We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Cox. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.

Sara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Prior to this endeavor, I was at a regular “9 to 5” job that really wasnt making me happy. Ultimately, that job opportunity did not work out. I decided to do something that i was passionate about- what makes Sara happy. My number one passion has always been animals so it seemed like such an easy decision. My mother had mentioned to me how wonderful I could be at grooming dogs, but I’m definitely not gifted at haircuts of any kind. She also mentioned boarding, which at first I wondered how that would be possible- where was I going to keep peoples dogs? I began on Rover and decided to do local pet walks and check ins and to board animals in my home. This in-home solution was temporary but with my family’s help, we converted a detached two car garage on my family farm into the boarding center.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up on my family farm where I first learned my love for animals. I grew up going with my great grandfather to the barn to see all the farm animals and help feed them. People would unfortunately dump their unwanted animals here but I was glad to be the one to show them unconditional love. I also owned many animals growing up including: hamsters, fish, a rabbit, dogs, a cat, a chicken and a leopard gecko. I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but had some bad experiences with Chemistry. I went on to study Psychology and Biology, where I also did some studying into animal behavior. Years later, I decided to follow my passion of working with animals and opened up my dog kennel on the farm. I provide local walks and pet check ins along with boarding. It’s important that the boarders get plenty of exercise, so I believe I stand out by each kennel having a large indoor and outdoor space with a doggy door in between. I also have indoor and outdoor play areas for the dogs to play and take them on walks around the farm to see the other animals. They get play groups several times a day and a lot of attention from my kennel techs and myself. I also send photo updates to clients to give them uodates each day! We want people’s pets to feel as much love as they would at home!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Social media and word of mouth have been my most effective strategies. When people see your passion for what you do, word spread quickly. I use my Facebook page to post business updates and photos and videos of our clients while enjoying their stay. I urge meet and greets prior to their stay with us so that owners can see the entire area and the dogs will be more used to the smells and sights. I want people to know they can trust us fully to take care of and love on their animals like we would our own. When people have great experiences, they share those experiences with others, my mouth and social media, and then we create more relationships with more clients.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Since I already own a portion of the family farm, I was able to convert the former two car garage into the boarding center it is today. My grandfather did a lot of the initial labor it took, and other family members on the farm were able to contribute some of the materials. My village and I worked hard for months! A few months ago, I had contractors come in and convert the addition of the two car garage into an expansion with more Kennels and a storage room. My somewhat penny pinching self was able to put money from the business back into the business, so I didn’t need to take out any loans for this project.

Contact Info:

• Website: Saraswaggytails.com
• Instagram: @saraswaggytails
• Facebook: Fb.com/saraswaggytails
• Other: Google business page https://g.co/kgs/pzPSzh

Image Credits
Fundraiser for ChainFree Knoxville (big family photo)