It’s yappy days for dog lovers at Tails and Whiskers

Louise Kramer has always been passionate about animals. “My family always had dogs and cats and looking after them was always my responsibility,” she tells Kochie’s Business Builders.

“My two elder sisters would pass anything to do with their care to me because they knew I enjoyed it so much. I was the kid who would bring stray dogs and cats home, show my mum the ‘amazing!’ dead snake I found, and started a dog walking business…even though only my parents hired me,” she recalls.

Her passion for pooches was cemented at the age of 13 when she was given a dog of her own. It was, she says, one of the most amazing moments of her life. That Kramer would grow up to have a career working with animals seemed a forgone conclusion.

A passion for animals drove her ambition

At just 17 she found her first job in the animal business after reading an ad in the paper for a horse groomer with Circus Royal.

“I was never allowed to go to a circus because my mother didn’t believe in performing animals,” she remembers, “But I figured that if the animals were being mistreated, it would be by the person who spent the most time with them – the groom. So, I applied. I was the first female they had ever hired to do the job due to the physical demands. And boy was it hard work. But my time there were some of the most rewarding of my life. Circus animals, it turns out, are much loved, spoiled, and well-travelled. They love performing, and I loved being their friend.”

A stint as a strapper training racehorses followed before Kramer joined the armed forces.

“While I was in the military, I was given the chance to transfer to Military Police, where I could become a dog handler. And I jumped at the chance. Before that could happen, however, I was given the opportunity to start the business I have today.”

A dog’s life

That business is Tails and Whiskers, a specialty mobile grooming service that keeps pampered pets looking their best. Pet grooming is a competitive arena and Kramer soon realised she needed to find some way to set herself apart from other service providers.

“Pet grooming is a very flooded market. To stand out from the crowd I was going to have to mix things up. Traditionally, mobile pet groomers will service their clients by towing a trailer to their home. This trailer holds a bath, blow dryer, and supplies. It has been done this way since the industry’s inception. I wanted to do it better,” she says.

The answer: a mobile salon.

“It’s a fully converted Mercedes van with a custom grooming table, built-in walls, and personalised shelving and storage. It made my business all weather. This was also helpful for creating a smaller, quieter space for nervous animals. It eliminated the need to tow a trailer…a big deal for me! I also took on catto clients. Being so warm in Queensland it is important to keep our pets cool. Clipping longer haired cats is essential to keep them healthy. There are not many people locally who offer this service (or don’t charge the earth) and I now have people bringing their cats to my home if they fall outside my area.”

A dog’s life

Since starting her business, Kramer says she’s faced a number of challenges, the least of which was launching during the global financial crisis.

“Getting my name out there took a long time. There are also the challenges of being your own accountant, bookkeeper and receptionist, while also actually doing your job. When you own your own business, work doesn’t end when you get home. There are people to call back, messages to reply to, stock to order. It never ends.”

Nonetheless, Kramer feels grateful to be a small business owner, following her passion.

“Dogs are pure. My clients don’t mind if I’m five minutes late. They don’t mind if I sing poorly along with the radio. They don’t laugh if I’m wearing gym gear to work. They are happy to see me no matter what.”

You can find out more about Tails and Whiskers here or follow them on Facebook.

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