Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Meienburg.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gretchen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been in the Pet Industry for over 28 years. I was a Vet Tech for 13 years and now I have owned Pet Resorts for 15 years. My First Pet Resort is in Napoleon Ohio, second location in Fort Wayne Indiana. Urban Tails is my third location, which I purchased in 2012. I also have a fourth location in Columbus Ohio. I enjoy my work every day – providing a safe and fun place for pets to go when their parents are away is the best job in the world! I hire and train pet loving professionals and I believe in developing efficient procedures to ensure all our guest have a great stay. I can’t be at all locations every day but meet via phone daily with all my leadership teams. All locations have cameras so I can see things are running smoothly. There has been many times that I’m in each locations during the same week. Having strong leadership teams and good communication has made it possible to have Pet Facilities across the country.
Urban Tails is my most unique location and has been a fun place for pets to play and stay since 2000. We are a totally indoor facility with a total of 20000 s ft., 5000 sq. ft. of play rooms, 55 lofts for overnight stays, pet spa and an indoor swimming pool. All our staff is trained and certificated in Canine Body Language. We also have staff on site 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Another feature that makes Urban Tails unique is we offer professional pet grooming 7 days a week. Our operations manager is a Veterinarian Technician and also a Pet baker, she makes yummy treats for our guest weekly.
When my husband is asked – what does your wife do? His response “She plays with dogs all day!”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not being on site all the times has been a struggle. Have procedures in place so all staff is delivering a high standard of care, helps make operations go smooth. Having cameras throughout the facility gives me an opportunity to see how things are going but it also gives clients peace of mind that we can see what their pet is doing all the time. Staff is probably the biggest challenge, but I have an open door policy and I’m up front with staff on what I expected and how they are preforming.
Urban Tails Pet Resort – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Urban Tails has provided a safe and healthy hang-out for friendly city dogs and cats in Houston over the last 15+ years. Our full-service pet care facility offers a variety of services to keep all of Houston’s pets happy and healthy while away from home. With a convenient location in midtown, we have loyal customers and happy tails throughout the Houston area, from Montrose, Heights, River Oaks, West University and just about every neighborhood in town.
24-hour staffed facility
Safety is always our first consideration
Personal service – we get to know each pet by name
multiple lodging options including luxury lofts & cage-free slumber parties
Exclusive Bow Wow Beach Club indoor swimming pool
Over 5,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor play space
Customize your pet’s stay with discounted activity packages & extras
Grooming & hydrosurge massage bathing 7 days a week
The most fun a dog can have in Houston!
I’m very proud of my staff for how they care for our guest as if they were their own fur babies.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When my facilities can operate without me being there every day. When each of our pet guest leave happy and healthy and their parents also have a great experience. As a business person I need to know what I want but also be open minded to others opinions. So many things get thrown at me each day and that can be very overwhelming but I have to prioritize what is best for my business and handle those things first.
Pets bring so much happiness to everyone they meet but they are very curious and love to get in to everything. Keeping them safe means to view the environment the way they do.
Pricing:
- Grooming based on breed and coat type
- Full Day of dog daycare $32
- Lodging starting at $34 based on size or dog and loft type
Contact Info:
- Address: 1618 Webster St
Houston Tx 77003 - Website: www.urbantails.cc
- Phone: 713-658-0900
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: urbantails_petresort
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/urbantailshouston/
- Twitter: twitter.com/urban_tails
- Other: urbantailshouston.blogspot.com/
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