Meet Kerry Jones of Pawsitive Pleasures Pet Sitting in Medford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Jones.

Kerry, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1996 I was working for Thom McAn as a district secretary from my home. I had an elderly dog. Daily my dog, Clyde, would hit my elbow to go outside mid-day to relieve himself. I thought to myself there must be other dogs who need to go out mid-day while their owners aren’t home. I put an ad in the local paper, with the wording, daily dog walks for the senior geriatric dog and puppies. The first client that called me, was in fact a geriatric herself. And she had a puppy. Prior to running this ad, I had researched all I could about the pet sitting business. I researched pet sitters international and purchased my contracts and various other agreements for them. I also decided that April 1st 1996 would be my first official day in business. The reason for this is its April Fools’ Day and everybody thought I was a fool thinking I could make a living doing this. I begin walking Mary’s dog around the block and soon met more clients who were interested in having me walk their dog. The ad I ran didn’t specify just dogs it was for all pets. Through this ad and word-of-mouth I know take care of cats, birds, bunnies, and plants. My favorite of course are the animals. So fast forward to now, I have some wonderful dogs to go to my daily dog groups and walks. I start my day taking care of cats and other household pets. The middle of my day is reserved for the dogs. And then late afternoon I visit household pets. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love all the animals I care for each one has a unique personality. Naturally some days are better than others… But it’s the never the Pets who are the problem, could be traffic, flat tire, anything that keeps me from my schedule. I’m extremely Type A and most of my clients can set there watch by me. My children are adults now. And owning my own business has allowed me to be very involved with them when they were younger. Everything about this job is a blessing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a very smooth road. I think because I do an in-home interview before I take on any Pet, I get to see if it’s a good fit before keys are exchanged. Most of the time it is, sometimes I’ve had to turn clients down, that’s difficult because you don’t want to hurt their feelings over their family member essentially. I also had employees over the years, I found it stressful to have to have the phone on me all the time just in case they needed me. Every time they called me I felt like something bad had happened. I eventually ended up giving all of my employees, their own route and they’ve all established their own businesses. It’s great it’s not a competition it’s an extra person to be able to refer to. And an added bonus is I know that these people are good at what they do and most importantly not just in it for the money.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pawsitive Pleasures Pet Sitting – what should we know?
It’s great it’s not a competition it’s an extra person to be able to refer to. And an added bonus is I know that these people are good at what they do and most importantly not just in it for the money.

What Ppps offers is daily dog walks/group play midday Monday Thru Friday. Around the clock care for cats and other domestic pets 7 days a week. I no longer offer a round the clock care for dogs. After 21 years people know my name. I’m extremely proud of my reliability. And that I am in tune with all my clients’ pets. The money is great. I say over and over again no you cannot be in this business for just the money, you will not last your clients will know. Although we only see her clients initially they can tell by a happy Pet that we’re doing our job

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family. When I was first starting out I was 24 seven concentrating on this business. And up to this day I can’t say enough about how supportive my immediate family is. Because I run my own business I haven’t taken a vacation in several years. My family knows how I am and they don’t nag me about this. And of course my clients because without them in and their word of mouth, which is the only form of advertisement I do, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am right now.

Pricing:

• $17 per 1/2 hour dog group/walk
• $8 each additional dog, same family
• $17 per 20 minute in home visit

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7817609919
• Email: ffpaws@gmail.com
• Facebook: Pawsitive pleasures

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