Meet Areona Carter | Dog Sitter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Areona Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Areona, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
It is funny that you ask this question, just before getting the email to do this interview I was thinking this very thing to myself. Being a small business owner you often wonder if you are making a difference or if your business really has a purpose. However, every time these thoughts come across my mind I quickly get inspired by people like you! Those who want to help other’s talents and dreams be seen are honestly a part of what has kept me going. As a business owner, you only want to know that others see and value your work, and that is what these interviews are for my business, a way to express to many people our love for dogs and the line of work we are in.

What should our readers know about your business?
Carter’s K-9 LLC is an In-Home Dog Boarding business founded in January of 2019. We offer services such as boarding, daycare, training, homemade dog treats, pooch parties, and more! Our business takes pride in the comfort of your dog, we want them to have the best experience when coming to spend time with us. A priority for us is ensuring that your fur baby keeps the normal routine you would at home or just creating the best “home-like” atmosphere for your dog. Many dogs and owners find that boarding in a traditional kennel can be stressful due to the unfamiliarity of being in a new place with many other dogs. This is where I think we are different, we are able to provide your dog with a stress-free, loving environment. Also, when you book services with us, you get many photo/video updates of your fur baby!

Starting my business was not the hard part, this came with the pandemic. We had only been in business for a year before the pandemic came to test our commitment. Income for our business primarily stemmed from socializing with dogs and their owners at the dog park. Since we were unable to do this due to COVID, we had to find strategic ways to continue to make income. However, despite many setbacks, Carter’s K-9 LLC. has continued to expand exponentially. These experiences have made us better business owners, and all-around better critical thinkers. Luckily, the pandemic did not only bring rainy days, during this time I have enrolled in CATCH to become a certified dog trainer! I am very excited to add this new skill to our business!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My absolute favorite place to go to is The Rustic! They have amazing food for brunch and dinner, as well as live music and a great atmosphere. The Trinity Grove and Bishop Arts district also has some nice places to eat and cool scenery!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The one person I have to shoutout for my success is my mother, Arlenna Williams! There has not been one thing in my life that she has not been supportive of me in, and this did not change when I on a whim, decided that I wanted to use her house as a full-time dog boarding facility. Quickly realizing that I could not accomplish this business alone, she had no issue stepping up to be my business partner. Arlenna is amazing with the fur babies, often taking over my shifts while I am in college and serving great customer service. Carter’s K-9 would not be where it is without her today.

I also can not forget to give a shoutout to my wonderful clients! Many of them have been trusting me to watch their dogs for close to two years now and the constant support means so much to us! The support from owners and their dogs gives me the constant motivation that I need to know my dreams are possible.

Website: https://www.cartersk9llc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartersk9_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CK9LLC