IFA Names Hounds Town USA as 2025 Emerging Franchisor Award Winner

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced Hounds Town USA as the recipient of its 2025 Emerging Franchisor Award. Presented during IFA’s annual Emerging Franchisor Conference. The second-annual award recognizes a growing brand that exemplifies operational excellence, franchisee support, and responsible franchise development.

To be considered for the award, a brand must have:

• Filed three years of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)
• Been in franchising for less than 10 years (from first FDD)
• More than $25 million in U.S. systemwide sales
• A closure rate of less than 10 percent
• Included an Item 19 in their most recent FDD

Founded by former NYPD canine handler Michael Gould, Hounds Town USA offers interactive dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and pet care services. Since launching its franchise model in 2015, the brand has been closing in on 100 locations nationwide, combining an accessible business model with a deep focus on pet wellbeing and franchisee profitability.

“It’s an incredible honor — and one we share with our entire Hounds Town pack,” said Rob Flanagan, CEO and cultural co-founder of Hounds Town USA. “This recognition belongs to our franchisees, our team, and our co-founders, Mike Gould and Jackie Bondanza, who built the foundation for everything we do. We’re proud of our progress and the purpose that drives us: to change the way the world understands and interacts with dogs, and to ensure every dog in America has access to Hounds Town.

“We’re equally proud to be part of the International Franchise Association and the larger franchising community — we wouldn’t be here without their mentorship and collaboration. Our franchisees, Jennifer Felix and Maria Gillen, embody the power of franchising. Jenn began as an employee, Maria as a customer, and together they now own four thriving Hounds Towns. That’s the heart of Hounds Town and franchising.”

“Hounds Town USA represents what emerging franchise systems can achieve when they grow with purpose,” said Matt Haller, IFA president and CEO. “Their strong operational fundamentals, commitment to franchisee success, and focus on community impact exemplify what responsible franchising looks like in action.”

The award is presented annually at IFA’s Emerging Franchisor Conference, which took place this year in Nashville, TN, Nov. 10-12, to recognize brands demonstrating exceptional promise and leadership in franchising.