Technology has become one of the most important ways franchise brands compete, both nationally and locally. For operators, the right platform can influence staffing, service speed, revenue management, and unit economics. For customers, it can shape convenience, transparency, and loyalty.
Skiptown is leaning into that reality with continued enhancements to SkipOS, its proprietary all-in-one technology platform designed to connect the company’s daycare, boarding, grooming, walking, social experiences, and membership offerings.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-based dog care franchise announced on May 19th, 2026, that the upgraded platform will continue supporting franchisees with streamlined operations, stronger data visibility, and a more connected experience for pet parents.
SkipOS Connects Operations Across Five Service Lines
Skiptown built SkipOS in-house after moving away from older off-the-shelf systems. The platform has grown with the brand, evolving from its early roots as a dog walking app into a multi-location operating system that now supports locations in Charlotte, Denver and Atlanta.
That control over the platform gives Skiptown more flexibility as it expands. The company can adjust features, respond to customer needs and refine operational tools without depending on outside software providers.
“SkipOS was intentionally designed with both pet parents and operators in mind, and we’ve continued to evolve it as the business has grown,” said Liz Sims, Head of Digital Product at Skiptown. “Owning the technology allows us to respond quickly to customer feedback, roll out new features faster, and create a more connected and seamless experience from start to finish.”
For current and future franchisees, that matters because technology now touches nearly every part of the business. Skiptown said SkipOS supports revenue and profitability through real-time performance visibility, dynamic grooming algorithms, promotions, and incentives. It also improves operational efficiency by reducing manual processes, allowing teams to focus more on safety and the guest experience.
App-Based Valet Service Improves Pet Parent Convenience
One of SkipOS’ latest updates is a valet-style drop-off and pickup feature, which launched in summer 2025. The feature allows pet parents to alert staff through the Skiptown app when they arrive, so dogs can be checked in or brought out without owners leaving their vehicles.
Skiptown developed the service in response to customer feedback and later refined it to provide more visibility into wait times. According to the company, 95% of pickups and drop-offs are now completed in under eight minutes. That process also includes a wellness check during check-in and pickup, where team members assess each dog’s overall condition and look for signs of irritation, injury or health concerns.
The feature shows how franchise technology can improve both consumer experience and labor planning. For customers, the process adds convenience and transparency. For operators, it helps teams better manage staffing during peak periods.
Data Helps Drive Franchise Performance
Skiptown has also introduced several new engagement tools in 2026, including its PupCare Plan membership, an SMS Text Club for promotions and events, and a personalized in-app promotions hub. The company designed these tools to increase customer engagement and encourage customers to use more services across the brand.
SkipOS also gives franchisees reporting and insights that can help guide decisions around pricing, services and growth. In a competitive pet care market, that kind of data can help local operators understand customer behavior, manage capacity, and improve performance across multiple revenue streams.
“Technology is foundational to how we scale,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Skiptown. “We’re not tied to third-party systems, which allows us to move faster, scale more effectively, and deliver a more differentiated experience for our valued pets, their parents and our franchisees.”
Skiptown said it has achieved more than 40% year-over-year revenue growth and continues to invest in proprietary technology as part of its long-term franchise growth strategy.
As franchise brands look for ways to stand out in crowded categories, Skiptown’s approach reflects a broader industry shift. Technology no longer sits in the background as a support tool. It increasingly serves as a direct driver of operations, customer satisfaction, franchisee decision-making, and local market competitiveness.
