Denver-based dog hiking franchise eyes new territories across Colorado and beyond
In our fast-paced world, many dog parents, despite their best intentions, find themselves strapped for time, unable to consistently provide their dog soulmates with the enriching outdoor experiences they crave. Life responsibilities often prevent dog parents from grabbing their Best Boop AND their Booper Buddies and heading to a spectacular natural setting for some serious hiking, splashing, squirrel stalking and peeing on everything!
As a result, many dogs miss out on the extensive physical and mental benefits of a stimulating hike, settling instead for brief neighborhood strolls that barely scratch the surface of their adventurous spirit. Meanwhile, their parents are left feeling guilty and wishing they could provide more despite their busy schedules.
The solution?
Hike Doggie, the first and only dog hiking franchise in the marketplace today. The Denver-based franchise recently launched a strategic franchise initiative, signaling a bold move toward expansive growth across Colorado and beyond.
With 10 territories currently operating throughout South Denver, Hike Doggie plans to expand its footprint and bring its boundless dog hiking adventures to even more parts of the Greater Denver area, as well as Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. National expansion is also being planned, starting with multiple territories in all seven of Colorado’s border states – Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas to the east, Oklahoma to the southeast, New Mexico to the south, Utah to the west, and Arizona to the southwest at the Four Corners.
“There’s a significant shortage of services that provide enriching outdoor activities for dogs offered in the pet services industry. There are daycares and neighborhood walking services, however they typically do not result in a well-rounded experience,” said Hike Doggie Founder and President Kath Allen. “Hike Doggie exists to make dogs as happy as they make us, and we can’t wait to provide even more dog parents and their dog soulmates with the enriching outdoor experiences they crave.”
Kath’s from NJ, went to college in NY, and spent three fabulous years hiking extensively in the Italian Alps, eventually choosing Colorado as her forever home. And then it happened… she became a doggie parent. She always found joy in taking her dogs on morning treks in the foothills of Golden, Colorado. Observing her dogs’ happiness and relaxation, she believed many dog parents shared her desire for their pets to have enriched and healthy lives but struggled with busy schedules and guilt over not providing enough outdoor adventures. In 2016, Kath left her corporate career to start Hike Doggie.
The business started small, with two buses and a dedicated team that met before dawn at Kath’s house. They would prepare meticulously for each hike – chopping turkey treats, filling water bottles, and planning trails. After each day’s hike, as the dogs rested, the team cleaned gear and shared photos and stories with the dog parents.
Today, Hike Doggie facilitates two-hour hikes with certified dog hikers for woofers of all sizes and personalities. The maximum number of dogs per hiker is four and three speeds are offered to ensure each dog receives the right amount of exercise.
For $120, Hike Doggie picks up pups in a customized Hike Doggie bus equipped with heating, A/C, a shower system, and individual ‘Zen Dens’, ensuring a cozy and safe ride for every doggo. Pupperinos are then taken on a boundless adventure, unfolding on every path and trail imaginable: from serene parks and rolling hills to sun-kissed beaches, majestic mountains, vast deserts, and open plains.
Discounts apply for multiple hikes/dogs from the same household in the same week.
“A regular hiking program not only keeps doggies happy and healthy, but also provides solutions to common problems at home,” said Kath. “Hike Doggie is the perfect solution for dogs that experience boredom, loneliness, anxiety or weight issues. Our four-legged buddies deserve a life filled with exercise, dog pals, companionship and the great outdoors to explore.”
Post-hike, dogs are pampered with treats and washed off and towel-dried to arrive home cuddle-ready. Parents receive a curated photo album and a vibrant note, giving them a heartwarming window into their dog’s adventurous day.
To augment the announced expansion, Hike Doggie is seeking dog and nature loving entrepreneurs. Including a franchise fee of $65,000, the total initial investment necessary to operate a single territory ranges from $138,831 to $251,744. Multi franchise territory packages are also available.
For more information about Hike Doggie and its franchise opportunity, visit https://hikedoggie.com/.