Fetch! Pet Care featured in Bark Magazine

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured in Bark's "Spotlight" section for the Rescue Who Rescued Me contest. The Spotlight details the story of Mugsy and Mugsy’s owners Kathy Hickey and Ryan Henderlong. The piece goes on to outline the 5,204 votes Mugsy received, allowing Mugsy to donate 10,000 Halo Spot’s Stew meals to the rescue of their choice. Please view the spotlight below.
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Franchisee Profile: Erin McBride of Hinsdale, Illinois

Name:  Erin McBride

Opening Date: March 20, 2012

Brand: Fetch! Pet Care

Location: Hinsdale, IL and surrounding area

Q: Where do you live?

A: I live in West Beverly, IL.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before franchising, I was working for the Chicago Public Schools as a project manager. Currently, I am working with Grace Educational Resources where we provide educational books to schools, which I will continue to do part-time while operating Fetch! Pet Care.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: One day on the train ride home from work, I came across an article in the Red Eye about Fetch! Pet Care. Even though I was going to school for nursing at that time, I had been exploring career options in pet care. As soon as I read the article, I knew that working with Fetch! was exactly what I’d been looking for.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business in this industry?

A: I’ve always had a passion for caring for animals of all types. The Red Eye article showed me that it really is possible to do what you love for a living. I began to research Fetch! and countless other pet franchise opportunities. I was excited to learn how successful Fetch! is in the pet industry and inspired to see how much Fetch! owner and founder, Paul Mann, loves his job.  At that point, my life changed course and I immediately began paving my way to become a business owner and pet care professional.

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision and choose Fetch!?

A: I looked at other franchises that were similar to Fetch!, but overall, I realized that Fetch! was the best one out there, as I was able to work out of my home and the franchise cost was low. Their tagline is “we’ve got your tail covered” and they really do!  Fetch! has a ton of pet services like pet sitting and dog boarding, and really strive to make their pet and human customers happy. The support Fetch! provides their franchisees in phenomenal.  When Paul Mann actually called me personally to thank me for choosing Fetch!, and encouraged me to open my location, that was the deciding factor. Normally you don’t get a call from the CEO of a company, and I thought for Paul to make that connection with me was extraordinary, and it showed exactly what kind of company Fetch! was.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: I plan to market Fetch! and it’s pet sitting business to the extreme, really creating great visibility for the brand and our services so everyone in my community is aware that they have fantastic options when it comes to pet care. I personally hand pick my pet sitters and will only hire those that I would trust with my own pets. It takes a special person to dedicate their time to animals. My clients consider their pets a member of the family and it is my utmost priority to ensure the sitters caring for those pets uphold the same importance. Fetch! sitters are unique in that they provide one-on-one attention, establish a lasting, positive relationship and maintain a consistent and safe environment for the pets they serve.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?

A: I will be joining my local chamber of commerce, attending any and all pet-related events, from parades to adoption events and everything in-between, including sponsorship of such events. My pet sitters and I will partner with local shelters in the area, volunteering and advocating pet adoption, foster care and health and wellness.

Q: Are there any prominent industry trends that you are experiencing right now?

A: I think pet supply pickups and delivery, as well as pet taxi services, will be big in my territory.

Q: What are some of your achievements that you think will help you along the way in your business?

A: As a project manager for Chicago Public Schools, I believe I have great management skills, as well as fantastic customer service experience. Every job I’ve ever had has had a customer service element. Also, my love for animals is strong and deep. As long as my family has allowed me to, I’ve always fostered animals, and working in the pet care industry will only strengthen the bond I have with pets, including my customers’ pets!

Q: What are your expansion or development plans for the next year or two?

A: Within 2 years I would like to run another territory for Fetch! and, of course, increase business.

ABOUT FETCH! PET CARE

Fetch! Pet Care was founded in Berkeley, Calif., in 2002 by Paul Mann, who wanted his pets to remain in his home instead of kenneling them while he traveled. Finding no professional company suitable to the task, Mann started his own firm with the goal of providing as-needed, reliable, and loving care to pets of all kinds. Today, there are more than 3,000 Fetch! professionals operating in 1,500 U.S. communities. FETCH! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast. Comprised of pet lovers turned business owners, each independently and locally owned Fetch! focuses on taking the stress out of finding a sitter and adding convenience to customer’s lives by doing all of the legwork for them. Fetch! matches you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. For more information, visit www.fetchpetcare.com. 

