Skiptown Enters Texas with New Dog Care Franchise

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Skiptown, a modern, tech-enabled dog care franchise, is set to enter Texas with the signing of a new five-unit franchise agreement covering the greater Austin area. The first location is targeted to open in fall 2027, with four additional locations to follow across the region.

The new locations will be owned and operated by Marilyn and Matt Willson, who bring a unique blend of deep community relationships and analytical business leadership to the franchise. Marilyn, a long-time Austinite, has spent 25 years in nonprofit fundraising, building strong relationships with local and state government officials and engaged community members. She went on to become a licensed Realtor and certified Senior Move Manager, helping seniors and those in transitional periods find their next home. Marilyn's career has been centered around Austin, where she has spent her entire professional life, and she is now applying her skills to help create a space where pet parents can trust their furry friends.

Matt, Marilyn's business partner, has a professional background in financial analysis, technology, and customer service leadership. Throughout his career, he has focused on turning complex information into practical decisions, helping teams streamline their operations. The Willsons are both entrepreneurs at heart, and they were drawn to the idea of owning a small business together. They were particularly impressed by Skiptown's convenient, technology-forward experience and its safety, cleanliness, and well-trained staff, which they saw firsthand during a visit to the brand's Atlanta location.

The Willsons plan to bring Skiptown to each of the Austin market's main corridors, starting in the northern part of the market, where they are evaluating sites in areas such as North Austin, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville for their flagship location. After the first opening in fall 2027, they aim to open a new location roughly every 18 months.

Skiptown is a modern, tech-enabled dog care franchise that combines dog daycare, boarding, bathing, grooming, and walking with a tech-enabled experience that makes booking, check-in, and communication more seamless for pup parents. The brand provides a safe, engaging environment for dogs with daycare, overnight boarding, walking, bathing and grooming, all supported by an expertly trained team and a user-friendly mobile app. With a scalable business model, recurring revenue potential, and the rapidly growing pet care industry, Skiptown is a compelling long-term opportunity for franchise partners seeking to invest in a future-forward brand.