When the pandemic hit, the dogs arrived. They came by the millions.
Some people called it the “pandemic puppy boom,” as millions of people adopted dogs to keep them company during the dark days of the pandemic. About one in five American households (about 23 million) adopted a dog during the pandemic.
When the pandemic ended, there was a different kind of boom — a business boom in the dog care and kennel businesses. With people going back to their traditional offices (or traveling for work), they needed places to house their new pandemic pups.
Money spent on pet boarding around the world is expected to go from about $19.5 billion in 2021 to $35.8 billion by 2031, according to Allied Market Research. That stunning growth is fueling the growth in dog kennels and daycare businesses across the country — and in the Quad Cities region.
Several people in the dog care business in the region told the QCBJ that the pandemic has impacted their industry. Those impacts have included: the pandemic era nearly drove some kennels out of business; the puppy boom is now greatly improving their business; or it has helped convince some people to get into the business.
In March, Angie Edmondson opened the Red Ruff Inn dog kennel near Orion, Illinois. The business, which is already off to a fast start, features 22 kennels and a playroom for her doggie guests.
Ms. Edmondson said her decision to open the new business was based partially on the surge of dog ownership during the pandemic.
“People adopted more pets, namely dogs, during the pandemic. Now those dog owners are either returning to work in an office, or back to business travel, they need a place for pups,” she said.
On the Red Ruff Inn Facebook page, Ms. Edmondson urged potential customers to book a spot as soon as possible at the boarding business because the busy summer season is around the corner. “Whether it’s a beach vacation or a business trip, book a reservation soon for your fur babies,” she added.
“I have talked to two local kennel owners and they have both commented on how busy they have been for several months. I hope, soon, I have the same issue,” Ms. Edmondson said.
Another dog boarding business — K9 Resorts Luxury Dog Hotel — opened last July at 1409 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport.
K9 Resorts can house about 90 dogs in its daycare, and board 75 to 80 dogs. The business has numerous boarding options, including its Luxury Suites that include a TV for the dogs, beds and premium meals.
People — and their dogs — love it.
“Business couldn’t be better right now. We have an exceptional dog-loving staff, the greatest customers we could ask for, and first and foremost, the best pups in town,” said Nick Roman, owner of the K9 Resorts in Davenport.
The business owner adds that K9 Resorts — with a customer base of about 2,500 people with more than 3,000 dogs — has been helped by the pandemic puppy surge. But he believes that a big part of the business success comes through old-fashioned customer service and a great facility.
“It’s certainly true that the number of dogs adopted during COVID was at an all-time high,” Mr. Roman said. “While this may have a slight impact on our business, we strongly believe that our state-of-the-art facility as well as our hospital-grade amenities and standards are really what helped make K9 Resorts stand out in the Quad Cities area.”
Other dog boarding business officials in the region also said they saw some big highs and lows with the pandemic. While business is good now, the pandemic era almost closed the business.
One of those businesses is D.O.G. & Friends dog day care in Milan, Illinois.
“The pandemic did hurt us, while we had to be shut down. We held a fundraiser to help and it did. Luckily we ended up being considered an essential business and were able to reopen a few weeks later. Business was slower but we hung in there and are doing well now,” said Tonja Wolf, owner of the D.O.G. & Friends.
The business has a doggie daycare that stays full with about 20 to 25 dogs.
“We only board four dogs at a time because we stay overnight with them. We have a bedroom with a king-sized bed that the dogs are able to sleep with us in,” she added.
These are also busy times for Mallard Pointe Kennels near Coal Valley, Illinois. That business has 110 kennels and usually has 80 to 90 dogs every day.
Blair Williams, who with her sister Julie Campagna owns Mallard Pointe, said “business has been very good” with people traveling again for work and looking for a good home away from home for their dogs.
