Owner: Mary Magee
What made you decide to start your business?
I was a graphic designer for 20+ years, published two dog magazines for 15 years while working full time but in 2010 I left the "real job world" and I opened IndysDogs (then called 1st Choice Boarding) to offer in home boarding for friends. It has grown significantly since then!
Did you have any experience in the industry before starting your business?
Yes, my first job was when I was 14, I worked for a groomer. Afterwards, I got involved in purebred dogs & dog sports in 1994. I started training/handling dogs for others shortly after that.
What's your favorite part of running your business? What about the most difficult?
Having the ability to work from home means not having to leave my own dogs, train every day for a few minutes here and there (both my client dogs and my own), being able to take the time to talk with all my clients' owners about any tips I can share,
building a solid relationship with the dogs and owners. The most difficult is pulling myself away for time for myself ... I'm OCD so sitting still is nearly impossible.
When you're not running your business, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I sleep a few hours a night ;). When I do get away I am usually found at a dog sporting event with my own crew. I am making myself find time to get away, though, now that I have an awesome assistant and see a movie here or there.
How long have you been using DoggieDashboard to manage your business?
I think for a year, I signed up a few years back but took awhile to switch from my previous system.
Any advice you'd like to give to people considering starting a pet care business?
Think long and hard, it's a very rewarding job but it's not just "playing with dogs". There is a LOT of cleaning, sanitizing, picking up after they deposit their digested dinners ;).
Volunteer at your local shelter to get some insight on animal management, take an
animal CPR/First Aid class, sign up for dog training seminars and educate yourself as much as possible.