Fetch! Pet Care was featured on Franchise Chatter

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured on Franchise Chatter in an article titled, "How Franchises are Turning to Facebook to Engage with Loyal Customers and Gain New Fans." The article discussed how Fetch! Pet Care was able to increase their Facebook Fan page from about 3,000 to 13,000 fans over the span of a little more than 2 months without advertising by engaging fans to share why their dog had the greatest rescue story. With a goal of 30,000 fans by the end of the year, the article shows how Fetch! Pet Care is utilizing social media marketing as a key business growth strategy and to show support for the animal adoption community. Click here to view the entire article.

How Franchises are Turning to Facebook to Engage with Loyal Customers and Gain New Fans
By:  AMBROSIO

A number of franchises are exploring creative ways to grow their Facebook following and engage with

loyal fans. The method of choice (at least for now) seems to be the use of contests where other Facebook fans vote for the winner.  This strategy has proven effective in boosting fan numbers for as long as the prizes at stake are significant enough to generate buzz and participation.  While giving away free stuff can easily increase fan numbers several fold, the real measure of success is the cumulative impact of the number of new cyber fans who become paying customers, the increase in spending among loyal customers, and the number of new franchises sold.  Watching your followers multiply as a result of the contest is the easy part.  The real challenge lies in converting these fans into actual dollars and cents.
 

(Read More)

Fetch! Pet Care featured on SecondAct.com

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured on SecondAct.com in an article titled, "How I Did It: Getting Started in the Pet Business." The article features Fetch! Pet Care franchisees Paul and Deborah Quinn as they discuss how they got started in the pet care industry. When Deborah was laid off during the onset of the recession from her graphic design job, Paul thought they would be secure with his career in the housing sales market. When that started to fall apart, Paul and Deborah started looking for a career they could do together, and one they were truly passionate about. The couple often volunteered to take care of their friends pets when they went out of town, but the Quinn’s realized they could make a career out of this new found pet sitting passion, which is when they found Fetch! Pet Care. With a low investment cost of about $20,000, Paul and Deborah were able to open their own pet sitting business. Click here to view the full article.

How I Did It: Getting Started in the Pet Business
By: Geoff Williams

Your customers may shed and bark really loudly. The cats can be kind of standoffish. Fleas are an occupational hazard. But many people still love working in the pet industry.

Even in a sluggish economy, the pet industry is standing on all four legs. Last year, two-thirds of American households spent north of $50 billion on their pets, mostly on dogs.

That's a comfortable number to consider if you're thinking of taking your next career into the animal kingdom. Pet owners are consumers with serious purchasing power and unique habits, and they represent a compelling market for many businesses.

But if it isn't practical to get your veterinary or zoology degree, don't worry. There are plenty of other career avenues for working with pets.

Here are five second-act careerists who talk about how they got started in the pet business.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Greg Alonzo of Chicago, IL

Franchisee Since: November 2007

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A:  Before becoming involved with Fetch! Pet Care, my wife Carolyn and I were both working in corporate America doing jobs like accounting, sales and customer service. Most recently, I worked with 7-Eleven, which is how I became familiar with the franchising industry. Initially, we had decided that I was going to get the company up and running while Carolyn continued to work for the University of Illinois. However, our circumstances changed, and we decided she would stay home to start the business. I left 7-Eleven a year later to join her.  

Q: Why did you choose to enter the pet care industry?

A:  I remember the day Carolyn showed me an article on MSN.com featuring Fetch! Pet Care, which made me realize that this opportunity was just the venture we had always been looking for. We rarely traveled because we had an issue with not having anyone trustworthy with whom to leave our pets. With Fetch! Pet Care, you don’t have to disrupt your life to find someone dependable to care for your pets.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A:  I loved the idea of having corporate support. Being able to have help or get advice whenever you need it is very important. If you start a business from scratch, you will have to rely heavily on family and friends for that support. When you’re involved with Fetch! Pet Care, there is a whole family of other business owners who are waiting to help you before you ever open your doors.

