Dutch Dogs, a new pet boarding, dog daycare, grooming and retail business, is now open in Orange City. On Thursday, April 18, the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, Orange City Ambassadors and community members gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Dutch Dogs and officially welcome Ashley Van Sloten, owner of Dutch Dogs, to the Orange City business community. Following the ribbon cutting, an open house was held and tours of the facility were given.
“I have been planning this business for almost two years now and am so ready to give the pets of the Orange City area a home away from home while their families are away,” Van Sloten says.
The Orange City Ambassadors tour Dutch Dogs on Thursday, April 18.
Dutch Dogs will provide boarding for dogs and cats and daycare for dogs while families are at work or school. The business will also have a full-time groomer on site and have retail items available for purchase, such as dog treats, toys and apparel.
Orange City community members and Orange City Ambassadors tour the Dutch Dogs facility.
Community members were encouraged to bring their dogs to the Dutch Dogs open house.
Van Sloten grew up in rural Orange City and graduated from Unity Christian High School in 2017. She moved to Cedar Rapids to attend Kirkwood Community College where she studied pet grooming and business. Using what she learned at Kirkwood, she chose her hometown to make her mark as a business owner.
“I chose Orange City because it’s my hometown and because there is a need for a business like this in the area,” says Van Sloten. “I’ve seen people walking dogs all over town. I’ve seen the popularity of the dog park in town, and I know there is a huge demand for groomers in the area. It’s the perfect place to start my business.”
Those that work to promote new business and economic development in Orange City are excited that Van Sloten moved back to the area and is investing in the community through her new business.
“We are excited to have Ashley move back to Orange City and open her new business here. We are glad Ashley chose Orange City for her business and that she recognizes the benefits of living, working and investing in rural Iowa. As our area continues to grow, we look forward to partnering with more entrepreneurs to better serve the needs of Orange City. Ashley is a great example of identifying a need and working toward the dream of owning your own business,” says Mike Hofman, Executive Director of the Orange City Chamber of Commerce.
Retail products available for purchase at Dutch Dogs.
Dutch Dogs is located at 1419 Frankfort Place SE in Orange City. Operating hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
