Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Umanzor.
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Back in 2004, while working long hours in the corporate world, I adopted a dog who desperately needed training, socialization, and someone to watch her during the day. A friend suggested doggy daycare, and I thought, “What is that?” After doing some research, I enrolled her in one of the very few daycares around at that time—and I was instantly hooked. I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do.
I dove into researching industry trends, writing a business plan, and eventually connected with a wonderful woman in Arlington who owned a daycare about 30 miles from me. We became fast friends, and when she decided to sell her business, I jumped at the opportunity. I left my corporate job, moved closer, and have been running this business ever since.
Because we’re a small, family-owned daycare, we do things a little differently. We’ve found our niche by working with dogs that many other daycares won’t even consider, and by building genuine, lasting relationships with our customers. Over the years, some clients have returned with new pups after losing a beloved companion, while others who’ve moved away still keep in touch—or even visit when they’re back in town.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to hire an amazing team of people who love dogs as much as I do. Their passion and dedication are a huge part of what keeps families coming back. Together, we’ve built not just a business, but a community—a close-knit, family feel that has carried us through the years and continues to help us grow and thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a small business hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I feel very fortunate to have made it this far. One of the biggest challenges has been helping customers understand that their dog isn’t always a perfect angel—or the only pup in our care. We quickly learned that dogs rarely act the way their owners expect! In fact, it’s often the exact opposite. Over time, we’ve gotten better at setting expectations early so that things unfold the way we know they will.
Every dog has a unique personality, and part of our job is finding the right balance that keeps the customer happy, the dog confident, and everyone safe while still having fun. Sometimes the fit isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. These are living, breathing animals, and every single one of them thinks they’re our only baby. They get jealous of us just like they do with their owners, because to them, we really do become their second family.
Of course, that also means we get deeply attached. When a family moves away or a beloved dog passes, it hits us hard—we grieve right alongside their people. That bond, though sometimes bittersweet, is at the heart of what makes this work so meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Wag Time Pets, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About Wag Time
At Wag Time, we believe every dog deserves to feel safe, loved, and understood. We’re a daycare and boarding home-away-from-home where dogs can play, relax, and just be themselves. Our open-play groups are thoughtfully divided by age, size, play style, and temperament so each pup has the best possible experience.
What Makes Us Special
We know that not every dog loves being in a big group—and that’s okay. Some prefer one-on-one time, others need a quiet buddy, and some just want a safe space while their family is away. Whatever their needs, we make sure they feel cared for and included.
Most importantly, we’re always honest. If a dog is struggling, we never hide it—we talk openly with their family and work together to help them grow.
Why We Do This
The best part of our job is watching a shy dog slowly blossom into a confident, happy pup who runs through our doors, tail wagging, ready to play. But what really fills our hearts is when both the dog and their family trust us, love us, and look forward to coming back. That’s what keeps us smiling every single day.
How do you think about happiness?
Dogs, obviously LOL. But what makes me happiest is knowing I’ve built a place where dogs can feel safe, loved, and free to be themselves. I get joy from watching nervous pups grow in confidence, from the deep trust our families place in us, and from the lasting friendships formed along the way. I’m grateful for a team that shares my passion and for the chance to run this business in a way that feels true to my heart—creating not just a daycare, but a second home for so many beloved dogs.
Pricing:
- Enrichment based daycare $45/day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wagtimepets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtimedoggiedaycare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WagTimeTX/
