Introducing Suzie From Pittwater Pet Minding Service
Suzie now offers bird minding, in her own home!
"Bring your own bird cage - and I will supply the view! Your bird will enjoy the cool breezes of Pittwater. I offer plenty of social interaction, I have a beautiful bird house that catches the sun, your bird will be safe and happy in this wonderful environment. Caged birds need attention and I love spending time with them. I have two budgerigars myself and they too enjoy having feathered friends come to stay. Plenty of fresh fruit and grasses and time out in the bird room if they desire. I have many regular customers, from Cockatoos to Galahs, Cockatiels to Budgerigars. The only bird I haven’t had of late is a Humming Bird."
Please email Suzie with any enquires: suziee@optusnet.com.au
Q&A With Suzie
Company Name: Pittwater Pet Minding Services.
Services Offered: Pet Minding, In-home (my home) bird minding and Dog Walking.
Service Area: Northern Beaches Sydney.
If I could be any breed of dog, I would be (and why): St Bernard; because I always love to come to the rescue! Great listener, have a lot of time for people.
The biggest lesson I have learnt: That cleaners can throw out your routine big time! They seem to hide everything and lock or unlock doors as they please, sometimes losing animals, always leave a “Please don’t list” for the cleaners .Also, always test keys at the time they are given to you!.
My approach to my business and clients: Keeping my customers informed, flexibility and service with a smile, the customer IS always right, even when they are not!
How I begun in the Industry: I was in Sales and Marketing for twenty years, predominately within the travel industry. I wanted a job that I could work around my children and school pick-up’s. Starting this business with my marketing background was easy. I cultivated good relationships with the vets and pet shops locally. I have also found that apart from the internet I have not needed to use print advertising at all. Eighty percent of my business is repeat business.
What makes my service individual: I don’t take on too many customers at once, that way everyone receives the same high level of service, and if I need to spend more time with a customer I can. I love my animals and it shows. You need to be a great communicator with people not just have a love of animals. Money is not my greatest motivator. Flexibility, keeping fit and enjoying my work are very important.
Quick Questions:
Is picking up dog poo really that bad? No. only when the bag breaks!
Do you feel appreciated for your work? Yes, the animals love me of course. I really love the positive feedback I receive from customers. Some even buy me presents and send me cards, I love it!.
Should dogs not be walked in a group or pack? I personally don't walk dogs in packs. I believe that each owner is paying for my time and each dog should get my individual attention.
Should pets be sold in Pet Shops? A pet is a commitment for life. Where I come from in England, it is illegal to purchase animals in pet shops (dogs and cats) so I have been brought up with this mind set. However, I receive a lot of business from my local pet shop. Mark (the owner) is a great guy and I believe he does not encourage impulse buys. Although if I had the choice, I would say no to dogs and cats in pet shops.
Do you think Pure Breeds have more health problems that Cross Breeds? Yes, Most of the pure breeds that I care for have had more problems than their cross breed counterparts.
Do you care that your car is always filled with fur (and dog drool on the windows)? Yes, I do not encourage animals in my car anymore, I always try and walk them from their home. Just my personal choice, have a brand new car and my last one was scratched to bits. It just wasn't’t worth it.
Does the Pet Care Industry (in a whole) require more regulation? Yes, it probably does.
What do you think of the following statement: ‘Dogs have Masters, Cats have Slaves.’ No I don’t agree. I am afraid I am a slave to my dog and most of my customers are too. I have several dogs that have their every need catered for, customers often give me two page lists of instructions, we just love them!
Has walking dogs made you fit? Yes, absolutely, who needs the gym? I get paid for it too.
Do you believe in the use of check chains on dogs? No, I discourage the use of check chains.
Thanks Suzie!
Click here to meet Helen from Belle's Pet Minding Service
Click here to meet Geoff from Furkidz
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