Woman’s Dream Of Working With Dogs Comes True In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A pair of animal lovers have teamed up to launch a lavish doggy daycare facility in Essex County. And it’s more than just a business, they say… it’s a passion.

Three months ago, co-owners Lori Zimmerman and MaryLisa Rapa opened Pups At Play across from the Walnut Street Train Station in Montclair. Since then, the location – which joins Pups At Play Livingston as the second in Essex County – has been booming, the proprietors said.

The 8,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility offers separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as boarding, grooming, training and outdoor play areas. The facility also has private furnished doggy suites with TV and piped-in music.

Furry guests have plenty of room to socialize, exercise and play while human companions watch over them – they are never confined to a kennel or cage, Zimmerman and Rapa said.

The daycare center also offers a more eclectic option: “slumber parties” where dogs get to spend the night together with their new furry companions. (Learn more about this local business)

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Zimmerman and Rapa have had a passion for paws throughout their entire lives. As neither have children, Lori’s four dogs and MaryLisa’s two are their “kids,” they said.

Zimmerman, a Livingston native, said her passion for “canine cuties” has never wavered through her entire life.

“I’m thrilled that our second location is in the pet-loving town of Montclair,” Zimmerman said.

Eight years after meeting her future business partner at a local Starbucks, Rapa – whose background is in finance, accounting and taxes – has gotten a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of working with dogs.

It’s been a rewarding experience for the new business owner, whose first word ever spoken was “doggie.”

“I am so excited to be a partner in this business that will serve the local communities, and most importantly, pet owners and their pups,” Rapa said.

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