Skiptown Inks Five-Unit Deal to Launch Austin Dog Care Franchise

The Willsons, long-time Austin residents, plan to roll out the new facilities at an 18-month cadence. They are currently scouting locations in North Austin, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville for the initial site. The brand, which operates within the $158 billion pet care sector, differentiates its services by utilizing research-based playgroup assessments and a centralized mobile app for booking and owner communication.

Marilyn Willson brings decades of nonprofit fundraising and real estate experience to the venture, while Matt Willson provides a background in financial analysis and operations. The couple decided to pivot toward the franchise model after visiting an existing Skiptown location in Atlanta, citing the brand's focus on safety standards and operational efficiency as primary drivers for their investment. Trevor Robinson, head of franchise development at Skiptown, noted that the company prioritized partners with established community ties for its entry into the Texas market.