Q: With respect to your previous career experience, which skills do you think help most with your business?

A: The main source of help is our customer service background. Carolyn has dealt with many different types of personalities from her work at the University of Illinois, and I have experience providing excellent customer service from previous corporate jobs. This advantage is definitely one of our strongest when dealing with clients.

Q: What makes your business a cut above the rest?

A:  We have a variety of pet sitters who are equipped to handle all different types of animals. We never had to turn a client down because we weren’t able to meet the needs of their pet. Having strong, knowledgeable pet sitters keep our clients coming back.

ABOUT FETCH! PET CARE

Fetch! Pet Care was founded in Berkeley, Calif., in 2002 by Paul Mann, who wanted his pets to remain in his home instead of kenneling them while he traveled. Finding no professional company suitable to the task, Mann started his own firm with the goal of providing as-needed, reliable, and loving care to pets of all kinds. Today, there are more than 3,000 Fetch! professionals operating in 1,500 U.S. communities. FETCH! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast. Comprised of pet lovers turned business owners, each independently and locally owned Fetch! focuses on taking the stress out of finding a sitter and adding convenience to customer’s lives by doing all of the legwork for them. Fetch! matches you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. For more information, visit www.fetchpetcare.com. 

Fetch! Pet Care: 5 Ways Pet’s Make Better Companions

This Valentine’s Day, You don’t have to look far for love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovebirds.  It’s a celebration of love for its intrinsic worth, and no one offers more love than a pet.  For those who need reminders of just how much our furry friends fill our lives with happiness, take a look at these 5 ways pets make better companions this Valentine’s Day:

1. Unconditional love:  Pets will never judge you.  They don’t care what you wear or how you look.  As long as you feed, play with, and love them back, you will never have to worry about being alone.  Most pets are naturally affectionate and seek out the affection and approval of their owners.  Everyone wants to be loved, and pets are no exception.

2. Loyalty: There is a reason for the saying “dog is man’s best friend.”  That reason is simple: loyalty.  A dog, or any other pet, is never going to turn its back on you when times are tough.  You never have to worry about being stabbed in the back, cheated on, or lied to with your pet.  You are your pet’s first priority, and they will look out for you when no one else will.

3. Fun: Pets thrive off of energy and fun.  There is never a shortage of good times when a pet is in your life, because they are a constant source of laughter and play.  Playing with your pet can cheer you up on even the worst days.

4. Trainable: Have you ever wished that you could get your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse to do something you wanted without nagging?  Not only are most pets trainable, but they often enjoy having discipline in their lives.

5. Listeners: No matter how bad your day is, your pet will always be there to listen.

ABOUT FETCH! PET CARE

Fetch! Pet Care was founded in Berkeley, Calif., in 2002 by Paul Mann, who wanted his pets to remain in his home instead of kenneling them while he traveled. Finding no professional company suitable to the task, Mann started his own firm with the goal of providing as-needed, reliable, and loving care to pets of all kinds. Today, there are more than 3,000 Fetch! professionals operating in 1,500 U.S. communities. FETCH! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast. Comprised of pet lovers turned business owners, each independently and locally owned Fetch! focuses on taking the stress out of finding a sitter and adding convenience to customer’s lives by doing all of the legwork for them. Fetch! matches you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. For more information, visit www.fetchpetcare.com. 

Fetch! Pet Care's Valentine's Smoochiest Pet Contest

Fetch! Pet Care has a new contest for the month of February and it of course revolves around Valentine's Day! In our "Valentine's Smoochiest Pet Contest," Fetch! is asking for their fans to submit a photo of their pet's sweetest, wettest, and sloppiest kisses to either them, a family member or friend, or fellow pet! Winner will receive a $250 Gift Card to PetCareRx!

To enter, entrants must first like Fetch! Pet Care on Facebook. They they visit the tab "Kissing Contest", fill out their information and submit their Smooching photo.

Does your pet love to give sweet, slobbery kisses? Let us see!