Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Allen
Hi Tina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where do I start?
Ever since I was a kid I loved animals. I used to bring any animal I found home with me. I always said I wanted to be a veterinarian one day. However my upbring didn’t allow that. I moved out on my own as a teen so I found a job and ended up there for 19 years. After the company wouldn’t do anything about the harassment going on from a manger with several employees I knew it was time to move on.
I had to figure out something to pay my mortgage. At this point I’m exited to have left that place but scared at the same time.
After leaving my job in March of 2022 I began my journey working with animals. I first started on Rover and realized right away I need to start my own business. I started off doing daycare and boarding and slowly moved my business to focus more on offering pet and home care in the client’s home.
I along the way picked up some grooming skills so for my regular clients I did some grooming.
I was getting busy fast. I realized I was going to need help so I started hiring sitters and groomers to offer more availability to my clients.
I started off servicing Lyman and surrounding areas. As of now we service a good portion of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. The long term plan is to service all of it.
I am now partnered up with Good Dogs of Greenville and offer discounts to clients that have a pup perks card.
I plan on offering more pet services in the near future like dog training and grooming in every part of the Upstate. I’m searching for the right professionals to hire.
My long term goal is to open up a 501c3 animal rescue along with keeping my business. I have already homed lots of homeless animals and raised over a $1,000 to get a homeless dog heartworm treatment. He is now in a loving home. I collect donations and volunteer at the local rescues as of now but would love to do more. I currently have an adoption event happening June 15th from 2:00pm to 5:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Brewing Company in Greer. I’d love to see you all there!
I’m exited to see where this journey takes me.
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?
So far things have been pretty much falling into place for me. I thank God for his guidance.
I have the normal business owner challenges like finding good help, working 7 days a week and the fear of something out of my control going wrong. The help I have so far are very amazing. I did take on a business partner, Shayna Jenkins that did not work out. However she is still with the business as my COO and social media manager. I appreciate all she does to help this business grow!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are your one stop shop while you’re away.
We come to your home and take care of your pets, plants, mail trashcan to and from the curb and some light cleaning. Our visits are GPS and time tracked to offer clients that extra assurance that their pets are being cared for.
We currently offer grooming in Anderson but plan to expand the grooming services.
I just recently took on a photographer to offer pet portraits to clients.
We also offer limited boarding at the moment but plan to offer more when I get the right team members with the right homes to suit my client’s and their pets needs.
I am very proud at how quick this business grew and continues to grow. I’m proud of my team for helping make this happen. I’m proud to have so many wonderful clients.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The biggest supporters I’ve had are my grandmother, Loretta Lollo and Grandfather, John Lollo. If it wasn’t for them being there for me growing up I honestly don’t believe I would have made it here.
My first handful of clients that gave me a chance in the beginning. One person that really comes to mind is Suzanne Viscuso.
She has been an amazing client.
Another person that comes to mind is Faith Roberts that has pretty much helped test out different softwares as I was trying to find the best for my business and my clients.
Another amazing supporter is Theresa Evans. She is a neighbor that became like a mother to me. Both of my parents are gone so it’s nice to have her support.
I also Cherish Bobbi Porter! She is always cheering me on. She is a dear friend I made after starting this business.
I’d like to thank the ladies from the Blue Ridge Greer Girlfriend’s Group on Facebook! They have been wonderful to me along my journey.
My loving family has been amazing too!
Pricing:
- Our prices start as low as $20 to come out and care for your pets and home.
- Our overnights start as low $90
Contact Info:
- Website: http://tinas-dog-house-pet-home-care-llc.square.site/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tinasdoghouse?mibextid=ZbWKwL
