Interview: Dumbo Pet Care Owner Cynthia Barnett

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!

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.

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