Sutelan Family Opens Dogtopia Franchise in Norfolk-Ghent with Focus on Canine Wellness and Community

The Sutelan family has opened Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent at 118 W 21st St, bringing the nationally recognized dog wellness franchise to the local community. The 7,500-square-foot facility commenced operations on September 22, offering award-winning dog daycare, boarding, and spa services designed to meet the comprehensive needs of area pet owners.

The facility distinguishes itself through its focus on three core canine benefits: socialization, exercise, and education. Dogs receive supervised interaction with compatible peers in indoor, climate-controlled playrooms grouped by size and play style. Professionally trained Canine Coaches oversee all activities, ensuring safety while promoting physical activity and social skill development. The compressed rubber flooring throughout the play areas reduces impact on dogs' paws and joints, addressing long-term wellness concerns.

Beyond daycare services, the location features a full Earthwise pet nutrition store, providing access to high-quality pet foods and wellness products. This integrated approach allows pet parents to address both care and nutritional needs in a single destination. New customers can take advantage of limited-time promotions, including $79/week unlimited daycare for a full year and bonus days with multi-day weekly plans.

The operation is family-owned and managed by Chip Sutelan, Barbara Sutelan, Rachel Sutelan, Edward Sutelan, Mary Pyle, and Donovan Martini. Their diverse professional backgrounds in entrepreneurship, education, and business management combine with their passion for dogs to create what they describe as a welcoming and engaging environment for both pets and their owners. The family plans to host a grand opening event in October to formally introduce the facility to the community.

An important aspect of the Dogtopia brand is its philanthropic arm, the Dogtopia Foundation, accessible at https://www.dogtopiafoundation.org. This nonprofit organization channels 100% of raised funds toward three initiatives: providing service dogs for veterans, deploying therapy dogs in educational settings, and creating employment opportunities for adults with autism. This commitment extends the facility's impact beyond direct pet care to broader community support.

The Norfolk-Ghent location operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering flexible scheduling for working pet parents. Additional information about the facility and its services is available at https://www.dogtopia.com/virginia-norfolk-ghent/.