Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Moskalenko.
Danielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was actually unemployed at the time the opportunity to become involved in this industry presented itself. I had left a job that I was unhappy with, and had to put my dog walking services on hold. At the same time, my dog walker and pet sitter that I had been using, decided that she wanted to move herself and her family to California and they were looking for someone to take over their business here in Fort Lauderdale. They approached me and asked if I’d be interested in taking over their business for them. Since I was unemployed at the time, I definitely was willing to consider the opportunity. I spent several weeks shadowing her while she worked until we both felt I was ready to make the transition. That was 8 years ago and the business is still going strong. In that time, I’ve had three part-time assistants who have helped me manage all of our clients. One who has been with me for 5 years now. We work all over Fort Lauderdale, 7 days a week and on all holidays. When most people are off is usually when we are busiest. I spend more time with my client’s pets than my own. Sometimes, there are days and even weeks where I don’t sleep in my own bed because I’m taking care of my client’s pets. But being an animal lover myself, I know how important it is to make sure that our pets are cared for.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. Being a business owner is never easy, and especially in an industry like this where you are basically responsible for a “family member” when the family can’t be there. I took my first real vacation in almost 8 years this past year. Most weekends and holidays are spent working. Christmas, New Year’s, July 4th, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving are all spent working year after year because that’s when our clients need us most. Last minute scheduling changes are part of my daily life. Handling sick pets while people are out of town. There’s always something that can go wrong, especially when you’re dealing with people and pets.
The Official Dog Walkers – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We’ve been in business for 10 years here in Broward County and I personally have been owner and operator for 8 years. I think what sets us apart from other pet sitters out there is the experience and the knowledge. Anyone call themselves a pet sitter, but I wouldn’t trust my neighbor or the kid down the street to watch my pets when I’m out of the country. It’s a lot of responsibility. You are entering people’s homes, you are caring for something they love dearly, it can be very stressful at times.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can mean many different things to many different people. Mostly, I think it means being happy with the direction you’re headed. As a business owner, success to me means a growing business and happy clients. If I’m not making my clients happy, then I’m doing something wrong.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theofficialdogwalkers.com
- Phone: 954-629-4636
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @TheOfficialDogWalkersFTL
- Facebook: TODWFTL
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