We were lucky to catch up with Lauri Partanio recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

In 2014, after working as a veterinary receptionist, I decided to start Professional Pets Florida to provide specialized care for animals in need. The idea came to me after seeing the challenges faced by anxious, special needs, and senior pets in traditional pet care settings. I wanted to create a place where all pets, regardless of their needs or age, could receive the love, patience, and compassion they deserve; it was their own home.

The next steps were both exciting and challenging. I had to figure out the logistics of setting up a business, including obtaining the necessary licenses/insurance. I also needed to create a business plan, establish a budget, and get things off of the ground. Additionally, I had to build a team of qualified and compassionate pet care professionals who shared my values.

Once the business was set up, I focused on marketing and building a client base. I used social media, networking events, and partnerships with local businesses to spread the word about Professional Pets Florida. I also invested in training and continuing education for myself and my team to ensure we were providing the best possible care for our furry clients.

Today, Professional Pets Florida is thriving, thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of our clients. We continue to set the standard in professional pet care, providing a safe and loving environment for pets of all shapes, sizes, and needs.

Lauri , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in the world of animal care began in 2014 as a veterinary receptionist. Over the years, I’ve steadily progressed through various roles, including exotics specialty veterinary assistant, companion animal veterinary assistant, companion animal veterinary technician, and Animal Control & Welfare Officer, eventually becoming the Manager of Professional Pets Florida.

My extensive background in veterinary medicine and animal welfare has been instrumental in shaping Professional Pets Florida’s core values of safety, dedication, patience, and compassion. We specialize in caring for anxious, special needs, medically needy, and senior pets, but we welcome all friends, whether furry, feathered, scaly, or slimy!

In addition to my work at Professional Pets Florida, I am the proud Founder of Pizza for Pets, a local Hillsborough County non-profit initiative dedicated to finding forever homes for shelter pets from the Pet Resource Center. I also serve as the Tampa Bay Regional Director for the Florida Pet Services Association, a 501c3 organization focused on elevating professional pet care through community and collaboration.

As a member of the Veterinary Medical Board at Southern Technical College in Brandon, FL, I am committed to advancing the field of veterinary medicine and ensuring the highest standards of care for all animals.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in the market has been a multifaceted journey. My extensive background in veterinary medicine and animal welfare has endowed me with a profound understanding of animals’ needs and behaviors. This knowledge allows us to deliver exceptional care tailored to each pet’s specific requirements.

Furthermore, my steadfast commitment to core values such as safety, dedication, patience, and compassion has struck a chord with both clients and colleagues, fostering trust and credibility within the community.

My active involvement in initiatives like Pizza for Pets, a non-profit dedicated to rehoming shelter pets, and my leadership as the Tampa Bay Regional Director for the Florida Pet Services Association, showcase my unwavering dedication to enhancing professional pet care and bettering the lives of animals in need.

In essence, my reputation has been cultivated on a bedrock of expertise, compassion, and community engagement. I take great pride in continuing to have our team set the standard for professional pet care in the Hillsborough County area.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Definitely word of mouth. We cherish word of mouth as our top referral source. It’s incredibly heartwarming when our current clients refer us to their friends and families. We’re thrilled to know that they trust us enough to recommend our services. We strive to make every pet feel loved and pampered, and we’re overjoyed when our clients share their positive experiences with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.professionalpets.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/professionalpetsnet
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/professionalpetsnet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClwdMEZQ1b1zUNau8TqbUaQ