Dogtopia helps adults with autism gain employment, build confidence

As Autism Acceptance Month gets underway, Rocklin business owner Diane Foos is using her dog daycare to create something more tangible than awareness by building hiring and training opportunities for adults with autism into her day-to-day operations. Foos, who owns Dogtopia at 6671 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite A, in Rocklin has made inclusive hiring a priority since opening, something she has pointed to as a key reason for getting into the business in the first place. That focus also shapes how she brings in a broader initiative led by the Doptopia Foundation, the brand's nonprofit arm. Through a partnership with nonprofit Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, Foos has integrated a product into her store that directly supports employment for adults with disabilities. "My background is in special education. I've always had a passion for special-needs individuals. I have represented special-needs kids in my former career, and I wanted to make the career change through Dogtopia while they were beginning a pilot program for adults with autism," Foos said. "I got the opportunity to help them get that setup and now I get to serve that same population. It's a lot of fun. We get to hang out with the doggies." The connection came out of a business need. Dogtopia worked with the nonprofit to develop a durable treat for use in daycare playrooms, creating consistent demand for the product and, in turn, steady job opportunities. At the Rocklin location, those treats are now part of the everyday customer experience. Each one sold or used in-store ties back to funding for service dogs for veterans and job training programs for adults with autism. "The employees have a lot of support in place whether they have disabilities or not. We've really tried to set everything up in a way that just helps everybody, and that includes visuals, checklists and reminders that people can turn to and get guidance,' Foos said. "Pawfectly Delicious dog treats make an incredible partner. They make all natural dog treats and all the dogs love them. They also employ individuals with disabilities aligning closely with our mission, and a portion of the proceeds go back to the Dogtopia Foundation." Foos has also been recognized nationally for her work around inclusive hiring, offering a local example of how this model is taking shape in the Sacramento region. "Our core mission at Dogtopia of Rocklin is we are not just a dog daycare, we're a community-driven business focused on purpose, inclusion and impact," Foos said. "Everything we do is rooted in creating a safe, enriching environment for dogs while also making a meaningful difference for people through employment opportunities in an environment where everyone is included and supported."