A Montreal-based pet care service is addressing the evolving needs of pet parents through its personalized and educational approach to animal care.
Founded by Teresa D'Agostino, a former corporate professional turned pet enthusiast, PAWSOME Concierge was initially a dog-treat business but pivoted to pet care when D'Agostino realized how many pets coming out of the pandemic had behavioural issues that prevented them from being accepted at typical daycare places.
"We call them COVID pets because they didn't get to socialize properly," she explains. "There was an uprise of pets now having one or more things…and that's when we realized these pet parents don't have options."
As D'Agostino continued to hear stories of pet owners unable to travel due to a lack of options for their dogs, she started researching options in the United States and realized how unregulated the pet-sitting industry was.
"A lot of people are doing it for good, but some people were doing it for the money, and that's where you start seeing horror stories of dogs being locked in cages or people disappearing with dogs," she says.
The inspiration for PAWSOME also comes from D'Agostino's personal experience trying to find a safe place for her dog Coco. While D'Agostino's in-laws usually watched Coco, they were also out of town this time, so she had to search for alternatives that fit Coco, who loves humans but doesn't do well in social settings with multiple other dogs. D'Agostino says she called place after place, asking questions to see if they could accommodate her anxious dog's specific needs. In the process, she discovered that most pet-sitting places do not have someone with the pets overnight. Her questions and research led to the birth of PAWSOME, a company dedicated to providing peace of mind to pet parents with around-the-clock compassionate and personalized care.
What also sets PAWSOME Concierge apart is its commitment to sharing knowledge to empower pet owners, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to make informed decisions about their pet's well-being. From behavioural assessments, tailored care plans, overnight stays and in-home pet sitting, PAWSOME goes above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of every furry client. Additionally, PAWSOME offers specialized services such as wedding assistance, hotel accommodations, consultations, and expert recommendations.
"The way I always say it is we prioritize the health, safety and well-being of the pets, our caregivers and our clients," D'Agostino says.
Central to PAWSOME'S philosophy is fear-free practices and positive reinforcement, prioritizing kindness and understanding in its approach to pet care. Each caregiver is not only carefully selected to meet the needs of the pet and family but is also certified in pet first aid and CPR.
As PAWSOME approaches its second anniversary and expands to the Greater Toronto Area, it remains committed to its founding principles of compassion, education, and community. With a growing network of satisfied clients, PAWSOME Concierge is redefining the pet care industry one wagging tail at a time.
To learn more about PAWSOME Concierge, visit their website here.