Watch: Gżira Doggy Day Care Nets €80,000 On Shark Tank To Expand Into An Indoor Dog Park
A Gżira boarding centre for dogs received a cool €80,000 financial injection after impressing two investors on Shark Tank Malta with it’s expansion plans.
Funky Pet, run by Karl, Abigail and Andrew, already offers space for dog owners to leave their furry friends while they are at work or on holiday.
Besides giving dogs a chance to socialise with other dogs and humans instead of being left at home alone, Funky Pet also grooms and trains them.
“After finishing work, you can pick up your socialised and super-relaxed dog from us and you can enjoy a free afternoon,” the entrepreneurs explained on Shark Tank last night. “It’s basically like taking your child to childcare but in a doggy world.”
They said significant demand for their services exists, particularly after people started returning to the office after a long time of working from home.
“Their dogs couldn’t understand why they were leaving them at home alone, so when the owners would go back home they would find a mess waiting for them.”
Funky Pet now plans to expand, both in terms of physical space at the boarding centre and by building an indoor dog park where up to 50 dogs can play off-leash at any given point in time.
The park will be equipped with facilities and will be constantly monitored by staff to diffuse any tensions that may arise. Pet owners will be able to walk in and out as they please but will be incentivised to subscribe for longer periods of time, similar to gym memberships.
Besides the dog park, Funky Park also has plans to branch out into pet taxis, dog parties, merchandise and deals with hotels and companies to incentivise tourists and staff.
“Just take a look at your TikTok or Instagram feed and a dog will surely pop up,” Andrew explained.
The concept went down a treat with the sharks, with Mark Weingard and Christabelle Camilleri eventually agreeing to team up, offering a combined €80,000 for 25% of the business.
Funky Pet’s pitch brought the first season of Shark Tank Malta to a close, although the business reality TV show has already been renewed for a second season.
Cover photos: Funky Pet Doggy Daycare
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