Tomball Pet Resort’s Sale Attracts Strong Private Buyer with PET|VET’s Guidance
In 2002, Richard Gatewood founded Tomball Pet Resort with a simple goal: to provide dependable, high-quality care for pets in the greater Tomball, TX area. Over the next two decades, he built a facility known for its thoughtful layout, personalized service, and trusted reputation among local families.
The resort operates out of a spacious 9,792-square-foot facility on 1.5 acres, offering a full range of services including overnight lodging, daycare, and bathing. With 133 total enclosures, including 34 luxury suites and 99 double-decker Mason kennels, Tomball Pet Resort delivers a comfortable, tailored experience for pets of all needs and personalities.
For play and exercise, the facility includes two indoor areas (500 SF and 1,500 SF) and a large outdoor yard, with specific zones for social dogs and individual play sessions for those who prefer one-on-one interaction. Every detail was designed to provide structure, safety, and a positive experience for both pets and their owners.
“We’ve always focused on providing care that pet parents can feel good about,” Richard said. “The goal was always to be consistent, trusted, and dependable which would retain our clientele.”
A Strong Team Behind the Scenes
As the business grew, Richard gradually stepped back from the day-to-day operations, focusing instead on bookkeeping, marketing, and overall strategy. Today, the resort is run by a seasoned management team ensuring smooth, efficient daily operations. This dependable team structure has allowed the business to operate as a turnkey operation, giving Richard the flexibility to focus on oversight while maintaining strong performance across all service lines.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built,” Richard noted. “They’ve created an environment where pets are happy, and the business runs well—without me there every day.”
A Clean Transition and the Right Fit
After 22 successful years, Richard made the decision to retire and pass the business into new hands. His goal was to find a buyer who could appreciate the foundation he had built—someone who valued both the operational efficiency of the business and the community it serves.
To help guide the sale, Richard partnered with PET|VET, led by industry veteran Teija Heikkilä. With decades of experience in the pet care space and a deep understanding of how to position and protect businesses like Tomball Pet Resort, Teija played a central role in driving the process forward. From identifying the right buyer to structuring the deal, her insight and persistence were instrumental every step of the way.
Teija advised both Richard and the buyer throughout the entire transaction.
“Teija really understood what made this business tick,” Richard said. “She brought in the right people, asked the right questions, and made sure every part of the deal was handled with care.”
Thanks to PET|VET’s strategic approach and Teija’s leadership, the business was successfully acquired by a private buyer—someone aligned with the values and operational model that made Tomball Pet Resort so successful for over two decades.
Maximum Value, Minimum Stress
PET|VET didn’t just handle the business side—they also sold the real estate, delivering a full-package deal that preserved the operational footprint and ensured a smooth transition for the new owner. And most importantly, the business was valued at the highest possible level, giving Richard the return he deserved after two decades of dedicated ownership.
Throughout the process, the PET|VET team maintained a structured, efficient pace—keeping things on track, minimizing delays, and ensuring the deal moved forward with professionalism and momentum.
“Teija brought the right people to the table and kept everything moving from day one,” Richard shared. “The sale felt personal and professional all at once—exactly what I hoped for.”
A Legacy Preserved
Today, Tomball Pet Resort continues under new ownership, with the same dedication to care and quality that defined it for years. Richard has stepped into retirement with confidence, knowing his legacy is in good hands—and that the business he built is set up for long-term success.
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Location: Tomball, TX
Established: 2002
Property Size: 1.5 Acres
Building Size: 9,792 SF
Services Provided: Boarding, Daycare, Bathing
Capacity: 133 enclosures accommodating 175 pets
Play Areas: 2 Indoor, 1 Outdoor
Acquired By: Private Buyer
“Teija really understood what made this business tick,” Richard said. “She brought in the right people, asked the right questions, and made sure every part of the deal was handled with care.”
