Round Rock Edition | February 2026

Business

BY KATLYNN FOX

Hip Hounds oers boarding, day care and grooming services on the border of Round Rock and Pugerville.

Dogs have an outdoor area to play during their stay at Hip Hounds.

PHOTOS COURTESY HIP HOUNDS

Hip Hounds works with owners to care for dogs Michael Mayer moved to Austin in 2004 and two years later he became the rst Hip Hounds employee. In 2016, he became the sole owner of the business with the goal of building a better nancial future for his family. What they oer Hip Hounds provides overnight boarding,

Michael Mayer became the sole owner of Hip Hounds in 2016.

and two free days of daycare to make sure that all dogs are fully comfortable in the facility. “I can’t guarantee you that your dog will like it, but if they don’t, I’ll tell you and I’m not going to take your money,” Mayer said. Respecting the craft Taking care of dogs is part of the business but Mayer said he’s especially proud of how, as an independent operator, Hip Hounds can treat people fairly. “I love the dogs [and] the dogs are great, but I have people that have been coming here for 19 years that I know,” Mayer said. “I see people’s kids grow up. That’s the cool part. It’s a customer service job. The dog care part is very simple.”

daycare and grooming with no breed restrictions. During the day, dogs receive hours of play with climate-controlled areas, an outdoor section, playground equipment and pools. Owners can also tune into a live feed of their dogs. Another detail New clients receive one free night of boarding

CENTRAL COMMERCE DR.

1912 Picadilly Drive, Round Rock www.hiphounds.com

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