Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Wilcher.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
About 9 years ago, my world was turned upside-down… I got my first dog, Wally! Wally is the reason I am where I am today. He taught me about the human-animal bond and what it meant to love a dog.
Once I understood the love a human can have for an animal, and vice versa, I wanted to get involved in rescue and do what I could to ensure that every dog was treated humanely, treated with compassion, and loved unconditionally.
I started volunteering with the Animal Humane Society, then with Second Hand Hounds, and eventually with Grey Face Rescue & Retirement. I loved the time I spent with dogs. It brought me so much joy! It also brought me my second dog, Dwight, who I met during one of my volunteer shifts at the Animal Humane Society.
Up until I started volunteering, my degree and the majority of my work experience were in the area of child development, youth development, and child welfare. In 2019, I began my work in animal welfare. However, when the pandemic started in 2020, I lost my job and that is when I needed to pivot.
I loved animals, and although I was very active in my volunteer work with animals, I needed to generate some income, so I started dog walking. It started off pretty casual, but my love and passion for pet care grew, and so did my client base! Through word of mouth, networking, and social media I developed a strong list of loyal clientele and I decided to officially launch my pet care business.
In January 2022, Compassionate Canine Care was born!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been very fortunate that I have not encountered many obstacles during my first year of owning Compassionate Canine Care. There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to accounting and taxes, but that is expected, and I am very thankful for my accountants!
Over the course of my time in the pet care industry, I have been able to maintain an amazing group of clientele and grow my business just as much as I can handle at the moment. There are times I wish I could do more, but at this time, I am not ready to hire any employees, and I need to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which I know can be difficult as a business owner.
One of the benefits of working in pet care is that there is a lot of room for growth. Whether it is adding services, hiring employees to serve a larger client base/geographical area, or one day purchasing a facility, the options are really endless. It just depends on the capacity I have as the owner as to whether or not I can take on any additional responsibilities at that time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sure! Compassionate Canine Care is a pet care business, currently providing dog walking, drop in visits, and vacation care.
When I watch your pet we will do everything from physical exercise, and enrichment activities, to snuggling! Really whatever the dog’s temperament is, I am up for it. Typically I do walks around the neighborhood, lakes, and/or trails, or just use a client’s backyard. Really whatever the client prefers- that is best catered to their dogs’ needs. I also like to include a lot of enrichment in my visits. Whether it is a food toy like a stuffed frozen Kong, a dog puzzle, using a snuffle mat to eat their food, doing basic training, or providing structured walks, I love doing it all!
Getting to know your pet is also extremely important to our successful animal-human bond. I would love to know what your dog likes (i.e. toys, treats, exercise, pets, etc.), what your dog might not like (i.e. being picked up, touching their ears, loud noises, vacuums, etc.), and if your dog is reactive/what they are reactive to. My motto is to set every dog up for success, so the more information I can get, the better!
I am currently studying to become a certified dog trainer through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. However, while I am not a certified trainer yet, I do have a lot of training experience. I also specialize in working with shy/fearful/reactive dogs.
My dogs are my fur babies. They are a part of my family and loved with every inch of my being. I believe all animals deserve to feel safe, loved, and treated with compassion, so when your animals are in my care, they will be loved just as if they were my own.
My Experience:
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, Student, 2023-Present. Currently studying dog training and behavior to earn a state-licensed certification.
Grey Face Rescue & Retirement, Volunteer; 2022-Present. Assisting rescue with supply needs, transportation, and foster/administrative support.
Second-Hand Hounds, Volunteer; 2017 – Present. My dog Wally and I volunteer together in one of SHH’s community outreach programs called Second Hand Hope where we visit local assisted living facilities.
Animal Humane Society, Volunteer; 2016 – Present. I have put in countless hours assisting with dog walking, animal care, and foster care. This is also where I met my second dog, Dwight!
Grey Face Rescue & Retirement, Volunteer Foster Manager; 2020-2022 Supporting a roster of about 30 dogs and their foster families.
Animal Humane Society, Community Programs Manager; 2019-2020. Managed the Training School and former Animal House Boarding Facility.
What do you think about happiness?
I think that happiness is essential to living a fulfilling life, and I am thankful that a lot of things make me happy! Family, friends, being in nature, traveling, good food, music, and being around animals all make me happy.
For me, in my line of work, what brings me the most joy is seeing an animal truly carefree. Running free, jumping through snow, rolling in the grass, and just being the animal they were meant to be; knowing they are safe and loved.
It also brings me so much joy to know that owners trust me with their fur babies, and have chosen me as the person to care for their animals when they are unable to.
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Walk / Drop-in Visit – $20
- 1 Hour Walk / Drop-in Visit – $30
- Vaca Care starts at $80
Contact Info:
- Website: compassionatecaninecare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionatecaninecaremn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecaninecaremn
