This LA Startup Will Challenge the Way You Think About Doggy Daycare
We’re pretty intrigued by (what we think is) a revolutionary new idea in the booming doggy daycare space: Dogdrop is set to open in downtown Los Angeles in October of this year. We chatted with co-founder and CEO, Shaina Denny, about what today’s dog parent really wants – and needs – and what makes Dogdrop an entirely new concept.
Q: Shaina, how is Dogdrop different from traditional doggy day care centers?
There are a few key differences we like to talk about, the first being size. Our spaces are intentionally on the smaller side because we feel like that gives us the ability to address each dog’s needs better, and to control the room better as well. The second difference is the design of our spaces. They’re meant to be enjoyed by humans and dogs alike–to feel more like a bright neighborhood coffee shop. We have real grass and natural light from our high ceilings, and there’s plenty of room for play but there’s also space for more organized activities and mental training.
We want to encourage more people to use dog daycare in smaller chunks of time throughout the day.
Third, and perhaps most important, is our obsession with tailoring what we do to our members’ lifestyles (both dogs and their humans). We’re hyper-focused on creating the most convenient yet high-touch experience we can: flexible membership packages, easy check in and out, and multiple locations where you already live, work, and play. We want to encourage more people to use dog daycare in smaller chunks of time throughout the day. Of course we love our 9-5 (or 7-10) pups, but if you work from home, want to grab a drink or are just running errands, let your dog get some important socialization and exercise while you do it.
Q: Tell us about the design of the physical space.
Our team worked directly with wrk-shp design, well-known for designing many of Blue Bottle Coffee’s locations in LA. It was important for us to work with partners had dogs! We also worked with a dog daycare consultant to have a better understanding of the functional demands from an attendant’s perspective, especially from an operational and safety sense. In terms of the experience, we looked at the physical space from every perspective. How will members be picking up and dropping off their dog? What does it feel like when someone walks in? How can we make things comfortable for dogs with different energy levels and attitudes? How can our attendants view the play area best? How can we mitigate the impact sound, particularly for the dogs? 
Q: Where do traditional doggy daycares miss the mark?
We think traditional dog care is a bit too focused on individual aspects instead of the holistic experience. Dog day cares are a service for both dogs and humans, and we recognize that the way people are living with their dogs is changing. We want to bring them with us, we want them to be healthy and happy, we want them to have the best. We think that dog care needs to match up with that lifestyle–to be flexible, convenient and pleasant for both the dog and human.
Dog day cares are a service for both dogs and humans, and we recognize that the way people are living with their dogs is changing.
Our members are people who are aware of their dog’s needs and have a high expectation for the services they use. They’re also people who haven’t necessarily used dog care before, but will start to, now that the right option is available to them. They are mobile and urban dwelling, want to bring their dog with them, but also know the value of their dog having the right kind of mental and physical stimulation. They are also generally excited to be part of the dog parent community.
Q: Do you envision more Dogdrops in LA? In CA? In the US?
Yes! We plan to open about 6 locations in LA in the next 24 months and soon after open in other major markets like New York City, Chicago, Austin, San Francisco, etc. Wherever there are dogs, we’d like to be.
Dogdrop is currently under construction, set to open in October 2019. They’re now accepting Founding Members and offer a wide variety of super-flexible plans and memberships.