But that wasn’t always the case. Business was very slow during the pandemic era, and Mallard Pointe “didn’t get back to full steam” until last summer, said Ms. Williams. Today, with business brisk, kennel officials advise their customers to reserve a spot for their dogs well in advance – about six weeks in advance – because Mallard Pointe will fill up fast with people hitting the road for work and vacations.
While the pandemic pup surge has helped many dog kennel businesses in the region, many business owners say it is their customer service and facilities that are the big driving forces behind their success.
Customers agree.
“We did our research. … They have a passion for caring for dogs. They love them; they care for them,” said Bill Horrell of Geneseo, Illinois, who uses Mallard Pointe to house his dog Woody, a three-year-old Australian shepherd.
Mr. Horrell has used Mallard Pointe several times, and was scheduled to use the business again this early spring when their family had a trip to Mexico planned.
“We like the way they treat Woody and the way they treat us,” he added.
Another area dog owner and customer agrees. Todd Mizener has used Mallard Pointe to board the family’s dogs over the years. Those dogs include: Sadie, a golden retriever; Maggie a golden retriever; Luna, a golden retriever; and Ivy, a chocolate Labrador.
Now, they have Poppy, a two-year-old Labrador who was born during the pandemic. Poppy now goes to daycare three days a week at DOG & Friends in Milan. The family will also likely be using Mallard Pointe at some point because they are fans of both businesses.
Mr. Mizener recently told this story about why he uses and trusts Mallard Pointe. When their dog Maggie passed away, they made plans to have Luna stay at the kennel. The Mallard Pointe owners said they hoped Luna would be a better eater than Maggie.
“We didn’t know what they meant. It turns out they had been hand feeding Maggie because she wouldn’t eat from a bowl while she was there. They never told us, because they didn’t want us to worry. They had it covered,” he added.
During this post-pandemic world, people in the dog kennel business have had to cover many chores when caring for the increasing number of dogs housed at their facilities.
And the work needed isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about the dogs raised during the pandemic. Some in the profession say the “pandemic pups” need a bit more attention since they only been around their humans and not other dogs.
According to a recent story on the news site Axios.com: “The current crop of dogs adopted during the pandemic, (a new breed, if you will), have never known a life without their humans at home all day, haven’t received as much training and aren’t as socialized as they should be, according to several pet services workers.”
“This generation of dogs is messed up,” said Kate Cipolletti, the owner of Emmy’s Barking Lot with locations on the South Shore, N.J., according to the Axios.com story.
Dogs – By the Numbers:
- There are more than 78 million dogs in homes throughout the U.S., and approximately a quarter of these companion animals are acquired via an animal shelter or humane society. – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
- Average cost of owning a dog per year: small breed – $737; medium – $854; large – $1,054. – ASPCA.
- With millions suddenly stuck at home with extra free-time thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, pet adoption rates reached an all-time high. Approximately every one in five American households (about 23 million) adopted a dog during the pandemic, spending nearly $50 billion on pet products and food from March-November 2020. – ASPCA
- In 2020, people spent $99 billion on their pets. – PetPedia
- Rates of dog ownership have soared by 39% in the last decade. Dogs are so popular that 37-47% of American households have at least one dog as a pet. – American Veterinary Medical Association
- Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog. – American Pet Products Association
- Dog expenditures in 2021: Pet food and treats: $44 billion; vet care: $32 billion; supplies: $23 billion; boarding and grooming: $9.7 billion. – caninejournal.com
- More than 19 million dogs attend dog daycare each month. – Petovly.com
- The dog daycare industry makes $4.5 billion every year. – Petovly.com
- Around $6 billion is spent on dog services every year in the U.S. – Petovly.com
- Doggy daycare costs range from $29 to $46 per day. – Petovly.com
- The United States has more than 4,000 exclusive dog daycare services. – Petovly.com
- Around 40% of dog owners use the Internet to find local pet care services. – Petovly.com
- The average occupancy rate in dog daycare centers is from 48% to 60%.– Petovly.com
