Conversations with Vicki Fairclough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Fairclough.

Hi Vicki , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I became a single mom, I had my daughter full time, and although I was working in corporate marketing, it just wasn’t enough to support us. I needed something that would give me both flexibility and stability. A close friend of mine was watching dogs through Rover, and it sparked something in me. I had the space, the skills, and the heart for it, so I decided to give it a try.

From the beginning, I made a choice to focus on small dogs. With my young daughter at home, safety was always the top priority. What started as a side job quickly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined. In March 2023, I officially launched Pooch Paradise Daycare and Boarding, and within months, it became a full-time business.

Caring for animals has always been part of who I am. I spent six years volunteering at an animal shelter, and that experience taught me patience, empathy, and how to handle dogs with all kinds of personalities and needs. I brought all of that into Pooch Paradise. I now care for a small group of dogs in a calm, loving environment where every pet gets personal attention, daily walks, and a true home-away-from-home experience.

My daughter, Kennedy, and our two Shih Tzus, Oliver and Poppy, are a big part of it all. Together, we’ve built something that feels more like family than business. What started as a way to make ends meet turned into something far more meaningful. Pooch Paradise has given me the chance to create a life that’s full of love, purpose, and joy, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. About a year into starting my business, I was laid off from my corporate marketing job. At the time, it felt like a huge setback, but looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened. It pushed me to dive headfirst into Pooch Paradise and give it everything I had.

That moment forced me to believe in myself and trust that I could build something sustainable. With hard work, long days, and a lot of heart, the business grew to the point where there hasn’t been a single day without at least one dog here for daycare or boarding. It’s been incredible to see how far it’s come.

I eventually took on another corporate role, this time from home, writing marketing content for Arizona State University. The amazing part is that they know about my business and are supportive of it. I’m so grateful to have the flexibility to do both, because it allows me to keep growing Pooch Paradise my true passion while continuing my career in marketing. It’s been a journey full of challenges, but each one has shaped me into someone stronger, more resourceful, and more confident in what I can build.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Pooch Paradise Daycare and Boarding, I specialize in providing a calm, structured, and loving home environment for small to medium-sized dogs. My approach is rooted in understanding how dogs think and communicate. I spent six years volunteering at an animal shelter, where I learned so much about canine behavior, pack dynamics, and the importance of structure and trust. That experience taught me that dogs thrive when they feel secure, understood, and part of a balanced environment.

What sets Pooch Paradise apart is the level of personalized care I provide. I intentionally limit the number of dogs I take in, no more than ten at a time, so every pup receives the attention and supervision they deserve. Unlike large boarding facilities that can feel crowded or overwhelming, I am able to tailor the experience to each dog’s personality, comfort level, and needs.

Before any stay, I offer a complimentary meet and greet so both the dog and their owner can get to know me, my home, and the other dogs in my care. This allows everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and familiar before their first visit, creating a smooth transition for each pup who joins our pack.

Each day includes a walk for physical exercise and mentally enriching activities such as lick mats, painting, hide and seek, and treat-finding games. These activities keep the dogs engaged, build confidence, and reduce anxiety. With both indoor and outdoor playtime and a consistent pack for socialization, the dogs enjoy structure, freedom, and companionship in equal measure.

What I am most proud of is the trust I have built with my clients. Many of them are repeat families who tell me their dogs start wagging the moment they turn onto my street. That kind of loyalty means everything to me. I do not just watch dogs; I get to know them, care for them like family, and make sure they feel safe and loved while their owners are away.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Owning a dog boarding business comes with its share of risks, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I am not a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe that stepping outside your comfort zone is often where the most meaningful growth happens. Starting Pooch Paradise was a leap of faith, but I approached it with careful planning, structure, and a commitment to safety.

When you are caring for other people’s pets, you are being trusted with a member of their family. That is a responsibility I never take lightly. I have clear safety protocols in place, from health requirements and vaccination records to supervised introductions and structured routines. I also limit the number of dogs I care for at one time, which allows me to maintain a calm environment and ensure everyone receives proper attention.

I am equally mindful about protecting my own family. My daughter and I share our home with these dogs, so every decision I make balances safety with compassion. It is why I focus only on small to medium-sized breeds and why I require a meet and greet before every new stay.

To me, risk is not about taking chances without thought. It is about believing in something enough to move forward carefully, confidently, and with heart. Building Pooch Paradise was a risk, but it was one worth taking. It has given me the opportunity to create something meaningful, safe, and full of love for both dogs and their owners.

Pricing:

• Pricing is available on my Website www.poochparadiseAZ.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poochparadiseaz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poochparadisellc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pooch-Paradise-Daycare-and-Boarding-100090941869603/
• LinkedIn: https://www.rover.com/members/vicki-f-volunteered-at-animal-shelter-6yr/
• Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pooch+Paradise+Daycare+and+Boarding/@33.518261,-111.8950935,10z/

Image Credits
I personally took all photos so credit goes to Vicki Fairclough Or Pooch Paradise Daycare and Boarding LLC.