Skiptown, a contemporary, technology-driven dog care franchise, is continuing to advance SkipOS, its proprietary end-to-end platform that integrates operations across all five of its service offerings. The internally developed system is intended to simplify workflows, strengthen profitability, and enhance the customer journey as the company broadens its presence.

One of the platform’s newest additions is a valet-inspired check-in and pickup option within the app, introduced in the summer of 2025 to improve the boarding and daycare process. Through the Skiptown app, pet owners can alert staff when they arrive, enabling dogs to be checked in or brought out without customers leaving their cars. Created in response to user feedback, the feature was rapidly improved to offer better wait-time transparency. As a result, 95% of drop-offs and pickups are now completed in under eight minutes. The process also supports more efficient staff scheduling during busy hours. This timing includes comprehensive wellness assessments at both check-in and pickup, during which staff evaluate each dog’s condition and watch for signs of injury, irritation, or other health concerns.

Building on this momentum, Skiptown introduced several additional enhancements in 2026, including the PupCare Plan membership program, an SMS Text Club for promotions and event updates, and a customized in-app promotions center aimed at increasing engagement and encouraging customers to use multiple services.

“SkipOS was built with both pet parents and operators in mind, and we’ve continued refining it as the company has evolved,” said Liz Sims. “Because we own the technology, we can adapt quickly to customer feedback, introduce new capabilities faster, and deliver a more seamless and connected experience.”

Initially created in-house to replace outdated third-party software, SkipOS has grown alongside the company — evolving from a simple dog-walking app into a fully integrated operating platform supporting daycare, boarding, grooming, walking services, memberships, and social experiences across several markets. As Skiptown expanded beyond Charlotte into Denver and Atlanta, the platform demonstrated its ability to function effectively across multiple locations.

Today, SkipOS remains central to the Skiptown business model, supporting success in four primary areas:

“Technology is at the core of how we grow,” said Mike Rotondo. “Without relying on third-party platforms, we can innovate more quickly, scale more efficiently, and create a more distinctive experience for pets, their owners, and our franchise partners.”

With revenue increasing by more than 40% year over year, Skiptown continues investing heavily in its proprietary technology platform as a major factor driving customer loyalty and sustained franchise expansion.

Click here to know more about Skiptown.

Americans Feel Customer Service is Declining, But Younger Generations Remain Hopeful
Nearly half of U.S. consumers believe customer service is deteriorating, according to GoDaddy’s latest Consumer Pulse survey. Despite this growing concern, younger generations—namely Gen Z and Millennials—maintain a more positive outlook than their older counterparts.

GoDaddy surveyed 1,500 Americans and found that only 20% felt customer service had improved recently, while 42% reported a decline in service quality. Among Gen X and Baby Boomers, skepticism was more pronounced, with just 12% saying things had gotten better and 46% stating service had worsened.

In contrast, 29% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials believe customer support is improving, indicating a more optimistic view among younger shoppers.

“There’s a notable generational gap here,” said Amy Jennette, GoDaddy’s Small Business Trends Expert. “Younger customers tend to be more forgiving and are willing to give companies a chance—but their expectations around speed, friendliness, and flexibility are higher.”

Older generations, however, are less tolerant, often frustrated by impersonal experiences or limited access to live support. Jennette emphasized that companies must recognize how delicate customer trust can be and take action to preserve it.

Key Takeaways from the Survey:

Opportunities for Small Businesses
Despite these concerns, the survey also reveals promising opportunities for small businesses to differentiate themselves. A significant 68% of consumers expect small businesses to match large companies in professionalism and digital security. Customers also appreciate flexible return policies and a fast response when issues arise—clear signals that a company prioritizes its customers.

“Small businesses can strengthen relationships by being responsive,” Jennette noted. “Even those with small teams can use modern AI tools to enhance their service capabilities.”

GoDaddy Conversations: Helping Small Businesses Stay Connected
Managing day-to-day operations can make it hard for small business owners to maintain consistent communication with customers. Tools like GoDaddy Conversations offer a solution—this all-in-one platform consolidates messages from live chat, social media, and email into one convenient inbox.

With GoDaddy Conversations, businesses can respond promptly, personalize communication, and build trust—no matter how their customers reach out.

Click here to know more about GoDaddy's full suite of products to help businesses grow.