Skiptown Brings Modern Dog Care to Austin, Texas
In an exciting new development for pet owners in Central Texas, Skiptown, the innovative dog care franchise known for its tech-driven services, has announced its official entry into the Texas market through a five-unit franchise agreement in Austin. The first location is set to launch in the fall of 2027, followed by four additional outlets to enhance the pet services landscape throughout the region.
A Community-Centric Vision
The franchise will be perused by the entrepreneurial duo, Marilyn and Matt Willson, who possess deep-rooted ties to the Austin community. Their combined experience encompasses significant local connections and solid business acumen, making them ideal candidates for the venture. Marilyn, whose career spans over 25 years in nonprofit fundraising, has developed meaningful bonds with local government and community stakeholders. Additionally, she has significant experience as a licensed realtor, helping individuals navigate transitions in their lives.
Both Marilyn and Matt are devoted dog lovers with three decades of pet parenting experience, sharing their home with two beloved rescue dogs, Tucker and Oliver. For Marilyn, Skiptown represents an opportunity to intertwine her passion for pets with her commitment to enhancing community ties. She emphasizes, "People who love their pups are often the ones who are there for their neighbors. Skiptown plays a vital role in connecting these dog-loving communities. Here, we create an environment where each pup is recognized and treated like family."
Matt brings a wealth of expertise in operations and finance, skilled at translating data into actionable insights for teams. The couple's joint vision of operating a small business together solidified their choice to pursue the Skiptown franchise model, as they aim to engage more with the joy of pet care.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
After visiting Skiptown’s Atlanta location, the Willsons were instantly taken by the franchise's commitment to safety, cleanliness, and exceptional customer experience. "Skiptown blends a thoughtful pet care approach with a scalable business model," notes Matt. The innovative franchise utilizes a research-based methodology for grouping dogs based on play style and temperament rather than size, showcasing a bespoke approach to dog daycare.
Expanding Across Austin
The Willsons' strategy encompasses establishing Skiptown in all major corridors of the Austin area, starting with locations being evaluated in North Austin, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville for their flagship center. After opening their first site in late 2027, they plan to launch subsequent sites approximately every 18 months. This expansion aligns with Skiptown's goal to meet the growing demands of pet owners in the Austin area.
Trevor Robinson, Head of Franchise Development at Skiptown, remarks, "Austin is the perfect launchpad for our expansion in Texas. Marilyn and Matt embody what we look for in franchisees: they have extensive community roots, operational expertise, and a genuine passion for pets. We are thrilled to have them represent Skiptown in Texas."
The Skiptown Experience
With the pet care industry booming and valued at over $158 billion, Skiptown combines daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and walking services into one integrated experience powered by advanced technology. This enables pet owners to enjoy seamless booking and communication, ultimately creating a dependable and efficient workplace for their dogs.
As Skiptown emerges in the High-Tech Pet Care industry, it emphasizes its differentiator ahead of traditional doggy daycare options. The brand hopes to deliver a level of service ensured to create lasting satisfaction both for the dogs and their owners, making it a vital part of the Austin community in the years to come.
To learn more about Skiptown and explore potential franchise opportunities, visit their website at
skiptown.io/franchising.