Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Austin.
So Tina, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in Pharmaceutical Sales for the last 16 years and always wanted to work with animals. I started an all breed dog rescue (Pits to Poodles), called Cody’s Friends Rescue eight years ago. We take in abused and neglected dogs from shelters on their last day(s), owner surrenders, and dogs we find living on the street. This stirred an enormous passion to work with dogs on a deeper level, thus I opened up Poochville, A Place for People and their Pets.
We provide boarding, grooming, and daycare for dogs of all sizes and breeds. I wanted a safe, stress-free place for dogs when they had to be away from their owners. I wanted a grooming area where they did not have to go directly into cages. I wanted a place where dog lovers could relax and have a glass of wine or craft beer in our people lounge. I wanted it to be beautiful and represent my love for dogs
I opened up Poochville June 26 last year and we are just coming up on our one year anniversary. It has been the hardest but yet most rewarding and happiest year ever. I love going to work each day and love our customers. People who love animals are generally happy, loving people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. This is my first business and was not prepared for the hours and work that was involved in following a passion. When I first opened, I had no help and did everything myself – from scooping poop, answering the phones, cleaning kennels, feeding, checking customers out and marketing. I worked 15 hour days. and not sleeping due to the stress. I will say it was worth it all and I have no regrets.
Poochville – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We care for all dogs, all breeds, and all sizes. We have two groomers that love dogs and build great relationships with our customers. We want them involved to know the dog’s personality, fears, and stresses. We let them play until their turn to get groomed and do not charge extra for the daycare.
Our boarding is for any dog that is spayed/neutered and up to date on shots. We offer large suites with televisions, a very large backyard with two small deck pools. All of our suites both large and small are furnished with either poster beds or regular dog beds. Each dog is tucked in and given a treat before turning in for bed. Daycare is included with boarding.
Our daycare is growing rapidly. We separate by size, temperament, and personality. We rotate outside every hour to two hours. We offer group and individual attention to each dog and our employees are deeply connected to the dogs and love caring for them.
We are a boutique look and feel with highly competitive pricing. Poochville is more like a warm, beautiful house than a boarding facility and that’s the most common feedback that I am proud of. Our customers are like family to us.
I have someone that lives here so the dogs are never left alone and we can offer 24-hour care.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I’ve already achieved success by following my dreams and passions. My life is successful because I live each day with a positive light, I am content with who I am today and I have a family that loves and cares for me. I worship a loving God and I feel so blessed.
Pricing:
- We offer very competitive pricing for grooming starting for a full groom for a small dog is $48.00
- We offer daycare for $25 for a full day and $15 for a half day and packages of 10, 20, 30 and 60 days
- We offer boarding starting at $40 per night and packages of 10, 20, and 30 days along with rates for additional pets as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15070 East Beltwood Parkway
Addison, TX 75001 - Website: www.poochvilleusa.com
- Phone: 469-730-2796
- Email: tina@poochvilleusa.com
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