CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: Critter Capers Pet Sitting
Aug 14, 2017 Kendrick
Name: Chris Rinker
Company: Critter Capers Pet Sitting
Company Motto: Professional Pet Care Where They're Most at Home!
Location: Stafford/Fredricksburg, VA
What is your most popular service type (dog walks, overnights, etc.)?
Vacation Pet Sitting
How many total visits do you usually have per day?
6-10 during the average times of year
How did you get started in the pet care business?
I was the personnel manager at a very busy animal hospital in Woodbridge, VA (a suburb of Washington, DC). While there, I also watched some of our client's pets that did not do well boarding. After a few years, I made the decision that I could finally work for myself and start my own business.
In a few sentences tell us what your company does and what makes it special.
My business provides professional pet care where pets are most at home - their homes! I work with my clients to create their "Pet Care Plans" and ensure that every pet is treated and cared for the same way the client would if they were home; fed at the same time, walked at the same time and loved on - just like they would any other day.
What are the rewards or pay-off you see to owning a pet care business?
I absolutely love what I do. I get to spend my day with critters, I get to be outside (although that is not ALWAYS nice), I get to meet new people and I provide a needed service for many critters and their humans.
What are the challenges you see to owning a pet care business?
It's hard when a critter that you have been caring for for several years crosses the rainbow bridge; I almost feel the loss as much as their humans do. However, I do like the fact that I can help their humans cope and grieve over the loss.
What is the climate like where you are and how does that affect your business?
In the part of VA that I am in, we have a very mixed bag of weather. We do get the extreme heat in the summer and we do get the extreme cold in the winter. Fortunately, neither the extreme heat or cold last for too long here. We also deal with snow and ice, but it has been manageable - I have NEVER missed a visit!
Why do your clients choose you over your competitors?
One of the reasons that I hear from clients that hire me is that I am very willing to do what needs to be done - whether it be travel to where they are (which believe it or not many of my clients say pet sitters won't go) or I will provide the services that they need (I will work early and I will work late). Another frequently heard reason is that I am a professional. I am organized and I have done my "homework" so to speak. I am ready for consultations, I am ready to service the critters and I am always willing to take on a job - even if it starts tomorrow.
How do you market your business? Has that changed from when you first started?
I have spent lots of money on marketing in the past. I have participated in trade shows, I have sponsored pet events, I have sent press releases to the media, but the absolute best form of marketing is 100% free! Word of mouth has been the #1 marketing tool for my business. My clients are very open and honest with their friends and with their testimonials! I absolutely love when I hear from clients that they were given my name by a friend or a colleague.
What advice would you give a new pet care business owner?
Don't be impatient! I read the message boards and the Facebook posts of new pet sitters asking when their business will pick up and when they will start "making money"! It takes time! Don't give up too soon!
How does Precise Petcare complement the way you run your business?
I have tried SEVERAL different "client management systems" and even designed my own (because none of the ones I tried met my standards or offered all of the features I wanted). Precise Petcare has satisfied me the most. It offers many of the features that I wanted - the payment integration, GPS monitoring for dog walks, 24/7 access for my clients and a good overall, professional appearance to name a few. I have always had very high standards for software that I choose to use and PPC has met them. It has made aspects of my business much easier to complete and some of them automatically with very little follow-up from me!
