Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana De Frias.
Dana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up loving and caring for animals and nature in general. I was sure I would be working as a marine biologist, but going into college I felt pressured to pursue something more financially worthwhile. Living with horses, dogs, and reptiles, I always thought I would work with animals. Up until last year, I was working at a law firm, so it’s not too far off.
What’s more fun, spreadsheets or puppies? That’s a question I had to give serious consideration to after years of working as an accountant and paralegal. I didn’t want to be in an office all day, nor the stresses that came with it. I’ve had friends joke about wishing they could just quit their jobs and play with puppies all day.
With my husband’s encouragement, I did exactly that. I quit my job and began focusing on my new business. I’ve cared for pets of all types throughout my life, and I love playing with dogs and cats, so everything came naturally to me.
Opening a door and being greeted by an excited dog is the best way to go to work.
Has it been a smooth road?
As you can imagine, the question isn’t simply “spreadsheets or puppies?” The most obvious challenge is the financial risk. Leaving a well-paying job for a question mark income requires cutting back and strict budgeting. This is even more pronounced when first starting out and you have no clients.
Getting the ball rolling as far as picking up new clients is difficult in a business where trust is paramount. My clients trust me with their pets’ lives, and it’s not simple building that sort of trust early on. Now I have references and relationships, but as with anything worth doing, it took effort, and a lot of work.
Clients sometimes work late, or take vacations, and I want to be there for their pets. This means late nights and being home for the holidays, but it’s worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Biscayne Park Pet Care – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business, Biscayne Park Pet Care, is dedicated to caring for your pets when you are unavailable for them yourself.
I offer dog walking, dog jogging, and drop-in visits. I also offer daycare and boarding if your pets are compatible with the pets in my home. I’m flexible with my schedule and can usually squeeze in last-minute requests. If your dogs are coming for daycare or boarding and happen to be water lovers, they’re going to enjoy my pool. I have online booking, activity tracking, and some of my clients really enjoy the photos of their pets I post on Instagram.
My dogs are cat friendly, and if your dog isn’t, I’ll train them not to chase and be respectful of the cats. For this reason, I’m able to board cats as well.
I take pride in knowing that people trust me in their homes and with their pets; I want to treat people’s pets like they are my own.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the proximity to the water, the diversity, and the great local businesses in the area. I don’t really have too many complaints. I chose to live here.
Pricing:
- Dog Walking – 15 minutes $10 / 20 minutes $12 / 30 minutes $16 / 45 minutes $21 / 60 minutes $25
- Drop-in Visits – 15 minutes $12 / 30 minutes $20 / 60 minutes $26
- Daycare & Boarding – $25 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.biscayneparkpetcare.com
- Phone: (305) 491-1279
- Email: danadefrias@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biscayneparkpetcare
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/biscayne-park-pet-care-biscayne-park
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Google&query_place_id=ChIJHRDKDBuy2YgRHl7fkipZhSw
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA 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.
