Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa McAfee.
Hi Theresa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my business in 2013. Slowly adding fellow trusted, responsible pet sitters to my team. We proudly offer an all-inclusive private, in-home boarding experience for your dog, as an alternative to a traditional kenneled environment. We also have sitters that offer the service of staying in your home, with your pet. This is ideal for senior pets, multiple-pet households or animals that do not get along well with others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning my own business has certainly not been a smooth road. I’ve learned a lot along this journey. I’ve worked with different website development companies to build a highly customized site for clients and sitters, making onboarding and reservations easily.
I worked with the Small Business Development Center to help start my business and I have utilized the professional help of a CPA for company payroll and tax filings.
I have also learned a hard, but valuable lesson, that a “friendship” is not a legally binding contract, and unfortunately lost a third of my company revenue when one of my long-time sitters stole clients from me, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in sales. As a result of this difficult lesson, I now have a legally binding contract with sitters, as well as clients, that they will not solicite one another outside of the company.
Having a supportive husband and family has been invaluable in helping me build my business. There were times I had more than 10 dogs at my house, which sounds heavenly, but was simultaneously chaotic.
Owning a business to me means, you never really have a day off, because you’re always thinking about it, marketing, budgeting, etc. It is very rewarding, and evident you’ll. never work harder than you do for yourself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own, manage, and market my company, HappiPaw. We specialize in treating clients as our own, while on vacation with us. This allows pet owners to relax and enjoy their time away. One thing that sets us apart is our sitters send pictures, texts, and videos assuring the pets’ owners that their pup is enjoying themselves. We also offer very flexible hours, unlike boarding brick and mortar facilities, and we do not chart a la carte for many of the additonal services pups receive in our care (medicine administration, all day play/rest/lounge time in a home environment, etc).
What were you like growing up?
I was always a self-motivated, active person growing up, eager to please, and never wanted to disappoint others. I loved animals, and was naturally shy. I was the youngest of 5 siblings, and quietly learned a lot from them.
Pricing:
- Overnight Boarding $50/night
- Day Boarding $40/day
- Overnight IN CLIENT’S HOME $125/night
- Transportation $30 each way
- Meet and greet with sitter/FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HappiPaw.com
- Instagram: HappiPawIG
- Facebook: HappiPaw
