Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Whitty.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Taylor. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I LOVE dogs. I love taking them for walks, running, playing with them, giving them love and a treat at the end. Sitting next to a tired-out dog cuddled up next to me is the best feeling and job I could ask for. Before launching Birdy And The Dogs I worked in boarding and grooming and found that I wanted to make sure that each dog was treated with love and care that they were happy, felt safe, and were at ease. I decided to start my own business where I was the boss! I wanted to know myself that each and every dog was getting the love and care they deserved. I am now the owner and sole operator of Birdy’s Dog Sitting and Walking Services and I absolutely love what I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with any new small business, it took time for my name to get out there and a client-base to build up. But once that was accomplished, it’s been smooth sailing!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Birdy’s Dog Sitting and Walking Services story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in dog walking and dog sitting. I’m trained in canine first aid and CPR, and also do well with behavioral training. I learned first aid and CPR so that if there were ever an emergency situation, I would be prepared to take the necessary steps to save a life. I believe what I’m most proud of and what sets me apart is the fact that even if I’m not asked, I’m willing to go the extra mile to make sure that not only the client gets what they want out of my services but also that their dog gets the love and attention they need, such as extra playtime or cleaning away eye boogers for their comfort. I treat each and every one of my client’s dogs as if they were my own. What brings me the most joy after the end of each playtime or walk is the happiness I see in the dog’s eyes, knowing I gave them exactly what they needed. I take the time to talk with my clients to make sure they’re happy with my services and if there’s anything else they’d like me to do for their dog to further their experience. I end up becoming friends with most of my clients because of the respect and relationship we build together.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the market for independent dog walkers such as myself to stay more or less as it is today and keep moving forward. As long as people have dogs, and need someone to both walk and love their dog or dogs as if they were their own, there will always be a demand for people like me. The biggest benefit for my clients to use my services over another, such as Wag, is that their dog and I build a relationship together. It’s not just about money and walks, it’s about providing love and care to their dogs. The extra bit of personal touch and love that I provide is what sets me apart from other services or large organizations, and that’s what people want. As for changes and trends in the dog walking world, there are apps that use GPS to track the route we take and time we spend on walks. Payments are trending towards apps like Venmo over checks and cash. All of these technological changes make things more convenient for both me and my clients, and I see more things like that coming about in the future.
Pricing:
- 20 Minute Walk $20
- 30 Minute Walk $25
- 45 Minute Walk $30
- 60 Minute Walk $35
- Additional Dog Per Walk $5/dog
- Overnight Stay (8 hours) $80
Contact Info:
- Website: http://birdyandthedogs.com/
- Phone: 832-258-2264
- Email: birdyandthedogs@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Birdyandthedogs/
Image Credit:
All images are property of Birdy’s Dog Sitting and Walking Services. Photos taken by Taylor and Daniel Whitty.
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