About Woofie’s® of Greater Jacksonville

Meet Our Franchise Owners & Family

Woofie’s® of Greater Jacksonville is led by Crystal Witt and Neil Dakake, a dynamic duo whose life journey has led them to serve the local pet community. Their latest adventure began 4 years ago with a move to Topsail Island, where the stunning beauty and warm community spirit immediately captured their hearts. In the following years, Crystal and Neil dreamed about entrepreneurship. Then suddenly, life threw a curveball in the form of a frightening breast cancer diagnosis, igniting the fire to pursue a lifelong dream

That close health scare, coupled with the realization their children were quickly growing up, inspired Crystal and Neil to lead by example. Soon after, they opened Woofie’s® of Greater Jacksonville to show their kids the importance of chasing after a dream and life that offers joy and fulfillment. Leaping forward to the now, they proudly spend each day showering pets with love and bringing peace of mind to their owners.

Our Team’s Personal & Professional Background

Married for 7 years and together for 13, Crystal and Neil share their lives with three amazing children–Sydney (20), Ava (18), and Lucas (15)–and their beloved fur babies, Cash (a beagle) and Tiger Joe (a pix/boxer rescue). Their family embodies the love and dedication they bring to Woofie's® daily.

Professionally, Crystal comes from a 22-year nursing background, bringing a wealth of knowledge in health and caregiving and attention to detail. Her ability to communicate effectively and provide compassionate care is unmatched.

Backed by 14 years of experience in franchise consulting, Neil offers invaluable insights into business operations and marketing strategies. Together, their combined expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional pet care align to positively impact the lives of pets and pet owners in the Greater Jacksonville community.

Our Hobbies & Community Involvement

Crystal, affectionately known as Crystal Vila, finds joy in carpentry, recently adding a 500 Sq Ft deck to their home. Neil, an avid surfer, finds peace and adrenaline in the ocean. You can find them on the beach most weekends, soaking up the sun and making memories with friends. They also enjoy traveling the world, surfing waves, and building dreams from the ground up.

Giving back to the community is at the heart of Woofie’s® of Greater Jacksonville. Crystal and Neil support various local initiatives throughout the year, including the sea turtle rescue and Ocean Fest. These initiatives reflect their sustained commitment to the community and the environment.

A Dream for the Future & A Commitment to the Here & Now

Neil and Crystal dream of one day buying a second king-sized bed so they can sleep surrounded by as many dogs as possible. This dream is a testament to their belief that pets are the purest form of love on the planet. They have never met an animal they didn't love – a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of Woofie’s® of Greater Jacksonville.

We are proud and honored to be your local destination for friendly, compassionate, and courteous pet care services. Behind the scenes of our beloved franchise is a story of chasing dreams with passion and resilience. We hope to continue this journey with you and your pet. Our entire team is grateful and excited for the opportunity to support and serve the Greater Jacksonville pet community.

We're more than just a pet care service - we're a family passionate about making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Join the Woof Pack membership program today for exclusive promotional gifts, upgrades, and discounts! 

Ready to book an appointment or become part of the extended Woofie’s family? Call (910) 500-6615 anytime!