On August 25, 2026, FITPUP, a mobile dog gym, began operating in Orange County, California, providing a unique exercise solution for dogs, particularly those with reactive behavior. The gym, which is housed in a specially equipped mobile van, allows dogs to run on custom self-propelled treadmills within an air-conditioned environment.
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Billy Dabas, a canine fitness coach and the founder of FITPUP, travels to clients' homes to offer 30-minute workout sessions for their dogs. Dabas noted that many owners struggle to provide adequate exercise, especially during California's hot summers. He explained that the mobile dog gym is particularly beneficial for dogs unable to socialize in traditional settings, such as dog parks.
Dabas emphasized the importance of providing outlets for exercise, especially for reactive breeds that may not thrive in social situations. He pointed out that many adopted dogs are returned to shelters due to issues arising from a lack of physical activity, which can lead to destructive behaviors. The gym aims to alleviate this by helping dogs expend their energy in a safe environment.
The concept for FITPUP originated from a dream Dabas had while pursuing his degree at a community college. He learned that many dogs struggled to adjust to new homes and wanted to create a service to help them. After discussions with his professor, he developed the idea into a business.
While the first session at FITPUP is free, subsequent visits cost $65. Dabas currently supports reactive dogs through his mobile service but is considering opening a traditional gym to accommodate dogs that are more sociable at a lower cost.
FITPUP is currently available in Orange County, with Dabas noting a growing trend of similar services emerging across the country.