The Dog Stop in Argyle – One-Stop Dog Shop
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 62 million households in the United States have at least one pet dog, and Texas ranks sixth in the nation for owners with the greatest devotion to their dogs. It is no wonder that owners would expect a high-quality facility with a wide range of specialized services to care for their beloved dogs. Poised to fill that demand is The Dog Stop in Argyle.
“Our passion for dogs and commitment to their well-being inspired us to open The Dog Stop,” said owner Ryan Rathert, who opened the facility with co-owner Karla Scheibelhut during Thanksgiving week 2023. “We saw a need for a comprehensive facility that combines daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail services, all under one roof. We wanted to create a place where dogs are treated with the love and care they deserve while providing convenience and peace of mind for their owners.”
Ryan and Karla are attuned to the needs of the community as they are both raising families nearby. “We’re your neighbors.” Ryan said. “My wife Niki and I have lived in Lantana for the last 12 years with our daughter Sophia, son Aiden, and our silver lab, Murphy. I have always been very involved in the community, mostly through coaching and helping run the Wildcat Youth Sports Organization. After 20 years as a mortgage executive, I wanted to open something local that could be both rewarding and provide a needed service to the community.”
Karla and her husband Gil have also lived in Lantana for 16 years with their children Kayla, Jeremy, and Gunner, and their dogs Bentley and Tango. Karla and Ryan previously worked together, and she was the first call he made when deciding on opening The Dog Stop.
“We are dedicated co-owners who share the vision and passion for providing exceptional care for dogs,” Ryan said. “We work closely with a talented team to bring our vision for The Dog Stop to life. Each of us brings unique expertise to the table, contributing to the overall success of the business.”
The Dog Stop specializes in a variety of options tailored to meet each dog’s needs. “Our most popular services are daycare and boarding, where dogs enjoy supervised playtime and comfortable accommodations,” Ryan said. “The first visit is free and designed to make sure the dogs acclimate well. We require all dogs to undergo a brief evaluation and show proof of up-to-date vaccinations and a health check for the safety and well-being of all our guests.”
For daycare, owners can choose drop-in services or monthly options with a membership. “A standard daycare stay includes plenty of playtime in our secure, supervised play areas, with activities designed to engage dogs of all ages and sizes,” Ryan said. “We have separate play areas for larger and smaller dogs, younger and older dogs, to ensure their safety and comfort. Each dog’s day is filled with structured play, socialization opportunities, and rest periods.”
When longer stays are needed, dogs receive equally attentive care with some extra personalization. “We tailor their activities, feeding times, and rest periods based on their individual needs and preferences,” Ryan said. “Whether staying for a few days or several weeks, we strive to make their experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.”
Specialized services give owners peace of mind. “We provide a variety of intellectually stimulating activities that focus on the dogs’ mental and physical well-being, such as agility training and nose work activities,” said Karla.
The grooming services are also highly sought after, with many pet parents taking advantage of a full range of grooming options. “We have four full-time groomers, including one with 15 years’ experience and another with 17 years’ experience,” Ryan said. “They are very good at handling anxious dogs.”
Owners keep returning with their precious pups. “At The Dog Stop – Argyle we truly care about the well-being of every dog that comes through our doors. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and nurturing environment, and we continuously seek feedback to improve and enhance our services,” Ryan said. “We’re always here to answer any questions and welcome new furry friends to our family.”
Check out their specials at thedogstop.com.