DogSpot is a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based startup that makes sidewalk sanctuaries placed at the entrance of locations where dogs are prohibited. The technology-enabled dog houses serve as a safe, legal and convenient alternative to tethering or leaving dogs in cars, featuring heat and A/C, auto-sanitizing UV lights, an in-app Puppy Cam and 24/7 customer service, according to company officials.
While DogSpot has not come to Michigan yet, they have expended operation to many states across the county in the past year.
"New York has been a great place for us to test this service. For the last two years, we've had people beg us to come to their city next, to which we've always had to reply 'not yet,’” said Chelsea Brownridge DogSpot founder and CEO. “But now I'm thrilled to say 'We're ready.’”
The expansion follows a pilot in Brooklyn, N.Y., that boasted a 50-location network built on partnerships with local businesses that were committed to becoming more dog friendly. Data showed that consumer behavior changed, specifically that users switched where they shopped in favor of stores with a DogSpot, felt less rushed while they were shopping than when they had tied their dog up outside, and made more unplanned stops to local retail venues, according to the company.
In response to the success of the pilot, leaders from cities around the country—and beyond—have reached out to DogSpot seeking to bring the future of dog-friendly to their communities. DogSpot is working with planners in these cities, as well as with businesses and pet advocates to ensure a smooth expansion. Specific timing of those launches will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
