DogSpot, formerly known as Dog Parker, will expand to more than a dozen cities in 2018.
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.
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.