Dog daycare, boarding business expands to Springfield

New York-based dog daycare and boarding business Hounds Town USA has expanded to the Queen City.

Husband and wife franchisees Mark and Kelly Harper opened their Hounds Town USA facility on June 8 at 1907 S. Stewart Ave., according to a news release.

"I couldn’t be more excited about expanding the brand to the Ozarks, especially with Mark and Kelly leading the charge,” Hounds Town CEO Rob Flanagan said in the release. “At Hounds Town, our focus is on the dogs and their needs. These two are passionate about pets and their community, which perfectly aligns with our core values."

The Harpers have experience in corporate, agriculture and academia, and they've owned dogs for more than 20 years, according to the release.

“We like the prospect of giving back to our community by serving those who serve us. When we are trusted with taking care of family dogs, we are providing peace of mind to all members of those families,” Kelly Harper said in the release. “It’s one less thing for a pet owner to worry about, and the dogs love the socialization aspect."

The financial investment range for a Hounds Town USA franchise is $542,126 to $1.06 million, according to the company's website. Founded in 2000, Hounds Town USA has more than 60 locations nationwide, with an additional 30 projected to open this year. A Missouri location in St. Charles is listed along with the new Springfield store on Hounds Town USA’s website.

The Springfield location is just southeast of the Sunshine Street and Glenstone Avenue intersection.