Meet Penni M Baker | Pet Boarding and Grooming

We had the good fortune of connecting with Penni M Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Penni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Me and my husband have been doing environmental work for the last 23 years it involved a lot of travel, which I love but as I’m getting older it started taking a toll on me it also involved heavy lifting and working out in the weather, winter was the worst.so I wanted to start my own business that didn’t involve travel.As as a dog Mom myself whenever we would take vacations it was hard to find somebody I trusted with my dog. every place always seemed so busy. And I was worried my pup wasn’t getting the kind of attention, I wanted her to get and I really did not like their hours.Sometimes I would have to leave her the extra day if I got back early because they were closed at that time. So I decided to open a small dog and cat boarding facility that was more like a home instead of a business. And I love it, I think I made the right choice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from everybody else is that I’m a small business every dog or cat that comes to our facility. Gets the kind of love and attention they deserve. At thanksgiving and christmas i made them a homemade dinner that included Turkey. sweet, potatoes and green beans and for dessert, they got a little bit of sugar, free whipped cream with some pumpkin. And at christmas time they got their own stocking with treats and toys. I love their personalities every dog and cat have different personalities and I just love that about my job. I’m very flexible with my hours, which I found is a big help for pet parents if you’ve been on vacation for a week. And you get back at 6 PM Most places you have to wait till the next day. I will open my doors anytime before 8 Pm
If needed . Also, we offer evening appointments for grooming. Whereas most places do not, and I just started a pet transport if you’re running late we can come pick them up for you
I’ve had many challenges throughout the process of opening from getting permits repairs needed on the building which typically would be the owner’s responsibility But I worked out a deal with them since they could not afford the repairs at the time and I really wanted this building and location. I’ve had many people say I was stupid for opening in the location I opened but I never gave up, and it is paying off so far.not so much as money wise but customer wise I’ve had many returning customers
I am also in the process of making healthy homemade dog food and treats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Unfortunately, there really is no one to give a shout out to I have done this all on my own. The only person
It would be Danielle Sizemore she is a good friend of mine. And she actually got me the building that I am leasing. If it was not for her, I would not be at that location. And I love the location that I’m at. She was supposed to come work for me. But she got to raise at her previous job.So she decided to stay there for now.I’m hoping one day she will come work for me.

Website: Bakersboarding@gmail.com

Facebook: bakersboardingandgrooming

Image Credits
Diana Kline
Dacia Holcomb