Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Einkauf.
Hi Denise, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have a B.S. in Animal Science and a B.S. in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and my passion has always been animals. When my husband, Derek, and I moved to Katy in 1997, I worked for several veterinarians in the area and saw there was a need for boarding. We were so fortunate to have a financial investor who believed in my business plan and Waggin’ Tails Pet Ranch was born in 2005 on 15 acres in Fulshear- about 4 miles southwest of Katy. We are a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive facility that offers boarding, grooming, daycamp and training. Our family lives on the same property. We started with 90 “bunkhouse” runs and 20 luxury suites in 7000 sq ft and 6 play yards fenced in. In 2 years, we were able to pay off our investor which was 3 years ahead of schedule. We added on in 2014 and we are now up to over 13,000 sq ft, 130 “bunkhouse” runs, 20 luxury suites, 22 play yards complete with an in-ground bone shaped swimming pool as well as a large filtered pond. We now board an average of 180-210 dogs per night during busy season, have 65-85 dogs per day for Daycamp, 10 to 15 Grooming dogs per day and we have 4 trainers on our staff of 42 at the Ranch. In January of 2020, we purchased our second location in Richmond- Waggin’ Tails Animal Inn. It is an older facility that we have gone in and updated and put our “Waggin’ Tails” spin on it. It has over 100 enclosures, 11 play yards and is on almost 2 acres. We offer boarding, daycamp, training and bathing at that location. When both locations are full- I can have over 350 pets in my care!!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road- this is a hard profession. You are taking care of clients, their pets, and your employees as well as all of the other things that a business owner deals with. It is extremely hard work that is physical but it is also extremely rewarding. You have to be a master at “managing chaos”! I always joke it is like running a daycare but for four-legged kiddos that can be a little more unruly on the playground! No two days are ever the same and that can be challenging but also what makes it so fun! It is not a “regular hours” type of career either- you are busiest when everyone else is on Holiday- it takes our whole family being involved and working around busy let outs and emergencies if they arise.
We’ve been impressed with Waggin’ Tails Pet Ranch and Waggin’ Tails Animal Inn, 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?
We are an all-inclusive family owned and operated pet resort on 15 acres. We are known for our “Ranch” approach to pet care with our large number of play yards. We have 22 play yards at the Pet Ranch in Fulshear and 11 play yards at our Animal Inn location in Richmond. I am most proud of the family environment we have created at both locations as well as our Community Involvement. I learned early on that a Business that supports their community, by supporting the people and charities in it, will get back tenfold. Our philosophy is that you “Get what you Give” and “Love Where you Live”. That spirit shows through the staff from the top down. We give all of our staff the opportunity to volunteer by our Partnership with Cinco Charities- The Ballard House. The Ballard House is a large Hospital Hospitality House located in Katy. We board any pets belonging to any guest of the Ballard House free of charge for as long as they are in treatment- which can be up to 3 months or more at a time. Our staff takes on those pets like they are part of their family- they get lots of extra attention, time with staff and even go home with us if needed. We also will transport the pet to visit their owners if they are unable to come visit them at the Ranch. We started this partnership in 2013 when the Ballard House opened and to date, we are the only partnership of this kind in the US. We also support Brookwood Community by sponsoring their Therapy dog, Demi as well as partner with Fort Bend Animal Services.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was a High School Science teacher for 7 years, 5 of those at Katy High School, before opening the Pet Ranch. I just served as Chairman of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce for 2 years and am currently still serving on the Executive Board. I also serve on the board of directors for Cinco Charities/ The Ballard House. I have been married for 28 years to my husband Derek and we have two sons: Daylan- 25 and Donovan 22.
Contact Info:
- Email: denise@waggintailspetranch.com
- Website: www.waggintailspetranch.com | www.waggintailsanimalinn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waggintailspetranch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHkO5EJtPIQfcDoqvgko6lg
Image Credits
Lifetime of Clicks Photography (Chairman luncheon pics)
