An application to convert a vacant industrial building at 135 Cross St. in Bristol into a dog training and boarding facility that would board up to 40 dogs was presented to the Bristol Zoning Commission on Monday evening. This proposal comes at a time when the dog training and boarding sector is experiencing growth, with some industry reports projecting continued increases in U.S. grooming and boarding revenue over the next several years.

The applicant, property owner Jon Rondeau of 135 Cross St. LLC, is seeking a special permit to operate a commercial kennel and dog-training business he plans to call Elite Pawformance. Some industry observers have noted growing demand for more premium, wellness-focused pet care services, which the article suggests could make Rondeau’s concept timely. What are the current trends in the dog training and boarding industry?

“My goal is to establish a business at 135 Cross St. called Elite Pawformance,” Rondeau said. He told the commission that “all of the services and agility training will be done inside the renovated building.” This approach is consistent with common recommendations that owners look for rigorous training standards and humane practices when choosing facilities.

Rondeau outlined plans to renovate the one-story industrial space into multiple training areas, including what he described as a “mock kitchen, a mock living room, a mock bedroom” to help prepare service dogs for everyday tasks. The existing building includes two sections, the rear with 20-foot walls and about 10,000 square feet of space, which Rondeau said would house courses for dog sports.

The proposal seeks a special permit from the Bristol Zoning Commission to operate a commercial kennel and dog-training facility at the address, which the application describes as a vacant industrial building previously owned by United Bank Commercial Properties Inc. Under Connecticut law, commercial kennels must obtain a state license, which includes regulatory standards related to sanitation and the care of animals. The facility would provide training for service dogs and offer boarding while owners are away.

Dog trainer Pamela O’Day is listed among the people tied to the proposal as a trainer who would work with dogs at the site. Rondeau emphasized the indoor nature of the program during his presentation. “The renovations will include developing ‘a mock kitchen, a mock living room, a mock bedroom’ to train the service dogs,” he said, underscoring the focus on simulation-based training inside the building rather than outdoor activities.

Those attending the hearing heard details on how the building’s existing volume and layout might accommodate both boarding and training needs. The rear portion’s taller walls and substantial floor area were cited as suitable for constructing agility courses and other indoor training setups.

The application names the enterprise Elite Pawformance and frames the venture as a combination of service-dog preparation and dog-sport instruction, paired with kennel services for pet owners who require short-term boarding. The commission’s decision to press for further documentation indicates regulators are weighing operational specifics alongside zoning compliance.

The item remains before the Bristol Zoning Commission, which will reconvene the public hearing on October 20 to review supplemental materials and hear further testimony before ruling on the special permit request. As the demand for such facilities grows, it’s becoming increasingly important for such enterprises to demonstrate a commitment to quality training methods and a safe, well-maintained environment.

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Original reporting: view the original article.