Well woof-ty do. Doggie daycare Dogtopia has opened its inaugural Canadian franchise in Coquitlam, the first of what Western Canada manager Chris Aconley tells us will ultimately be 40 locations nationwide for the Maryland-based operation. “We are developing the west and east at the same time,” says Chris, a dog lover snapped at the grand opening with wife Renae and daughters Cloey and Jorgia. Dogtopia's plans are to start with the major centres where the zoning works, then move into the harder areas, he says.

A happy customer and its owner on opening day, which included pet massages. Why the expansion north? Because the pet industry is huge in Canada and growing every year, Chris explains, plus there’s a need to bring higher standards to the dog daycare biz. Why Coquitlam, of all possible locations? Chris, an area local, says Dogtopia’s building enjoys great exposure in the centre of the Lower Mainland. “It gives us the ability to be part of a community in the Tri Cities but also be on route for commuters.”