March 30, 2020
Pet care pros pivot to precautions
Pet services businesses were designated as essential by Gov. Chris Sununu’s executive order last week, something Maine Gov. Janet Mills had done earlier. Many pet services businesses are still open for business but have had to reinvent themselves in order to keep their employees and clients safe. Some are offering services virtually online, and products for pickup or delivery for pet owners who do not want to leave home.
Traci Bisson, owner of It Takes A Village Pet Care in Barrington and founder of the New Hampshire Pet Industry Professionals, decided to close her business when Sununu declared the state of emergency and set the original 21-day shutdown. She had to lay off all 13 employees.
“It was the safety issue, and I couldn’t in good conscience continue,” Bisson said of her dog walking and vacation pet sitting services. With clients working from home, she was worried about her employees entering homes and being infected or potentially infecting homeowners. “Safety is the No. 1 concern in our business,” she said.
Bisson started the NHPIP last year so pet professionals could work to support each other with business advice and marketing efforts, and the group now has 105 members. The group is making a difference now networking with national industry support and elevating safety rules and regulations for members, Bisson said. Pet industry professionals are encouraged to join www.facebook.com/groups/NHpip. Membership is free. READ STORY>>