Dog Parker, Inc. – the hardware startup that is revolutionizing the way people hang out with their dogs – announced today that it is installing 100 additional sidewalk dog houses in Brooklyn after their successful 8-month pilot program. Dog Parkers are high-tech, internet-connected dog houses placed outside of storefronts. Dog Parkers provide a safe and convenient way for dog owners to temporarily house their dogs while they run quick errands in the neighborhood.

From November through January, the next generation of Dog Parkers will be installed throughout Brooklyn neighborhoods including Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Ft Greene, Clinton Hill, and Williamsburg. Dog Parkers will be located in front of partnering storefronts that are unable to permit dogs inside due to government regulations, such as grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and pharmacies. The pilot program began in October 2015 and tested three Dog Parker prototypes at nine store locations with over one hundred dog owners in Brooklyn.

The newest Dog Parker model comes with upgraded features designed to ensure dogs' comfort, safety, and security, including thermo-controlled sensors, cooling and heating mechanisms, and auto-sanitizing technology. Designed by Boyce Technologies, a Queens-based manufacturer, the sleek exterior is made from powder-coated aluminum and the interior is constructed from the same type of nonporous plastic materials used in veterinary facilities.

The company is also debuting the free Dog Parker app, which allows for easy reservations and real-time web camera monitoring inside the dog house. Each Dog Parker is internet-connected and part of the network of dog houses that can be viewed on a map and reserved in advance via the mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Dog Parkers are available to New Yorkers for 20 cents per minute, along with an annual $25 membership fee.

"The idea for Dog Parker was inspired by my dog Winston because we love exploring the city together. We were missing out on more adventures and more walks together simply because I would be going somewhere for a few minutes where dogs aren't allowed. The Dog Parker product has resonated with a lot of dog owners looking to take care of their dogs and with stores looking to better serve their customers," says Chelsea Brownridge, Co-founder & CEO of Dog Parker.

"We're excited to finally be expanding the service to more dogs, people, and stores. The top request during our Brooklyn pilot program was for more locations. We've had over 2,000 dog owners requesting Dog Parkers in their neighborhoods so we're aiming to get the service out to more people as quickly as possible, starting with Brooklyn," states Co-founder & COO Todd Schechter.

Chelsea shares how eager she is to launch Dog Parker: "We're passionate about making cities safer and smarter for dogs and their humans. Forty percent of households today have dogs in the family – that's 80M dogs in the US – and it's time we better organize cities for dogs and their owners. Today's technology allows us to provide dog owners with both convenience and peace of mind through our combination of intelligent software, robust hardware, and smart design - creating the next generation of pet services."

"I love the Dog Parker," said Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant, noted pet expert, and host of the national radio show, Steve Dale's Pet World. "We all want to spend more time with our pets - now with Dog Parker, there's a safe and secure place to leave your dog outside a convenience store or a coffee shop while you run inside."

"I was originally interested in Dog Parker because I love the idea of not having to leave my dog Louie at home all alone. Knowing that Dog Parker is around, I am able to take Louie out while knowing that I have a safe and comfortable place to leave my dog if I need to run an indoor errand" said Tiffany Tsang, Dog Parker pilot tester and member.

"Dog Parker is a great example of the continued vibrancy of New York City'stechnology sector," said Lara Croushore, Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). "A participant in NYCEDC's Futureworks program and a member of the exciting network of companies developing urban technologies at New Lab, the Dog Parker team is part of the next generation of entrepreneurs developing technology to improve quality of life in cities. Supporting New York City-based hardware startups like Dog Parker is how we'll continue building a 21st-century production economy powered by advanced manufacturing and fuel the creation of high-quality local jobs."

"The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is excited to see Brooklyn-born Dog Parker continue to grow in the borough with its newest product launch," said Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura. "Dog Parker's continued success and growth will create local jobs, bring a valuable and innovative product to our communities that will increase the quality of life for dogs and dog owners alike, and help boost foot traffic in our neighborhood commercial corridors – the lifeblood of Brooklyn's small businesses."

"Brooklyn is a such a great place for dogs and their owners," said Garry Osgood, President of local Prospect Park dog community, the Fellowship For The Interests of Dogs & Their Owners (FIDO). "FIDO has been dedicated to providing safe, healthy places for dogs and encouraging their responsible supervision for almost twenty years. As a Brooklyn-based business, Dog Parker has been a great part of the FIDO community and we appreciate their commitment to dog safety and wellness." 

"Dog Parker's latest product launch further demonstrates that New York City'sinnovation economy has the potential to yield tangible benefits for both residents and small businesses throughout the City," said Thomas J. Grech, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "Just as important, however, is the fact the Dog Parker's innovative product is manufactured right here in Queens, proving that urban manufacturing continues to grow in New York City. We look forward to Dog Parker's continued expansion, which will hopefully bring their innovative product to our borough's businesses and streets in the near future."