We recently connected with Kendra Gaunt and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kendra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

Inviting someone into your home to care for your pets is an intimate and vulnerable decision. It’s something I take into great consideration because I want all of my clients to feel safe and secure. Something I do to show them that I appreciate their trust is a hand written thank you note after the first service. The personal touch helps me build a deeper connection with my client as I take the time to write something personal and meaningful in each one. As an added bonus, I also offer a discount to first time clients who book a second service with me as a thank you!

Kendra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Several years ago, I was burnt out from years of school and building my career without taking a break – so I took a six-month sabbatical to recharge.

During this time, I felt lost about what I wanted and decided to volunteer at a local animal shelter in their cattery. The time I spent there was the most peaceful and enjoyable for as long as I can remember! At this shelter, I had the privilege to take care of over sixty cats ranging from newborn age to seniors. I was always amazed at watching their personalities shine through; they were all so different!

After six months, I decided to go back to work full-time and stopped volunteering as a result, but something still felt missing. I soon realized that it was my daily connection with animals that granted me so much enjoyment that I missed. So I became determined to figure out how to take my passion for caring for animals (and supporting their humans) and build it into my everyday life.

That’s when Language of Animals was born! I realized that each animal has a unique way of communicating their personality, needs, and worries – much like humans – and I wanted to be someone they could trust. That was four and a half years ago, and I’ve been providing quality and custom pet care for all animals (I’m talking everything from cats to monkeys and dogs to bearded dragons) in Tampa ever since.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Existing client referrals for sure! It’s always great to connect with someone who learned of me from someone I’ve already worked with. I find that creates a sense of trust that is hard to get with someone you’re just hearing of for the first time.

The second one is Thumbtack! It’s a great app for entrepreneurs or people who offer specialized services.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency, curiosity and attentiveness. Consistency comes from showing people what they can expect from your service and sticking to it. That’s not to say things can’t change – but when they do be sure to communicate it early and often!

Curiosity in the sense that I’m always wondering how I can help people and tailor my services to their specific needs. No two clients are the same.

And attentiveness. To details, needs, feelings and worries. Asking questions and remembering even the tiniest of details goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.languageofanimals.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/languageofanimals