Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Elzy.
Hi Emma, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Well, it started with my parents. Before I was even born, they were fostering strays off the street. So, I was born into my love of animals. When I was 4 my parents and I started volunteering at Treat Em Right Rescue and I loved being with the dogs. My mom and I started volunteering and fostering for This Is Houston after TERR closed. I go to their vaccination clinic some Sundays and I learned how to give shots, deworming medication, and microchip dogs. I’m also in my local FFA raising a pig for the 3rd year. My Agg teacher taught me how to give shots to pigs; we also have a vet med team I was in last year and will be in this year. I am taking every animal science class my high school has to offer and will have the opportunity to earn two certifications in the veterinary field when I graduate next year. I also have a family friend that owns a grooming shop that I’ve always loved to visit. I would stay with her summers and help at the shop. I learned washing and drying dogs as well as kennel tech responsibilities for the boarders. It was always fun playing with all the dogs. Last school year my mom found a summer camp Texas A&M hosts for high school students interested in becoming a veterinarian. It’s an application process, and I was ecstatic when I got accepted. I attended the Veterinary Certificate camp in June and learned so much. I plan to apply again and attend a camp with a different skill set. My plan has always been to become a Veterinarian and I am working towards that as we speak.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. When I was 6 my dad passed away. At the time, my mom was pregnant, and we were fostering a dog for TERR. We had to move in with my grandmother and send the foster back to the rescue. We weren’t able to even volunteer for a few years. Once we got back on our feet my mom and I found TIH and started fostering and volunteering again. My dad loved animals and dogs especially. So, I’m keeping that love alive.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Emma’s Pet Care Services?
Last summer I wanted a car and to be able to pay for the Vet Camp I got accepted to, but no one would higher a 15-year-old with “no experience”. My mom mentioned I should start my own business doing what I do have experience with, and she helped me get it started. In May, we posted in our neighborhood Facebook groups.
I take care of mostly dogs and cats, but I have taken care of horses, rabbits, and much more. I walk, bathe, brush, blow dry, cut and file nails, pet sit, and board animals. I specialize in Washing and pet-sitting animals. That’s the majority of my clients. The fact that I’m only 16 but have experience most 16-year-olds don’t sets me apart.
I am proud of how far I’ve come in a short amount of time. From 5-8 customers in a month to regular weekly clients and new ones being recommended.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m still growing up! I am shy and friendly. I am learning to stand up for myself, and I’m honest. I know I have more growing to do, so things could change. I’ve always wanted to be a vet and volunteering at the rescues has always been fun to me. I love all animals and have several of my own. I have a naked dog Named Avo Cado, a tarantula named Bellatrix, a leopard gecko named Wizard, and a Piebald ball python named Peaches. I think the only animal I’m not interested in interacting with is cockroaches.
Contact Info:
- Website: EmmasPetCareServices.godaddysites.com
- Instagram: Emmas_Pet_Care_Services
- Facebook: Emma’s Pet Care Services
Image Credits
Traci-Marie Photography
