SBA Franchise Registry Welcomes Happy Tails Dog Spa™

VIENNA, VA – January 8, 2006 – Happy To Be Here Inc., the franchise company of Happy Tails Dog Spa™, today announced the successful completion of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) eligibility review process and inclusion on the administration’s Franchise Registry.

The SBA Franchise Registry is a national online listing of franchise systems whose franchisees receive expedited loan processing when applying for SBA financial assistance. Through the program, loan applications for registered franchises are reviewed and processed more quickly and efficiently.

“We are excited to assist all of our franchisees in expediting their loan process, leading to more efficient financing for all involved parties,” said Amy Nichols, president and CEO of Happy to Be Here, Inc. “The SBA’s franchise registry is helping many small business owners reduce costs and cut down on the time it takes to process applications, speeding the process for Happy Tails Dog Spa™ franchisees to open their businesses.”

Aside from quicker financing, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ also offers franchisees a solid business support system, with step-by-step guidelines to operate a successful franchise. Company officials will guide franchisees through every phase of opening a Happy Tails Dog Spa™, from site selection, to the layout of the facility to an unparalleled training program, both on-site and at the corporate headquarters in Tysons Corner, Va.

“Now that our loan process is more streamlined, our dog owners will have more time to select a location, begin training and get to work achieving their entrepreneurial success,” Nichols said.

The CEO added that it is now the golden era for the pet care industry as the number of dog owners in the United States has swelled to nearly 50 million and pet care expenditure reached an astronomical $34.3 billion in 2004.

“Pet spending has dramatically increased over the last decade, and there is no end in sight,” she said. “More and more dog owners are providing their family pets with the kind of care they would give their own children, making our business concept especially attractive to potential franchisees.”

Happy Tails Dog Spa™ is a place where pets are valued as family – where dogs enjoy endless playtime and spa treatments in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their beloved pets in the hands of trained professionals who willingly nurture each pet with attention and care. Happy Tails Dog Spa™ offers a variety of fun activities, sociable training and comfortable boarding for dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities and temperaments.

“What makes Happy Tails Dog Spa™ so different is our ability to provide dogs with a fun and positive experience,” Nichols said. “It is encouraging to know there are many others out there committed to helping fellow dog enthusiasts achieve a higher quality of life for themselves and their pets through our franchising opportunities.”

Happy Tails Dog Spa™ will soon open franchises in Virginia, Maryland and Texas, with others in development nationwide.

For more information, visit www.franchiseregistry.com or www.happytailsdogspa.com.



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