A pair of northwest Twin Cities women who have cut their teeth in the pet industry have teamed up with a new pet service dubbed “Pawtastic,” which is helping pet owners from Rogers to Monticello.
Founded last summer, Pawtastic features Lacie Metso of Monticello and Christy Paulson of Rogers. The duo cares for local pets – right in your home – with everything from feeding and medication to walking and outside exercise.
“It goes beyond just walking the dog or feeding the cat while someone is gone,” Paulson said. “People are more conscious than ever of pet health. It’s similar to personal health. We’re learning more all of the time, and these are members of our family. So as people get even busier with less time spent at home because of a commute or a job that has odd hours, people need more help to take care of these guys.”
Pawtastic is different from a drop-off kennel because it comes into the pet owner’s home. Some clients look for help daily with walks, exercise, medication or just quality time spent with some human interaction.
“In the long run, it can really help with behavioral problems. Pets are companion animals. They don’t really like to be alone. So if you can provide some interaction during the day, it’s going to cut down on them acting up when you get home at night,” Paulson added.
Though Paulson has a business degree, she’s helped start up a couple of veterinary clinics and managed several that operate inside Petsmart stores around the area, including the very busy location down in Eden Prairie. Metso studied and studied small animal health care and nutrition in college.
Christy Paulson (left) and some friends tend to a pup as part of their services for Pawtastic, a business located in the NW Metro. (Submitted photo)
New dogs are a big niche for Pawtastic. Many people are overwhelmed with a new pup, and how to work that spry animal into a “normal routine.”
A little extra information is always shared with the owner, too. Paulson and Metso be sure to write up notes after visits and e-mail an update to the owner, complete with a picture. It’s a personal touch one doesn’t get from a boarding facility.
“Dogs and cats, particularly, like to be home. They like their routine and their surroundings. So if you can come in and do something like this for them, the better they’ll be,” Paulson said.
For more information about Pawtastic and the services they provide pets in the Rogers, STMA, Otsego, Monticello and Big Lake (and some surrounding) communities, check them out on Facebook. Or, call them at 612-568-8116.
Lacie Metso of Monticello and Pawtastic Pet Care poses with one of her “clients” earlier this spring. Pawtastic comes into owners’ homes to provide 1-on-1 services with pets. (Submitted photo)