Interview: Dumbo Pet Care Owner Cynthia Barnett
June 11th, 2007
Dumbo Brooklyn based Dumbo Pet Care, Inc., owned by Cynthia Barnett, is more personal than a typical kennel. If the boarding facility looks like the pets home, it’s because Dumbo Pet Care is a loft home on Jay Street where the pets are allowed to roam, sleep on the couch, and play with their friends. Pets are not caged but have crates available for nighttime use. Dumbo Pet Care also provide dog walking services, home visits, and day care. With new residents moving into the area, there will no doubt be new pets to the area. I’ve asked Cynthia about future plans for her business:
How long have you been in business in Dumbo?
One year
How have your clients in Dumbo changed over time?
They haven’t changed, there are just more of them now.
What inspired you to start this business?
Aside from an obvious love of animals there was a desperate need for these services in Dumbo. For a long time there were only a few dog walkers serving the neighborhood and no boarding or daycare services available. I have a large loft in a pet friendly building and wanted to start my own business, so this was an easy choice.
What are some challenges in owning a small business?
As with any small business there are many challenges to overcome and being home based presents some unique ones. Working capital, advertising and promotion, pet safe cleaning supplies, being respectful to our neighbors, and more are issues we deal with regularly. It forces you to think more creatively, which I like.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re seriously considering opening a pet food store but plan to keep our boarding and daycare services home based. A lot of dogs don’t do well in a sterile commercial environment locked in a kennel obviously, and our customers definitely aren’t looking for that. This has become a home away from home for the dogs who stay often and we really like that. It makes their boarding and daycare experience pretty much stress free. We’re able to spend quality time with the dogs and work on issues like aggression, socialization, and house training. Our plans for the future include securing a larger loft in the same building (our landlord has been very supportive), partnering with rescue organizations to hold adoption events, and opening a pet food and grooming shop.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
Being my own boss! I used to “baby sit” musicians and I have to say dogs are a lot more fun and a LOT less stressful!
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For more information, please contact Cynthia Barnett at (347) 405-1423 or Cynthia@DUMBOPetCare.com.
www.DUMBOPetCare.com
If you would like to be considered for an interview, please contact us at dumbonyc@gmail.com.
June 12th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
My dog Action Jackson loves his life running around in lofts. I would gladly warp my soul into his body and live pampered by Dumbopetcare. These guys are great! Professional, prompt, and best of all they are animal lovers. I can’t believe they own two of their own dogs while maintaining all of the other dogs in DUMBO.
July 12th, 2007 at 8:28 am
[...] we interviewed Dumbo Pet Care (dumbopetcare.com) owner Cynthia Barnett last month, her business was already [...]
August 31st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
The picture on the top of this post is my French Bulldog Sadie taking a nap with her friend Taz on Cynthia’s couch. Sadie lives for Dumbo Pet Care and gets more excited to see Cynthia (and Action Jackson) than she does to see me!! DPC is the best!!
September 12th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Dumbo Pet Care takes care of my cat when I’m out of town. My senior cat is afraid of strangers but warmed up to Cynthia immediately. It’s clear that they are animal lovers and aren’t doing this just to make money. Cynthia even e-mailed me daily updates on his activities. I highly recommend them!
December 20th, 2007 at 12:13 am
[...] {Dumbo Pet Care Owner Cynthia Barnett, 11June2007} {Cheeky Dog to Open Doggy Day Care in Dumbo, 16August2007} Filed in Dumbo Retail, [...]
January 9th, 2008 at 11:35 am
[...] {Dumbo’s First Pet Supply Store…And Kung Fu School, 12July2007} {Interview: Dumbo Pet Care Owner Cynthia Barnett, 11Jun2007} Filed in Dumbo People, Dumbo Retail, Jay Street at 11:02 [...]
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I wonder if cynthia would be interested in selling franchises. Great interview btw
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
The picture on the top of this post is my French Bulldog Sadie taking a nap with her friend Taz on Cynthia's couch. Sadie lives for Dumbo Pet Care and gets more excited to see Cynthia (and Action Jackson) than she does to see me!! DPC is the best!!
January 7th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
DUMBO Pet Care announced that they are closing this month. It is a real loss to our neighborhood. Thanks to DUMBO Pet Care for your services over the years. You will truly be missed, as you were the only professional pet care business in the area.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
DUMBO Pet Care announced that they are closing this month. It is a real loss to our neighborhood. Thanks to DUMBO Pet Care for your services over the years. You will truly be missed, as you were the only professional pet care business in the area.