Sutelan Family Opens Dogtopia Franchise in Norfolk, Bringing Premium Canine Wellness Services to Local Community
The Sutelan family's opening of a Dogtopia franchise in Norfolk-Ghent represents a significant expansion of premium dog wellness services in the area, offering comprehensive daycare, boarding, and nutritional products while supporting charitable initiatives through the Dogtopia Foundation.
The Sutelan family has opened a new Dogtopia franchise location in Norfolk-Ghent, bringing the nation's leading dog wellness services to the local community at 118 W 21st St. The 7,500-square-foot facility, which opened on September 22, provides award-winning dog daycare, boarding, and spa services alongside a full Earthwise pet nutrition store offering high-quality pet foods and wellness products.
The facility sets industry standards with its focus on three key benefits: socialization, exercise, and education. Dogs enjoy supervised play with like-minded companions in climate-controlled playrooms grouped by size and play style, featuring compressed rubber flooring to reduce impact on paws and joints. Professionally trained Canine Coaches ensure safety while dogs develop important social skills through structured activities.
The family-owned operation includes Chip Sutelan, Barbara Sutelan, Rachel Sutelan, Edward Sutelan, Mary Pyle, and Rachel's fiancé Donovan Martini, who brings diverse professional backgrounds in entrepreneurship, education, and business management. Their decision to open the franchise followed discovery of the brand through a radio advertisement, combining their passion for dogs with business expertise.
New customers can access limited-time promotions including $79/week unlimited daycare for a full year and bonus days with multi-day weekly plans. The facility operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional information available at https://www.dogtopia.com/virginia-norfolk-ghent/.
Beyond commercial services, the location supports the Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds programs for 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 supported organizations, with details available at https://www.dogtopiafoundation.org.
The Sutelan family plans to host a grand opening event in October to celebrate with local pet parents and their dogs, further establishing the facility as a community hub for canine wellness and owner engagement in the Norfolk-Ghent area.