Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Alonzo.
Carolyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had worked at UIC for several years doing payroll and then I was a general manager for a family owned trucking company. These were steady, good paying and secure jobs but I wasn’t satisfied and I was feeling restless. One Saturday morning in July 2007 after a particularly grueling week I was researching business opportunities and I came across Fetch! Pet Care.
Immediately this company spoke to me. My husband and I had had pets all of our lives and at the time had a Border Collie and a Beagle. We refused to leave them in a facility, doggy hotel or vet’s office, so if we didn’t have adequate pet care we would just stay home. This was not negotiable. What Fetch! Pet Care offered among other things was in-home pet care in your home (or a sitter’s home). I was so excited about this and I remember thinking I can do this! I can help people feel comfortable about leaving their pets because I know what this is like and I know what needs to be done. It was such a no-brainer for us. We pretty much immediately filled out the franchise application and started the process. By November 19, 2007, we were open for business and that’s when the real fun started! This year we celebrate 10 years in business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The struggles and challenges you encounter in the beginning are different than what they are today but they still exist. It has been such a learning experience not just business-wise but personally speaking. I have grown a lot and I think I’ve developed a thicker skin.
When we opened there was only a handful of competitors but now that’s different. There are so many different companies and people doing it on the side just for fun. This presents a new set of challenges. You have to think out of the box and basically reinvent yourself. You can’t just tell people why you’re better or different, you have to show them. The quality pet sitters and dogs walkers we work with are a big part of that. 10 years in and there are still people that don’t know that we exist and that they have a better option So just like in the beginning you have to try different things and by doing that you find out what works and what doesn’t. I think we’re doing a good job of that but it’s ongoing, you can never get too comfortable.
You also have to find time for yourself and find a balance between work and home but this is so hard. A lot of business owners will tell you this but those that work from home know it to be even more true. I thought running a business from home would be so great. I’d get so much done! I’d be so efficient! Not really. Fetch-wise yes. Finding time for family, doing laundry-not so much. It’s still a struggle to this day but it’s better. I do wish someone would have told me to expect this but now I tell everyone I talk to who asks for advice-make time for yourself.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fetch! Pet Care story. Tell us more about the business.
Though we are a franchise we are locally owned and operated. We are a small local business and Greg and I are proud lifelong Chicagoans, born and raised. When you say ‘franchise’ people think McDonald’s or some huge organization but that is not us, not by a long shot. We have a detailed hiring process and we do it all ourselves, we know our sitters and walkers. There is high turnover in the industry but some of our sitters have been with us for years and I think that says something about what we’re doing and how we do it.
We provide a variety of services-daily dog walks with the same sitter, in-home overnight care in your home or the sitter’s home. We do a ton of cat and small animal visits too-these are our 4 most popular services. We also offer a wedding day service, insulin admin by one of our vet techs, puppy packages to fit your pet’s routine. Everything we do is customized to fit and maintain your pet’s routine. Tell us what you need and we’ll work with you. It’s not one size fits all pet care. We do a consultation ahead of time so the client can meet their sitter or walker to make sure it’s a good fit. It’s all one on one, personal pet care. Our clients are very discerning and we do our best to provide peace of mind. This is not Uber for dog walkers.
We also are happy to say that we’re the only pet care service in the city that offers a 10% ongoing discount to all CPD, CFD, Chicago Teachers, and Military. We’re also active in the rescue community so we like to offer special discounts for those that adopt from local rescues. We currently have 4 dogs-all from local rescues and we encourage adoption from these organizations.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
In my experience, I don’t think there is such a thing as running a small business. I’m fortunate to have met certain people along the way and from that, I’ve had some great experiences that have benefited my business. The relationships I’ve developed with people in the pet industry have helped me grow both personally and professionally and I’m so thankful for that. But hard work or lack of we’ll ultimately be the predictor of one’s success. Luck has little to do with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fetchpetcare.com/
- Phone: 312-235-2409
- Email: chicagoloop@fetchpetcare.com
- Instagram: fetchpetcarechicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FetchChicago/
- Twitter: FetchPetCareChi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fetch-pet-care-chicago-4
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