Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Levitt.
Tori, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Doolittle’s Doghouse started in 2008 as a part-time “hobby” in my home. Despite my years as a seasoned mortgage banker, the real estate crash gave me cause to paws (intentional pun).
As I struggled to grasp the turgid market changes, I began hosting other people’s dogs when they traveled. Word of mouth spread among Pet Parents wanting a better boarding option beyond –and out of – the kennel. It was common to have 10 dogs per day, living happily and harmoniously, in cage-free comfort….although I was running out of room in my bed!
Following the advice and encouragement of a dear friend, I began to systematically hire other pet sitters (my “nannies”) to work with me in the provision of cage-free boarding. I do NOT hire 9-5’ers; rather, I focus on retirees, at-home Moms or Dads, and only mature, loving, sensible and reliable nannies. Must love dogs is the primary job requirement of course.
Our service menu also grew to include MOVE-IN CARE; i.e. sending “Mary Puppins” to the homes of clients, to care for all household pets and tend to minor chores.
As we enter our 10th year, I am blessed to have a wonderful team of loving dog nannies who represent Doolittle’s Doghouse and provide sine qua non pampered pet care.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Despite the privilege of caring for the world’s best clients (DOGS), and working from home with all its advantages, there are always challenges to small business growth; namely, the lack of available financing for capital to fund advertising, marketing or administrative staff positions to help manage the day-to-day operations.
Working on a shoe-string budget, and using credit cards when necessary, has been necessary, if not ill advised.
I never saw myself on Shark Tank, so did what I had to in order to manage the growth via personal financing, a lot of prayer and dogged determination.
Doolittle’s Doghouse – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Doolittle’s Doghouse offers a variety of pet-care services, with primary focus on CAGE-FREE BOARDING; either in our private homes (dogs only) or in the homes of our Pet Parents (all animals in the house). We also offer DOGGIE DAYCARE (“park and bark” for a day) and PET TAXI, as an added service for the convenience of our boarders.
We specialize in pampering our furry guests, with acute attention and care to their daily needs, proclivities and protocols. Each dog has its own unique personality and deserves the return of unconditional love that they so fully give to us.
I am most proud of my nannies, as everyone on the team provides not only a bundle of love to every furry guest, but also complete devotion to Doolittle’s Doghouse protocols and our families…who become our friends.
What sets us apart is the intimacy of our relationships. All businesses rely on technology and digital communication, yet we want to know everything about our clients and what works best for them.
No automated attendants: “press 1 for this and 2 for that’….or long holds for an operator.
We won’t ask you to navigate our website for hours on end to arrive at a pet-care solution. Call our bark line and you will talk to the Canine Concierge who will help you with your pet-care needs. I’m the Concierge by the way, and my nannies are your solution.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is doing what you love and enjoying the happiness of others that you hope you have contributed to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doolittlesdoghouse.com
- Phone: 480-907-6400
- Email: tori@doolittlesdoghouse.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doolittlesdoghouse/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoolittlesDogHS
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doolittles-doghouse-scottsdale
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