Vancouver's Urban Puppy is close to 100 years old, in dog years that is. Owners Philip Rooyakkers and Laurie Schroeder opened the full-service dog daycare on on West 4th Avenue in 2002. The business later relocated to a new False Creek complex in 2007.
To hear Philip talk about his business is to hear his love for dogs, and this respect resonates with the staff. “We hire and train the best of best. It’s very important to the team that our dogs have the best care.” Philip continues, “The staff has a passion for what they do, it shows in their quality of care.” Dogs and their owners have given a big paws-up to this place. In fact, Urban Puppy has topped The Georgia Straight's Best of Vancouver poll a total of seven times.
Philip grew up around animals; his father was a dog breeder and his family owned a zoo. After years of entrepreneurial ventures, he realized Vancouver was lacking in dog-focused specialty stores. He became inspired to open his own full-service facility and launched the business in just three short months. Today, Urban Puppy's exclusive focus on dogs is unique from other pet daycares. “We focus on the health and well-being of dogs, carry the best products, and work to impart the best knowledge,” Philip explains.
