Autumn Keene, owner of The Autumn K9, has been making waves in her community with her unique approach to dog training and care. As Autumn explains, her journey began with a love for dogs and a desire to provide a supportive environment for both pets and their parents.
"I started out with a small pack of dogs and quickly realized that I needed more structure and training to manage them effectively," Autumn shares. "Taking a training course not only helped me better understand my own dogs but also equipped me to offer professional training services to clients."
One of Autumn's defining principles is personal involvement. Instead of hiring staff to lead their own groups, she prefers to work alongside them, ensuring a consistent and personalized experience for clients' dogs. This approach has been particularly valuable during her recent injury, which led to the creation of a day school program.
"The day school has been a great alternative for dogs that are struggling with the transition to a new hiking group," Autumn explains. "It allows me to provide individualized attention and gradually reintroduce them to the pack."
Autumn's commitment to providing a safe and structured environment for dogs is evident in her approach to group dynamics. She maintains a strict 5:1 dog-to-handler ratio and emphasizes the importance of leashed walks to avoid conflicts.
"I've learned a lot from my own experiences and the mistakes of others," Autumn says. "By starting new dogs with solo walks and gradually introducing them to easy groups, I've been able to create a more successful and stress-free environment for both dogs and their owners."
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
We asked Autumn to share her journey and get some valuable advice for those considering a similar path. When asked what advice she'd give to someone thinking about starting their own pet care business, Autumn was enthusiastic: "Just do it!" She emphasized that the biggest hurdle is often the administrative side, but once you're prepared with insurance, software, and a solid business plan, you're ready to go.
Autumn highlighted the importance of ongoing education in the pet care industry. She's constantly attending seminars, working with other trainers, and even learning from her own dogs. This dedication to learning has not only made her a better dog trainer but has also helped her stay ahead of industry trends.
Networking is crucial for any business owner. Autumn recommends starting locally—both within the local community and in local Facebook groups and attending industry events. She also emphasized the power of word-of-mouth referrals and building relationships with other pet care professionals in the area.
Autumn takes a flexible and personalized approach to pet care and believes in tailoring services to each individual dog's unique needs. One of Autumn's standout qualities is her non-judgmental attitude. She understands that every pet parent has different preferences and goals, and they're there to support clients, regardless of their chosen approach. Whether it's allowing dogs on the couch or training them to stop barking excessively, Autumn is committed to helping clients achieve their desired results. And if a client's dog would benefit more from a different trainer or boarding facility, Autumn isn't afraid to refer them to a more suitable professional.
Autumn found a game-changer in PetPocketbook—the pet care software has streamlined her operations, improved client communication, and even helped her grow her business. Autumn first heard about PetPocketbook in a local pet care Facebook group. A fellow business owner was raving about the software's ease of use, especially when it comes to billing and client management.
One of Autumn's favorite features is the ability to share client profiles seamlessly, making referrals a breeze. No more double entries or redundant information for her clients! She also appreciates how PetPocketbook automates the billing process, saving her time and reducing errors.
Autumn's Facebook group serves as a valuable resource for local pet professionals, providing a platform for networking and sharing knowledge. She often uses the group to find available pet sitters or to get advice on challenging dog behaviors.
When it comes to new clients, Autumn has a firm requirement: they must be willing to fill out the client intake form on PetPocketbook. She believes that this is a great way to self-qualify potential clients and ensure that they are committed to providing their pets with the best care.
Growing the Autumn K9 team
As a seasoned pet care business owner, Autumn knows the ins and outs of hiring and retaining top-notch staff. From navigating unexpected challenges to building a strong team culture, she shared valuable insights for other pet care professionals.
Finding the Right Fit: The ideal candidate is not only passionate about animals but also open to learning and growing. While experience can be beneficial, it's not always a prerequisite. The most important quality is a genuine love for dogs and a willingness to adapt to a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Building Trust: Building a strong team culture is essential for the long-term success of any business. Foster an environment of trust and open communication with your team. Regularly check in, offer feedback, and empower them to make decisions. By creating a supportive and empowering environment, you can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among your team.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Flexibility and work-life balance are also key factors in attracting and retaining top talent. Understanding the needs of your team and offering flexibility when possible can go a long way in improving job satisfaction and morale. This can be particularly important in the pet care industry, where schedules can be unpredictable and demanding.
Continuous Improvement: Investing in your team's professional development is another essential strategy for building a successful business. Providing opportunities for growth and training can help your team stay motivated and engaged. This can also lead to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, which can benefit both your business and your clients.
Client-Centric Approach: Emphasize the importance of providing exceptional client service. A satisfied customer base can not only help your business grow but also create a positive and rewarding work environment for your team. By focusing on building strong relationships with your clients, you can create a reputation for excellence that will attract and retain top talent.
Building a successful pet care business requires a commitment to finding the right people, fostering a positive team culture, offering flexibility, investing in professional development, and providing exceptional client service. By following these principles, you can create a thriving business that is both rewarding and fulfilling.
One of Autumn’s favorite things about being a business owner is the evolution of the business. “Things evolve over time. If we never changed and we never grew, it would be weird, and we would be doing our pets and ourselves a disservice. Who would want to do that? We're all here to continually do better and learn more, so I think it's important to always be willing to learn and evolve.”
Interested in reading more stories like Autumn’s? Check out spotlights from other businesses here!