Colorado dog hiking business looking for NM expansion

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A Colorado-based dog walking business “Hike Doggie” is looking to expand its footprint into New Mexico after finding success in the Denver metro. It began as a small start-up business in 2016 out of founder Kath Allen’s house.

“It took off,” Allen says. What started as a rag-tag operation made up of a couple of vans has now grown into a fleet of five vehicles, a crew of 23 team members, and a franchise location in south Denver. Now, they’re looking to New Mexican entrepreneurs to open another franchise in the Land of Enchantment,

“We get to make dog parents really happy, alleviate guilt, and our mission is to make dogs as happy as they make us,” Allen said.

“He gets the socialization,” said Rachel Benedick, a customer since 2016. “He gets the on-leash training. He gets to be out in nature, which he loves.”

The dogs are fed and given water during the trip. Owners are also treated to a photo album of the day with a story when they are returned. To make sure all the pups stay safe, hikers speak with owners ahead of time to learn about any pet health issues, allergies, and what the dog’s temperament is.

Benedick says her dog, Rezak, can’t get enough. “I swear, he knows the days that he hikes and he’s always amped up on those mornings,” Benedick explained.

According to the company, it will cost just under $100,000 to start a franchise location if the franchisee decides to finance the transportation van. That cost would be closer to $230,000 if the van is purchased outright.

“We have all the software in place, all the systems in place, all the training,” Allen added.