Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Velarde.
Hi Betty, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
“Mikey’s Place Doggie Daycare & Hotel” was created out of love for a unique furry boy- Michael Thomasz Velarde III. I wanted his name to sound like royalty. Michael Thomasz III was the baby of the family and my son. He was a 21lb shih-tzu/cocker spaniel mix. I had Mikey since he was a month old (he wasn’t even supposed to separate from his mom yet!) He was the birthday gift I had always wanted.
I fed him, cuddled him and care for him like the baby he was, when he merely fit inside my hand. Mikey was with me through thick and thin and highs and lows of life. At the age of 14, he developed three different types of cancer and 1 month before his 15th birthday, my family and I were faced with the difficult decision that no one should ever face- we had to let him go and stop his suffering.
His passing was extremely difficult on the family. There was a void left behind.
After some time of coping and healing. I started to get myself involved in the community, volunteering for shelters and rescues and dog sitting for family and friends by referral only. That’s when I asked myself: “why don’t I expand this and open up my services to the public so the dogs of our community can have a high-quality, caring and loving dog daycare and hotel?”
I had found my purpose. I did my research- attended business conferences, analyzed the pet industry, certified myself and my team in pet safety, CPR and first aid. I was determined to revolutionize the world of dog care taking. It went from a dream to a goal to reality. Even better, my family and I share the same passion and love for all animals and they are my support to make Mikey’s Place Doggie Daycare & Hotel family owned and operated.
I decided to create a legacy in Mikey’s name so our love for him may keep on growing in the care for other dogs.
This is the reason why our clients may rest assured that at “Mikey’s Place” we love and care for their dog deeply as if they were our very own!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business from scratch is never easy. There is a lot of work that goes into planning each and every detail. Mikey’s Place was carefully designed and built with dogs in mind- from colors that they can see to an all-inclusive daycare & hotel concept, every aspect of Mikey’s Place was built with originality and exclusiveness in mind.
Building something with this level of detail, comfort and luxury requires an investment. Our prices are competitive and fair in the industry for the “all-inclusive” concept, first-class care and premium value our doggie clients get.
The biggest challenge is coming across customers who don’t see all the hard work, dedication and investment that is placed behind the scenes. They are looking for the cheapest price, but is it quality care? Is it all-inclusive? And do you get first-class service?
At Mikey’s Place, we are confident that we are thoughtfully priced for a first class experience.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my experience, I have identified a problem in the dog care industry- they treat all dogs the same. And many times, they treat dogs like dogs, when they’re really part of the family.
This is where Mikey’s Place comes in to revolutionize the world of the dog care industry. Many places are inexperienced, uncommunicative, careless and have confusing pricing structures- charging customers extra for cuddles? No thanks.
As a past and current dog mom, my fur children’s’ wellbeing is not something I am willing to jeopardize and neither should our clients.
This is why we offer personalized care, carefully designed to treat each dog based on their personality, size and activity level. Our daycare and hotel is all-inclusive, because dogs deserve vacations too. We provide everything from human-sized dog beds, ample room for playing, hard and soft toys, towels, blankets, paw wipes, waste bags, feeding stations and fun, interactive activities for our guests- not to mention plenty of pictures and videos while they’re having a blast.
We group our doggie clients by personality, similar size and activity level to closely monitor, minimize any conflict and make their experience a pleasant and enjoyable one. The only thing our clients have to bring? Their food due to different dietary needs and restrictions.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising would be that my bigger dream is for Mikey’s Place to branch out and open up Mikey’s Foundation, to help abused dogs, rescued dogs, and dogs in need of good homes.
We actively contribute and partner with different local rescues to foster adoptable dogs and provide them with quality, first-class care, while they find their furever homes.
Pricing:
- Daycare: Full Day $50/ Half Day $30
- Hotel: $55/night (24 hours)
- Drop-In Visits: $22/ Puppy: $25
- Walks: $25/ Puppy: $27
- Memberships Packages: $240+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stayatmikeysplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayatmikeysplace?igsh=aWhpdXF3bnMwdWFi&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KF7uifqms/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/mikey-s-place-sunrise
- Other: https://share.google/4oZUhcmnivhiJmyZq
