A new Dogtopia franchise is set to open in Norfolk on September 22, bringing award-winning dog daycare, boarding, and spa services to the Ghent neighborhood. Located at 118 W 21st St, the 7,500-square-foot facility will also feature a full Earthwise pet nutrition store, offering high-quality pet foods and wellness products. To welcome new customers, Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent is offering limited-time promotions, including $79/week unlimited daycare for a full year and bonus days with two- or three-day weekly plans.
Dogtopia sets the industry standard among dog daycares with its focus on three key benefits: socialization, exercise, and education. Dogs enjoy plenty of exercise, play with like-minded dogs, and learn important social skills under the supervision of professionally trained Canine Coaches. Safety is paramount, with indoor, climate-controlled playrooms that group dogs by size and play style, and compressed rubber flooring to reduce impact on dogs’ paws and joints.
The Norfolk-Ghent location is owned and operated by the Sutelan family: Chip Sutelan, Barbara Sutelan, Rachel Sutelan, Edward Sutelan, and Mary Pyle. Donovan Martini, Rachel’s fiancé, will also help manage the daycare. The Sutelan family, longtime dog lovers with diverse professional backgrounds, were inspired to bring Dogtopia to Norfolk-Ghent after discovering the brand through a radio ad. Their experience spans entrepreneurship, education, and business management. The family will host a grand opening event in October to celebrate with local pet parents and their pups.
“We’ve always loved dogs, and we’re thrilled to bring Dogtopia’s safe, fun, and engaging environment to Norfolk-Ghent,” said Chip Sutelan. “Our goal is to provide exceptional care for dogs while creating a welcoming community for their owners. We’re also excited to offer the Earthwise store here, giving pet parents access to premium nutrition and wellness products in the same convenient location.”
Dogtopia also runs the Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to enable dogs to positively change our world. The Foundation funds programs focused on service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. One hundred percent of funds raised are donated directly to the supported organizations.
Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (757) 632-3400 or visit Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent.
