Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Arts.
Hi Megan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Indiana and in August 2020 got hired by an dog training facility to work as a receptionist. I was hired because I already had a small base of dog training and handling knowledge from own life and personal interests, and I also had a lot of office experience. While I was there I learned any way I could. I followed along for private lessons, helped with training sessions at the facility, and also started using that information to improve training my dogs at home. I did that for around year.
Then my friend, also a dog trainer, moved to Oregon to work at a dog training facility out here, after a month or so asked if I would like a job out here. I am always up for adventure and I was in a transitional period in my personal life so I decided to go for it! Within a month I was out here working as a trainer. I stayed at that facility for about 2 years and learned so much, but I needed insurance and more steady pay so I had to go back to a regular office job, but I never stopped wanting to work with dogs.
Finally the office I was working for was downsized in July of last year and I was let go. Sad, but it gave me the perfect opportunity open my own business, which I had been thinking about doing anyway. I enrolled in Oregon’s Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program, which helped me with transition to self employment. My goal was to have a place dogs could come be dogs, while also getting the structure, enrichment, and exercise they need to thrive!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest struggles were the money and time it takes to start a business. With the help of my partner and the supplemented income of the SEA it was possible, but a lot of work. It was also a big change for our household (because I run my business out of my garage) and took some time to get used to. Luckily I have the best partner who supported me while I figured it out!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a small daycare that only takes less than 10 dogs a day. I think most daycares are too crowded and really pride myself on giving each dog individualized attention. That includes exercise, personalized training session, and some kind of puzzle/toy each day. I also separate dogs into groups not just by size, but also by temperament. The goal of my life and business is to create a safe environment for dogs to be dogs and to help owners understand their dogs better.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a spitfire. My mom always says she didn’t know what I would say next. I always had a passion for animals, from saving cats to taking my dog to school for a project about animal adoption. Animals have always been a part of my life. I also loved to sing and dance, I was in show choir in high school and really enjoyed it. I was very independent as a child and got my first job at 13 working as a dishwasher in my home town. If I had to use one word to describe myself as a child it would be passionate. Whatever I did, I did it with all my heart!
Pricing:
- $38 for Daycare
- $50 for Boarding
- $380 Daycare Package (Buy 10 days get the 11th day free)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meganandthedogs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganandthedogs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Megan-The-Dogs-61578846535554/
