Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Topping.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew since I was a little girl I wanted to work with animals, but I just wasn’t sure what I would like to do. 4 years ago, I was talking with my Dad and he suggested to look into opening a dog walking company. I didn’t know much about dog walking companies so I did my research. While I was doing my homework on dog walking business I was working at a dog training facility so I had basic background knowledge on dog training.
October 2013, I officially started my business that was run out of my home in Arlington Heights.
I couldn’t believe how fast my business grew and expanded!
Before I knew it, I had 20 Independent Contractors about of my company and we still keep expanding. Working with animals, specifically dogs and cats, is just amazing! I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t be more proud of my team!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. Yes, I have had some bumps along the way, just like anyone would, but I consider them more learning curves than bumps. Being a young business woman is probably the most challenging, as sometimes some people don’t take me seriously or try and take advantage.
KLG Dog Walker – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started KLG Dog Walker in 2013. In the beginning, it was just myself so I solely just walked dogs and did pet sitting in my home. As my business grew I was able to start hiring people who could not just walk dogs, but they could also pet sit in client’s homes along with pet sit in their own homes. Because of this I was able to expand my business.
My company offers; Dog Walking, Cat Care, Pet Sitting in client’s homes, Pet sitting in one of our homes, doggy daycare in one of our homes and transportation.
I am honestly most proud that I was 23 years old when I started my business. And how far it has come and grown. I take proud in the fact that I will do anything to make my company succeed. I sacrifice a lot for my business but it’s worth it. My family also sacrifices a lot. Probably the most my is my husband.
What sets my company apart from other companies is the software that my business uses. It’s called Pet Check Technology, here is a little information about it.
We are a licensed, bonded and insured Northwest Suburbs based dog walking and pet care company. We offer professional high-tech pet care services including dog walking, cat care, and in-home vacation dog care. We offer amazing features including GPS tracking, online scheduling and automatic bill pay through Pet Check Technology™ and photo with email report. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable pet care and personal customer satisfaction at an affordable price.
Mobile Barcode Technology
This technology gives you real time alerts when your walker arrives for the walk and when the walk is finished, giving you real time peace of mind.
GPS Tracking
View your dog’s walk via GPS tracking through Pet Check Technology™.
Email Alerts & Report
You will also receive an email report with your pet’s photo attached after each visit.
Online Tools
KLG Dog Walker provides you with a secure, personalized online schedule-management system to help you manage your pet schedule. All visits are billed through an automatic billing system.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A lot of people define success as making a ton of money. And yes, I consider making good money being successful as well. But my definition is success is how happy I am with my business that I’ve created on my own. How many clients I’ve built up, how many Independent Contractors I have a part of my company, my phone never stops ringing and my email inbox is always full. If I’m happy and can make a living off of it, then that is success to me!
I would love to be able to expand my business to the ENTIRE northwest suburbs. The only thing stopping me is finding reliable, trustworthy and animal loving people to be a part of my team. I am extra picky when it comes to hiring my independent contractors, which also sets me about from other businesses.
Pricing:
- 15min visit $15
- 30min visit $17
- 45min visit $25
- 60min visit $30
- Petsitting in KLG home $45 (1dog)
- Petsitting in clients home $75 (13 hr, 1-2dogs)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.klgdogwalker.com
- Phone: 224-656-4137
- Email: klgdogwalker@gmail.com
- Instagram: klgdogwalker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klgdogwalker
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/klg-dog-walker-schaumburg
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
