Sutelan Family Opens Dogtopia Facility in Norfolk-Ghent with Focus on Canine Wellness and Community Impact

The Sutelan family has opened a new Dogtopia location in Norfolk-Ghent, bringing the nation's leading dog wellness franchise to the community with comprehensive services including daycare, boarding, and spa facilities. Located at 118 W 21st St, the 7,500-square-foot facility features climate-controlled playrooms organized by dog size and play style, compressed rubber flooring for joint protection, and a full Earthwise pet nutrition store offering premium wellness products. The facility operates under professionally trained Canine Coaches who supervise dogs to ensure proper socialization, exercise, and education in a safe environment.

Owners Chip Sutelan, Barbara Sutelan, Rachel Sutelan, Edward Sutelan, and Mary Pyle, along with manager Donovan Martini, bring diverse professional backgrounds in entrepreneurship, education, and business management to their operation of the facility. The family discovered Dogtopia through a radio advertisement and were inspired to combine their passion for dogs with their professional expertise to create a community-focused wellness center. Chip Sutelan emphasized their commitment to exceptional canine care and owner convenience, particularly through the integrated Earthwise store providing access to high-quality nutrition products.

The opening represents significant implications for local pet owners by providing structured canine wellness services that address both physical and mental health needs through supervised socialization and exercise programs. The facility's safety protocols, including size-segregated playrooms and specialized flooring, set industry standards for injury prevention and joint health maintenance. Additionally, the operation supports the broader Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit organization that channels all raised funds toward three critical initiatives: providing service dogs for military veterans, deploying therapy dogs in educational settings, and creating employment opportunities for adults with autism.

With operating hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, the facility offers convenient access for working pet parents while maintaining the franchise's focus on transparency and quality care. The Sutelan family plans to host a grand opening event in October to engage with the local community and introduce pet owners to their services. More information about the specific location can be found at https://www.dogtopia.com/virginia-norfolk-ghent/.