Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Perrin.
Abbie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have worked with animals my entire life. At age 15, I started working at a doggy daycare after school. When I went to Texas A&M I got my degree in Animal Science (graduated 2012). I trained dogs in basic obedience and corrected behavioral issues on the side while in school. After graduation, I started a master’s program in Biomedical Science through the veterinary school. After 2 years in that program I realized that I did not enjoy what I was doing. When I was 24 and having a bottle of wine with my former boss we decided to open another dog daycare and boarding facility. A year later, we opened ‘Dog House on the Trail’ (2014). Two years later in March of 2016 I opened ‘Abbie’s Dog House on Belmont’ on my own.
In addition to working with dogs, I ride horses and compete in dressage with my horse Cassidy. In addition to all ‘my’ dogs at daycare, I have 4 dogs, 2 ferrets, and of course the horse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Most small businesses face a few issues. At first when I was opening my Belmont location I thought I could draw up the plans needed for my certificate of occupancy on my own. After spending tons of hours and making at least 5 trips to the city and being denied for different reasons each time I finally hired someone to help.
My parents weren’t thrilled either when I told them I wasn’t going to use any of my science degrees and instead was going to open a dog daycare.
Opening a business is scary. A lot of times I worried if they would succeed or flourish. I have always known though that I was doing it for the right reasons. I love the dogs and I want them to have somewhere to go that they love. That idea alone has gotten me through a lot.
Please tell us about Abbie’s Dog House on Belmont.
We are a completely cage-free dog daycare and boarding facility. We take in fewer dogs than other facilities in Dallas. Each of our staff members knows each and every one of our dogs. We know what they like, quirks and odd behaviors, and what they dislike. Our goal is to have our dogs drag their owners through the doors. We want to be their favorite place. A place they feel safe and a place where they are known. We are here for the dogs!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I would have done it sooner! I would ideally be on a third location already. Turning dogs away kills me because I don’t know if where they are going will be safe! I want to open more of these small daycares and boarding facilities so I can provide places for more dogs!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4325 Belmont Ave
Dallas, TX 75204 - Website: www.doghousebelmont.com
- Phone: 469-729-9080
- Email: doghousebelmont@gmail.com
- Instagram: doghousebelmont
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/doghousebelmont/
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