Alicia Collins: From K9 Activity Club Founder to Successful Pet Entrepreneur
September 3, 2025 · 6 min read
Since its inception in 2014, K9 Activity Club has become more than just a business — it's a thriving community for dog lovers, and at its heart is Alicia Collins, a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur driven by a lifelong passion for animals and a keen business sense.
A Sonoma County local at heart
A proud Sonoma County resident, Alicia is not only a successful businesswoman but a devoted member of her local community. Her home is a sanctuary shared with her family and a menagerie of dogs, horses and bunnies — each a testament to her deep connection with animals.
Beyond her role as a business owner, Alicia is recognized as a connector, bringing people together through her work and community involvement.
Certified, and always learning
Alicia's commitment to excellence in pet care is underscored by her PACCC certification, awarded by the Professional Animal Care Certification Council. She didn't stop at meeting industry standards — she constantly pursues continuing education to stay ahead of trends and help shape the future of pet care.
Her knowledge and compassion permeate every part of K9 Activity Club, whether she's teaching a puppy class, mentoring employees, or offering guidance to pet owners.
A portfolio of community-minded ventures
Alicia's entrepreneurial spirit doesn't stop with K9 Activity Club. She has built a portfolio of businesses, each designed to meet a specific need in her community:
- Betsy's Moving — a relocation service for Sonoma County seniors, run with her lifelong best friend Amanda Vineyard
- Crazy Dog Club — a membership program with discounts on supplies and treats plus access to 24/7 virtual vet care
- Navi Appliance Repair — a trusted local appliance repair business run with her fiancé Todd Gardner
Awards that reflect the vision
K9 Activity Club has won Best of the North Bay (2020–2024) from the Press Democrat and Best of Bohemian (2017–2024) across categories including daycare, training and lodging. These awards reflect Alicia's vision and work ethic in building a space that goes far beyond traditional pet services.
What's next
Alicia is launching Nuzzle, an online marketplace bridging traditional boarding kennels and independent pet sitters by connecting owners with trained, vetted professionals for in-home care.
She's also launching Learn to Speak Dog, an online learning community built with professional dog trainer Kobie Quashie, offering courses, webinars and resources that break complex dog behavior down into actionable steps.
Questions about your dog?
Our Santa Rosa team is happy to help — call or stop by for a tour.
