Heather Brown owns Playful Paws, a dog daycare, training, and grooming facility. Playful Paws offers a specialized daycare program for fearful or reactive dogs. Heather has dreamed about working with dogs and owning a daycare since she was 15 years old. Even at that young age she knew she wanted to work with dogs and to make a difference in their lives. She currently has 4 dogs and 3 cats; 5 of which are rescues. Playful Paws may also be found on Facebook.
InfoStream (IS): The pet experience is important to you. Tell us about how this came to be.
Heather Brown (HB): At a young age I knew pets made me happy and feel whole. I knew they needed a voice and someone to work with them. I have a connection with each of my own pets on a different level and every clients dog is connected to me somehow. Dogs make my day. They make me laugh, cry, strive to be a better person, a better trainer and to know more and more about them. They can complete any day, any mood, and any event just by showing up.
IS: What are the main goals of Playful Paws?
HB: Our main goals are to have a safe environment where any dog can play, learn and socialize. To know our clients and want them to know us. We offer the specialized training program so that dogs with issues, or shyness can work through it at their own pace to learn to be with other dogs. As our moto says “Because all dogs were meant to play!”
IS: When and how did you see the need for a specialized daycare for shy or reactive dogs?
HB: When my dog Dugan was attacked his personality changed. I talked to many people, friends and trainers and none of their solutions helped or got me working him with or near dogs. I started to think how many other people have this issue, become the midnight dog walker or don’t participate in daycare because one of their dogs “wouldn’t” be accepted and they couldn’t bring themselves to leave just one dog home while the others get to play. You can see the dogs that need this exposure any time you take a walk through a dog event or dog park.
IS: What qualifications do you require for staff helping in the Specialized Training Daycare?
HB: All staff for our entire daycare must be pet first aid trained, have hands on experience working with multiple dogs, and have training or education in the animal industry. They also must be willing to put the dogs first before themselves. If someone is afraid to be bit or scared of altercations or heavy play a daycare is no place for them. Everyone hired on our staff must have a good resume, experience, and shine in their two working interviews.
IS: What sets Playful Paws apart from other dog daycares?
HB: Everything about us sets us apart. Our facility is top notch with every item covered for dogs. We offer official kenneling for naps not just normal crates, we have a separate nap area for feeding and resting so that there is more of a mental break. We are the only ones in Atlantic Canada to have our flooring. It is imported from USA, manufactured and approved by veterinarians, anti-fatigue, anti-bacterial and marine sealed. Our cleaners are professional grade cleaners that deodorize, and kill such things as parvo and distemper. Our requirements for staffing, our specialized daycare, our all natural 6000+ sqft outdoor space, and of course our classes.
IS: What training/certifications do you hold that have allowed you to build and support a daycare and training business?
HB: I have a diploma in Animal Sciences, Computerized Business Management, Pet First Aid, Humane Animal Treatment and 18 years of working with dogs, and other trainers. Plus I have attended numerous seminars and clinics.
IS: What in your history has taken you to where you are now?
HB: When I was 15 I began my first job of working at a local boarding kennel. quickly advanced to managing it, and helping with training classes. It became a clear passion and has always been with me since then. Once I was laid off multiple times from jobs that were not pleasing me or making me feel useful I decided to make my dreams a reality. CEED, INOVA, CBDC and CYBF made it possible.
IS: What is most rewarding about running Playful Paws; what makes it all worthwhile?
HB: Each and every day I walk in, get greeted by dogs I don’t own that are happy to see me and play with me. When a shy or reactive dog walks happily from it's parents to come into daycare. When parents take the time to tell us how well their dogs are doing or how happy they are to come to us. Seeing 25+ dogs run, play, dig, tumble and wrestle all in a natural environment and getting along is what makes every single day, hour, and second worth it.
IS: Is there anything else you would like us to know?
HB: Playful Paws is a family. We help our clients, our dogs, and our local rescues. We have the most amazing clients ever. How many businesses can say they get cookies, treats, pizza, coffee delivered on a regular basis? Or have clients take their lunch to come over and say hi, or take vacation time to help us with reno’s. Offer us blankets and towels, or volunteer to help with events. With a sudden move, 16 months into business, a collapsed partnership, and a fallen roof in March our clients have stuck with us through more than most. And for that I feel not only thankful and overjoyed but that we must be doing something right.
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