We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Frisch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Canine Therapy, at this time, is more well known in places like California, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. When I completed my training, I knew that I wanted to bring this profession to the Charleston area. There are only a few Certified Canine Rehab Therapists or CCRTs, in the entire state of SC. I came up with the idea of a mobile practice to make it convenient and flexible for pet owners. Often, it is difficult for people to get an injured and/or older dog in and out of the car, as well as in and out of the Vet office. Some dogs have anxiety about the noises at busy clinics. Some offices and rehab facilities have slippery floors which are hard for senior dogs to navigate safely. Going to the pet’s home also allows the owners to be there during treatment. We offer evening and weekend hours which is allows us to be flexible.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My twin sister and I both graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy in 2001. We spent years working in and directing Outpatient Physical Therapy clinics in Connecticut, California, New Jersey and Louisiana. In 2011, I took some time off to start our family. In 2019 I decided to pursue my Certification in Canine Therapy through the Canine Rehab Institute. I was Certified in 2021 and decided to start my Mobile Canine Therapy Practice the same year….Pawmetto Paws Canine Therapy, LLC.

My sister, Denise, became Certified in Canine Therapy 8 years ago and has loved every minute of it. She moved here in July 2022 and is also part of Pawmetto Paws Canine Therapy. We are extremely grateful that we get to do what we love everyday and are doing it together!

Being a mobile practice, we bring the treatment to our clients. We travel with all of our modalities and equipment and individualize rehab plans based on the dog’s diagnosis and needs. This also allows us to work with pets in their own environment where they are more comfortable and less anxious. It saves owners time by not having to drive their sometimes injured and/or older dog to a clinic or rehab facility. We also offer a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours which is a huge benefit for those working 9-5 jobs.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, word of mouth. We are big believers in hard work, being honest and punctual, communicating well and listening. Our client referrals mean the world to us. People see how much we can help their dogs and want their friends and family to know about us and what we offer. We genuinely care for the dogs we treat. We hope owners can see that in our interactions with their pets.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Denise’s move to SC in July,, 2022, required her to pivot in both her career and her personal life. She had worked for the same Sports Medicine Practice for 13 years, in San Diego, directing her own Physical Therapy clinic for the last 4 of those years. She was established professionally and in a financially stable position. Although Denise planned for the move, she definitely took a risk quitting her job and moving across the country to help grow her sister’s business. She is acclimating to a new city, new people, a new job, and a new way of life. So far, she is enjoying her time in Mount Pleasant.

We have encountered some challenges in the first few months working together, however, it has been a great experience. Overall we have had an increase in the number of clients on our schedules, and we anticipate continued growth and success in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pawmettopawscaninetherapy.com
• Instagram: @pawmettopawsk9therapy
• Facebook: Pawmetto Paws Canine Therapy, LLC

Image Credits
Shannon Frisch