The operators of a dog grooming and daycare business say they’re looking to expand into Walker’s Point because they see growing demand from new residents and employees in the Milwaukee neighborhood.
Happy Paws Grooming and Daycare LLC has filed an application with the city to set up shop at 1132 S. Barclay St., the site of a long-time recycling center. The operation would run weekdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. with additional hours on weekends, and would employ between 25-30 people, according to the application. The building where the daycare would be located is about 10,300 square feet, according to city records.
The business provides daycare, grooming and evening boarding services for dog owners. The dog daycare has been in operation for a little more than four years at its current location, 5401 W. State St., said Charles Davis, who co-owns the business with his son, Shawn.
Davis said that doggy daycare facility has filled up, so they began searching for another good location to open a second daycare. The Walker’s Point/Fifth Ward area was appealing due to its proximity near pet-friendly residential developments and major area employers. Davis specifically cited Rockwell Automation as well as Komatsu Mining Corp.’s plans to build a new headquarters campus in Milwaukee’s Harbor District.
“There’s a lot of growth down there,” he said. “That seemed like it would be a good spot (for a dog daycare).”
According to the application with the city, there is currently one dog daycare and boarding facility nearby that is already at capacity.
“With all the growth of dog-friendly apartment and condominiums, not only downtown but in the Fifth Ward and Walker’s Point area we feel there is a great need for a dog daycare and boarding facility,” the application states.
The proposed business operation will be taken up before the Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday.
