By Lauri Lee
Northside Economic Development Coalition

People love their dogs. When K9-5 opened at the end of 2018, it provided a new dog daycare on the Northside. Dog owners can ensure their furry best friends are well cared for in a controlled, healthy play environment when they can’t be with them during the workweek.

The goal for owners Kyrstin O’Brien and Venessa Nunez is to provide a fun, social environment so dogs can vacay while you work your day away. There are no breed or age restrictions. Dogs are divided by size and temperament into small playgroups to help increase social skills and make new friends.

Kyrstin and Venessa opened K9-5 to combine their entrepreneurial spirit with the passion of working with pets for 15 years. Venessa grew up on the Northside and Kyrstin moved to the community after high school. The two had been working at an animal hospital — Venessa as a vet tech and Kyrstin as the practice manager — when they decided to open the dog daycare. After a month of designing, installing the flooring and fencing, and painting everything themselves, they saw their dream become a reality. They found the experience rewarding and want to be an inspiration to other women who dream of opening their own business. 

K9-5 daycare is located at 5520 Cty Hwy CV, Unit #1 behind the airport in the Tradesman Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6 pm. Visit k9to5madison.com for an application and more information. To contact them, email K9to5madison@gmail.com or call 285-9636.