Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Clara Grant, Founder of Skoop, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SKOOP brings skilled veterinary nursing support to NYC pet parents struggling with home care for their four-legged family members. We help pet parents manage home care for acute injuries like a bandage for a broken leg or fluid therapy for a chronic condition like kidney disease. This type of care can be overwhelming for many pet parents. Often they turn to family, friends, or pet sitters for assistance who intend to do what's best but may have limited training with veterinary medical treatments. This dynamic can increase the risk for adverse reactions and complications and can quickly become an extra expense for the parent (who may be away on travel).
Very similar to Visiting Nurse Service for humans, we essentially do the same - just for pets. Pet parents can feel at ease knowing a skilled and knowledgeable veterinary professional will be available for at-home treatments. Stress is reduced when the pet and parent get to stay in their personal space versus traveling back and forth for treatments. Expenses between travel, medical mishaps, and inconsistencies in treatment are reduced.
We have created a solution for a long-awaited problem in our industry. We are excited to embark on a new way to support pet parents and help increase pet longevity.
Tell us about yourself
I am a native New Yorker, mother, and licensed veterinary technician whose first passion was in veterinary specialty medicine, performing anesthesia for the healthiest and the sickest pets in NYC. It was through my decade of experience that I got to see the disparity between compliance and patient progress. The countless expressions of worry and frustration were only a symptom of the problem.
It wasn't until I was reprimanded and received my first verbal warning ever in my 8yrs of employment that I found my second career wind. Part of my role as a veterinary nurse was to present surgical estimates to pet parents. On this particular day, I walked into an exam room to a newly-wed couple who had a dog in need of extensive wound care for post-surgical dehiscence. They just spent over $5K for tumor removal on his thigh, where the incision had re-opened. With limited transportation, limited financial resources, and a $2K daily estimate to repair a huge wound, it almost seemed hopeless. If you saw the look on their face, the tears they were holding back, along with the decision they did not want to make, you would have felt compelled to help too. Unfortunately, company policy is to redirect pet parents back to their main veterinarian or to the ASPCA for low-cost care.
That day, I had to break company policy and follow my heart and veterinary nursing oath to "advocate for animals and relieve pain and suffering." Since I was expected to clean and dress his wound anyway, I asked my supervising veterinarian if I could help these parents at home?. With full confidence, he consented to a few mandatory requirements for care. After three months of habitual visits, their pet was completely healed. It wasn't until the original surgeon heard of my home care service that he decided to make an example of my situation. Apparently, I was on to something that could not be understood nor appreciated. Instead, I have presented a verbal warning suggesting I discontinue my services if I wish to remain employed. As a single mom at the time, I had to put SKOOP on hold until I was ready to leave. During COVID, I decided to re-launch SKOOP. I took the plunge out of veterinary practice and into the shoes of entrepreneurship.
SKOOP is a company where pet parents and veterinary nurses can feel supported. I have a strong belief that home-care support for pets is the next phase in veterinary care. What motivates me is remembering the impact of our first case, the lives we continue to touch, and the future ahead. It also helps when your clients continuously say, "your service is very much needed. Don't stop!". So we aren't.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Outside of our first case, our biggest success has been with a pet named Changi. He is a 17y neutered male orange feline who has a combination of underlying conditions. One of which is uncontrolled diabetes. It landed him in the hospital last summer for a few days. After his mom found our fliers in a local coffee shop, she asked her veterinarian to work with us. With no hesitation, his specialist at the Animal Medical Center started working with us to manage Changi's diabetes and renal hypertension. With weekly blood glucose and blood pressure checks along with periodic fructosamine blood panels, Changi went from 10 units of insulin per day to 0.5 units of insulin per day. We are looking at our first diabetic remission, which can be very difficult to achieve.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for us is to push through the "no's" and the doubts of people who do not see the bigger picture. The hardest thing is to change the perspectives from "this is how it's always been" to "I can see the value in this." We are often confused with pet sitters. Although we respect their hustle, we do not completely fit in that category.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Go based on what is done, not what is said - listen to the action.
- Don't let others decide how far you can go, not even yourself.
- Fear will forever hold you back - so just start.
- Follow-through is everything; otherwise, it's only an idea.
- Surround yourself with people who uplift and motivate you - this includes excluding even the closest of friends or family.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Remember to practice kindness and patience with your veterinary professionals. After all, they heal the pet that means so much to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.skoopnyc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skoopnyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skoop_inc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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