Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Wyka.
Rob, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hampshire Pet Resort and Spa has been a dream of mine for a long time. I rescued my first dog Charlie 11 years ago. He’s a Catahoula Boarder Collie mix and I quickly realized that he needed a job and a place to play. The townhouse we lived in was closing in on him and he was chewing his way out. We found agility and eventually stumbled onto K9 Disc where Charlie excelled and our bond grew and grew as did my love for dogs and best of all, my buddy had a job that he loved. I learned to understand his needs for an active life and a proper diet and he took me all over the country to play disc and meet new people. Our “pack” has grown over the years to include three more high energy rescues Maizy & Nala Australian shepherds and Roxi a Cattle dog Jack Russell mix who are also “discdogs”. Our family has also grown as I’m also married now with two kids and because of this we found ourselves always looking for a safe place for the dogs to play. My wife urged me to follow my dream and open a fun, interactive and clean facility that we think you’ll find to be the perfect place for your best friend
Has it been a smooth road?
Our biggest obstacle was find a building that would not only be suitable for our vision, but also located with enough of a buffer from the residents as not to disturb anyone. The first town we targeted was the town we live in and it didn’t go well. We looked at several units over 6 months, but every time we thought we found a facility and had an agreement, something went wrong. I started to get pretty discouraged, but everything happens for a reason and we would not have ended up opening in the wonderful little town of Hampshire, IL like we did, had we not had those tribulations in the beginning. The best part is that we are still close enough to home to service our friends & neighbors.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
From the moment you check your pup into Hampshire Pet Resort & Spa, whether for boarding, grooming, training or day camp they become a member of our H.P.R.S. family. In our family we focus on 3 basic concepts.
Safety, Fun & Exercise
Safety, Fun and Exercise aren’t the only reasons to bring your best friend to Hampshire Pet Resort & Spa though, DOGS NEED TO BE SOCIALIZED and they need to be socialized on an ongoing basis. Socialization should not end once your puppy grows into an adult. You can easily accomplish this at HPRS. Doggie Day Camp is a great place for your active breed to run, play and wear down their batteries, but also for your rescue to build confidence and your puppy to learn the right way to play with others.
With Socialization through Safety, Fun & Exercise at Hampshire Pet Resort & Spa your best friend will be happy throughout the dog days of summer and those long Midwest winters.
Safety
First and foremost the safety of our family is crucial, which is why all guests must be up to date on shots and are evaluated for temperament and activity level prior to their first full day at the resort.
Fun
For the Dogs, this is the reason your pups love it at HPRS! A big reason we evaluate your pup before their first visit is to get a basic idea of the other dogs your pal will play with while they are here at Doggie Day Camp, which helps us ensure they make the most of their time here romping with their friends and rest assure there’s plenty of fun with the staff as well to make sure their tales are wagging all day long!
Exercise
For the families owned by these fur kids, this is the reason you bring your four-legged friends here. Let’s face it, a tired dog is a good dog and with over 6,000 sf to run and play we promise you your best friend will get plenty of exercise while you’re away.
We do not crate the dogs that board with us and they only spend time in their suites when they are eating or at night so they can spend their days romping with their friends.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think with our business type it all depends on the neighborhood ad support of the community. People have to feel comfortable leaving their beloved furry family members with you.
Pricing:
- Boarding includes daycare $50 per day for 1 dog $35 for any additional. Boarding 2+ nights includes a bath
- Day Camp $30 per day or $125 for a 5 day pass that is good for 12 months
- Training and Obedience classes $145 for 8 weeks
- Bath & Nails $30
Contact Info:
- Address: 225 Industrial Dr., Unit 9,
Hampshire, IL 60140 - Website: www.hampshirepetresort.com
- Phone: 224 218-1222
- Email: info@hampshirepetresort.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HampshirePetResort/
Image Credit:
Lindsey Hamilton-Donnelly
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