FAIRFIELD, NJ–Andy Lubalin always knew he was destined to work with dogs. In 2010, after 15 years as a business consultant in corporate america, he decided the time was right to investigate his options in the pet industry. After researching the marketplace for the right partner, he decided K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel was far and away the best facility he toured and signed on as the very first franchisee in April 2011. In May 2013, Darcie and Andy Lubalin opened the second K9 Resorts location in Fairfield that has been operating for 9 years and won the Best of Essex gold medal 8 out of 9 years of eligibility.
The K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel franchise started in Fanwood, NJ in 2005, providing luxury dog boarding and daycare services for pet parents who demand the very best for their pups. Founders Steven and Jason Parker were determined to create the most beautiful facility in the country and sought out the country's most renowned designers and experts on doggie daycare, safety, and cleanliness. After winning several awards, including New Jersey Monthly magazine's "Best of New Jersey" for doggie daycare, the founders decided to expand in 2011 through franchising new locations. There are now eighteen locations across the country and another fifty under development!
During the early, uncertain period of the COVID-19 pandemic, K9 Resorts in Fairfield was forced to close for two months but opened again in May 2020. People were still not traveling much nor commuting to work, so aside from the busy summer months, there was higher vacancy than usual. At the same time, an enormous number of dogs were adopted during COVID, and unfortunately, some of those dogs had been returned. Darcie and Andy made a decision early on to find a way to support the rescue effort to the extent they could. Throughout COVID, they partnered with four rescue organizations and cared for eighteen dogs with nowhere else to go, free of charge. All have since found permanent homes.
The recent boom in first time dog ownership (or second or third dogs in some cases!) combined with relaxed travel restrictions has increased demand for pet care services. During late spring 2022, K9 Resorts will begin an overdue expansion into the adjacent suite, which will allow for an additional daycare area and provide up to 20 additional accommodations. The lobby and existing space will also be refurbished with the latest and greatest materials and technology to ensure K9 Resorts remains the most beautiful, state-of-the-art, and safest dog resort around!
Learn more about K9 Resorts here!