Former Hounds Town USA Client Becomes Franchisee

Colleen Tracey-Shaver can recall the first time she took her American Bulldog, Mason, to Hounds Town USA, a fully interactive doggie daycare franchise. Tracey-Shaver owned four dogs, and knew that Mason needed a specific type of care to manage his separation anxiety -- and Hounds Town USA delivered. In fact, Tracey-Shaver had such a positive experience with the brand that she eventually signed on to become a franchise owner, with her longtime friend and fellow dog lover Anne McDonald.

“I remember when I brought my American Bulldog, Mason, to the Hounds Town USA in Farmingdale,” said Tracey-Shaver. “They were great with him and it really helped his separation anxiety. After seeing the care they provided, it became an easy brand to support as a client, and got me thinking about potential business opportunities.”

The former advertising professional of 20-plus years was also the founding member of a leading franchise fitness brand. After resigning as the Chief Administrative Officer in 2017, Tracey-Shaver connected with McDonald, who was also looking to take control of her future, the two felt that Long Island-based Hounds Town USA was a brand that could create a significant impact in the lives of humans and dogs in Garden City, New York.

“We were looking for a business we could feel good about and have a lot of fun running,” said Tracey-Shaver. “Hounds Town USA creates an environment that can’t be replicated and I truly feel like the owner and pet can sense that. It’s a place where dogs can be dogs.”

Tracey-Shaver and McDonald met with Hounds Town USA President and CEO and Founder Michael Gould to discuss franchise opportunities with the brand. Gould, who founded the business back in 2001, was a former NYPD canine handler and Commanding Officer of the Nassau County Police Department.

“After meeting with Michael and Hounds Town USA President Jackie Bondanza, it was a no brainer that Hounds Town USA was the right franchise for Anne and me,” said Tracey-Shaver. “Dogs play such an instrumental role in people’s lives. We saw that Jackie and Michael felt the same way and we are excited to share our enthusiasm with the Garden City community.”

The December opening in Garden City marks the sixth Hounds Town USA on Long Island with one more set to open in Hicksville in early 2019.

“Garden City is very densely populated,” said Tracey-Shaver. “The location will be at 839 Stewart Avenue, which is located near major parkways and surrounded by large apartment buildings, Winthrop Hospital and the Nassau County Courthouse. With so many people in this area, we believe this will be a great addition to Garden City.”

The franchise specifically seeks out communities with commuters who often need a place to leave their pets during the day. With the high amount of traffic in the area, the daycare will provide a safe place for play, high-quality care and a worry-free environment for owners.

At the moment, Tracey-Shaver and McDonald are focused on making their Garden City Hounds Town USA location a success. Looking ahead, the two hope to bring one to two more locations to the Long Island area and possibly even the Bronx or Queens.

Gould has expanded Hounds Town USA  to seven locations and plans to grow it to 30 units by 2023. Since its inception, the business has served over a million dogs, offering doggie daycare, pet boarding and a grooming facility.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best care to our dogs and cats,” said Gould. “We know how much love is given by the owners and we want to replicate that same love on daily basis. We are thrilled to have Colleen and Anne grow our brand to Garden City, and we know the community will embrace the brand.”