Today we’d like to introduce you to Barb Skowron.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been a lifelong animal lover. I grew up in a single pet household. However, once I moved out on my own, that all changed. I soon went from a single dog household to a multi-pet household which included 2 dogs and 3 cats. Although it was great having all those furry friends around, I eventually was faced with the enormous challenge of finding quality pet care when it came time to travel. Since none really existed, I was forced to rely on family for all of my pet care needs.
In 2008 I started BEST Pet Sitting & Dog Walking. I realized that other pet families must be faced with this same pet care challenge. In addition to my own pets I took other pets into my home while their owners were away. Once word got out my business quickly grew. By 2015 I was often reaching capacity and frequently had to turn away families. It was then that I decided that I needed to move my business to a larger space.
In early 2016 I found my new location and we began the process of remodeling it to meet our needs. Just Like Home 4 Paws opened its doors by the end of July of 2016.
Our goal at Just Like Home 4 Paws is to provide the same quality pet care that my clients have come to expect. Our mission is to make your pet’s experience to be Just Like Home!
Has it been a smooth road?
When I first started my business I had zero family emotional support. Everyone thought that I should go and get a ‘real’ job. Once my family realized that there was a need for my services and that my business was growing they all changed their opinions. Since then I would have to say that my biggest obstacle has been financial. I had a great deal of expenses when I expanded my business in 2016 and I worried daily about how I was going to meet all my financial obligations. Although this fear is still present I know that I will succeed!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Just Like Home 4 Paws story. Tell us more about the business.
Just Like Home 4 Paws is a family owned and operated doggy daycare and boarding facility. We are not like your average kennel. Our space was designed to feel like home. Dogs can socialize and relax in an invited family room style space equipped with both dog beds and dog friendly people furniture, toys and a TV. We also have an area for smaller, less social, or older dogs that just want a calmer space to relax in. Unlike many kennels, at Just Like Home 4 Paws we only allow a maximum of 20 dogs. Dogs are free to play all day long and are only kenneled for ‘Nap Time’ or when they are spending the night. Dogs are always supervised while playing during the day and are monitored via our surveillance cameras when they are spending the night. Our goal at Just Like Home 4 Paws is to make your pet’s experience feel just like home! 🙂
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Family pets are becoming increasingly popular with many families now having more than one pet. As the importance and value of the family pet increases so does the amount of money one spends on their pet. This trend does not seem to be showing any sign of slowing down and thus there is going to be a greater need for facilities like mine.
Pricing:
- Overnight Boarding – $45/dog, $85/2 dogs, $120/3 dogs
- Dog Daycare (up to 5 hrs) – $20/1 dog, $30/2 dogs, $45/3 dogs
- Dog Daycare ( 5+ to 10 hrs) – $30/1 dog, $50/2 dogs, $70/3 dogs
- Home visits start at $20/visit (20-25 min)
- Cat Home visits start at $20/visit
- Boarding at our Naperville Home – $60/dog
- Dog daycare packages available
- Other services may be available upon request
Contact Info:
- Address: Just Like Home 4 Paws
3052 Weber Dr, #104
Aurora, IL 60502 - Website: www.justlikehome4paws.com
- Phone: 630-635-5656
- Email: info@justlikehome4paws.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlikehome4paws/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justlikehome4paws/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/just-like-home-4-paws-aurora
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