people. While I do that, I love being able to care for the dogs here, as well as bring my two dogs to play. Outside of work, I enjoy drawing, movies, reading, and being outdoors.

Johanna, Shift Lead

I started working for Dogtopia in 2023. I was in nursing school as well as working for a restaurant. I love working with animals! I am always taking photos and videos of the dogs having a great time and sharing them on our social media pages. I adopted my soul dog, Link while working here. I recently got my degree for nursing, so I am doing that full time and working at Dogtopia when I am able. I enjoy hiking and traveling, and really like taking Link with me wherever I can.

Katherine, Rover and Canine Coach Level 3

I have worked for Dogtopia in Ypsilanti since we opened in 2021. I have other jobs that I worked then and still work, but this is my “fun job”. I love dancing and playing with the dogs in daycare and I have so much fun being a Canine Coach. In my free time I like making gifts for the doggies and their parents and I also like hanging out with The Crew. The Crew are my 3 dogs Sevyyn, Henny, and Guinnan. Most of my free time I am making crafts and stopping into Dogtopia to see the dogs on my days off. I love all of them so much!

Sam, Rover and Canine Coach Level 3

I had done a lot of work with animals all my life and I really liked it. I chose to work at Dogtopia of South Ann Arbor because I love dogs and feel that I have a connection with them. Working here has helped me learn a lot more about dogs and about working with people when I help at the front desk. In my free time I enjoy driving and working on my car. I also help my family out with their business. I like playing video games and hanging out with my dogs and cats too.

Symphonee, Canine Coach Level 3

I have worked at Dogtopia since 2021. I love animals, especially dogs and have always had dogs growing up. Right now I have Barney and Emerald who come to work with me every day. When I am not at work, I like playing games, watching movies, spending time with family, and helping out at my church.

Abbey, Shift Lead

I’ve been with Dogtopia since the Fall of 2023. The thought of being surrounded by dogs all day is what first peaked my interest. I graduated high school a few years before coming to Dogtopia, after taking time to figure out what I wanted to do. Outside of work I like to spend time with my own dog, Brody. Playing in the yard and snuggling at the end of the day.

Sara, Canine Coach Level 3

Before Dogtopia in Ann Arbor, I worked at another doggy daycare and I volunteered mentoring kids in the area. I have always loved dogs, and knew that I wanted to work with them every day, so I chose to work here and it has been excellent! I have a dog of my own that I love to play with and train in my free time. I also really enjoy making art and reading.

Amina, Canine Coach Level 2

I have worked in dog grooming, restaurants, shelters, and horse training before finding Dogtopia. I chose Dogtopia because I loved and missed working with animals and was waiting to find the right place in Michigan after I moved here and got settled. I am also a student awaiting acceptance to an excellent program where I can advance my studies. In my free time I enjoy working with different volunteering efforts. I worked with an organization at my school that planned events for my peers and I really enjoyed that. Also, volunteering at the shelter and walking dogs is another way I like spending my time.

Dayna, Canine Coach Level 3

I started working for Dogtopia in April of 2025. I also work in a factory and had previously worked at a veterinary/boarding facility. I really like hands-on work and fixing things like cars, home improvement projects, and anything else I can learn to do. In my free time I spend time with my son. My dogs, Leo and Bruce are a handful, but I love them. They cause more home improvement projects for me to learn every week, but I enjoy every minute of it!

Rylie, Rover and Canine Coach Level 3

I started working for Dogtopia in early 2025. I was working as a professional dog groomer before and really liked doing that. I have also done work as a trainer and enjoyed that as well. I chose Dogtopia because I get to use the skills I have from both of my previous jobs and also get to learn new skills! In my free time I take care of my family and their dog, and I spend a lot of time with my dog Mia. I am working on fixing up my own place, getting my business up and running, and I also regularly take Mia on hikes which we both love.

Kristen, Rover and Canine Coach 3

I started working at Dogtopia at the end of 2023. I am studying to work in the veterinary field and wanted to work in a place that helped me grow those skills while I finished school. I have 2 dogs of my own and they were a part of what drove me to work with animals. In my free time I take trips and watch movies. I also like to draw, paint, and enjoy anime shows.

Ava, Pet Parent Concierge and Canine Coach Level 2

I began working at Dogtopia in early 2026. I am a student studying in elementary education with a minor in special education. I have always really enjoyed spending time with my family dogs and wanted to work where I could do something I enjoy too. In my free time I like hanging out with my family, my boyfriend, and my dogs and cat. I am also looking to get into a classroom soon so I can start getting experience in my field of study.

Janae, Pet Parent Concierge

I have been with Dogtopia for several years and have had the opportunity to work at many of our sister locations during that time. I have always loved working with dogs, and caring for them. Before Dogtopia I did office work and I enjoyed it, but translating that to working front desk at Dogtopia is wonderful. In my free time I like playing with my cats, and my dog Roxie as well as spending time with all of my family.

Jamie, Canine Coach Level 3

I chose Dogtopia because I love dogs and getting to see them live their best lives excites me! Before being hired I was a stay-at-home mom in Florida to my 2 kids and my fur baby BamBam. Outside of work I love spending time with my family. I also love spending time in the sun and reading.

Abigail, Pet Parent Concierge

I started working for Dogtopia in February of 2026! Before this I lived in Indiana and worked with dogs in daycare, and grooming and it was something I always really enjoyed. Working at the front desk is always my favorite because I love getting to meet everyone and see new faces. When I am not working at Dogtopia, I bathe dogs on the side. I hope to one day get my grooming license! On my days off I love to hang out with all my animals, I have two dogs named Mr. Snoots and Annie, a cat named Scratch, and hamster named Hamter.

Mallory, Canine Coach Level 3

I worked with dogs when I was younger, then worked with kids for several years. I decided to come back to working with dogs because I missed it and really wanted to work in the dog daycare world again! I have a 4-year-old dog named Nova and I love spending time with her when I’m not working. I also really like visiting friends and family.

Sienna, Pet Parent Concierge

I’ve always been a dog lover, and I was looking for a fun and rewarding job while I’m in school. What especially drew me to Dogtopia was learning how many healthcare workers trust this team to care for their pets while they’re working long hospital shifts. As a nursing student at University of Michigan School of Nursing, I love being able to support and give back to people who spend so much of their time caring for others. Before joining Dogtopia, I worked as a water safety instructor, chiropractic assistant/X-ray tech, and dental assistant, and I currently have one year left in my nursing program. Outside of work, I love spending time with my dogs, thrifting, and staying active. I’m also the President of the University of Michigan Club Triathlon Team, so a lot of my free time is spent training, racing, and helping lead the team.