Today we’d like to introduce you to Areona Carter.
Hi Areona, 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?
With five dogs of my own and a raging passion for working for myself, I started Carter’s K-9 LLC, an In-Home Dog Boarding business. I have been professionally dog sitting for about two years now, however, I’ve owned and cared for dogs all of my life. I worked a year and a half for an online dog boarding company called ROVER. After receiving many positive reviews, I decided to start my own business because my passion for dogs and all animals is just that strong! January of 2019, my mother and I founded Carter’s K9, our black-owned business, in hopes to share our love for dogs and to show you guys our best services. We specialize in all breeds, sizes and personalities and welcome everyone to check us out.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As most know, owning a business is never the easiest thing to accomplish, and it hasn’t been. Only being in business for a year before the pandemic really tested our commitment. Most of my income stems from people traveling and with COVID-19 completely shutting things down, I experienced many cancellations and a lack of bookings. The majority of the advertising we did was face to face, going to different dog parks and mingling amongst the owners and pups. However, I can say that despite all of these setbacks, Carter’s K-9 has continued to grow. This experience has truly pushed us to be better business owners and to think outside of the box. We have been challenged in numerous ways, but I have to say that the growth my business encountered this year would not have been possible without those setbacks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Carter’s K-9 LLC is an In-Home Dog Boarding business. We offer services such as boarding, daycare, training, homemade dog treats and more! Our business takes pride in the comfort of your dog, we want them to have the best experience when coming to spend time with us. A priority for us is ensuring that your fur baby keeps the normal routine you would at home or just creating the best “home-like” atmosphere for your dog. Many dogs and owners find that boarding in a traditional kennel can be stressful due to the unfamiliarity of being in a new place with many other dogs. This is where I think we are different, we are able to provide your dog with a stress-free, loving environment. Also, when you book services with us, you get many photo/video updates of your fur baby!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I truly could not do this without Arlenna Williams, my mother, business partner and bestfriend! Along with running a business, I am a full-time college student so I am not always available how I would like. She does everything that I do, if not better. From bathing the dogs to taking them on walks, taking over my shift of watching the dogs so I could study for finals, she does it all. And not to mention her customer service skills are immaculate, most of our clients will remember her name before mine! She has been my biggest support system from the moment I started this business and before. In addition, Carter’s K-9 LLC. would be nothing without all of my wonderful clients (owners and fur babies)! Many of you guys have been using my services since 2018, when I first started on ROVER, It has meant so much to me that people trust me with their dogs, who they view as children. They really make all of this feel possible for me.
Pricing:
- Dog Boarding – $40 per night
- Dog Daycare -$30 per day
- Training- $40 per hour
- Treats – starting at $5 per bag
- Drop-in visits: $35
Contact Info:
- Email: cartersk9@yahoo.com
- Website: https://www.cartersk9llc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartersk9_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CK9LLC
