Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Robles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins with growing up in a home with many pets. Our family dog, Smokey, was adopted when I was a baby. Smokey was a Samoyed/Shepard mix and he and I grew up together. He was my furry brother. Going on walks, brushing him and loving him are some of the best memories from my childhood. When I was just 7 years old Smokey and I we were walking near a field behind my house when he was bit by a rattlesnake right on his cute nose! I didn’t see the snake, but I knew he was badly hurt. I was able to get him home to my parents and the vet was able to save his life. Smokey lived a 17 year long life, he and I were the same age when we had to send my furry brother over the Rainbow Bridge. I remember taking him for one last walk and telling him how much I loved him and how much he meant to me. It was a special memory that I still cherish today. Smokey wasn’t our only beloved pet though, we also had many pets over the years including cats (at one point we had 6 total in our home), birds, rats and rabbits.
In high school, I developed a strong interest in Biology and ultimately wanted to learn more about marine and aquatic life systems. I obtained my BS in Aquatic Biology at UCSB in 2001, and in the process fell in love with the Santa Barbara area and the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Upon graduation I fell in love again, with my now husband who is a passionate animal lover as well. We both dreamed of opening our own pet care business together as we began rooting ourselves and starting a family in Santa Barbara. We started Santa Barbara Pet Pals in 2004 as a small side business while we both worked full time. I was working at a vet clinic where I cared for pets who were boarding there as well as performing grooming and vet tech responsibilities. During my years working at the vet clinic, I really felt that boarding pets in kennel conditions was not an ideal situation for most dogs and cats. While the pets there were cared for as well as could be, it was very apparent that most pets were not happy and very stressed. It occurred to me that if they could stay home while their families were away they would be so much better off. Thus, Santa Barbara Pet Pals was born. Over a 22 year period, the business grew and thrived and became a full time passion of mine. Developing relationships with pet owners and their pets became such a joy and privilege, while the business flexibility allowed me to be a present parent to my 2 children and pets at home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have found that the service industry is unpredictable. We have periods of slow business and other times when keeping up with demand is difficult. But, the most difficult part is when we have to say goodbye to a dear pet that we have cared for over many years when their owners send them over the rainbow bridge. It’s like loosing one of my own beloved pets.
We’ve been impressed with Santa Barbara Pet Pals, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our mission at Santa Barbara Pet Pals is to give each pet the best individual care they need based on their routine, personality and environment. Whether our clients are away from home or just need some help keeping up with their pets exercise and social routines, it is our goal to make sure their pets receive the most professional and personalized care they can. In turn, our amazing clients are given peace of mind that their most precious possessions are in our professional and loving hands. After working with so many pets and pet owners over the past 22 years, I really I have learned so much about how best to serve each pets individual needs and personalities. My experiences over the years, along with becoming a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International gives me pride and confidence to say that my clients pets have a trusted and reliable friend, protector and caregiver when they are with me. Petsitting and dog walking isn’t just a hobby or side-gig, it’s a profession, it’s 100% passion and commitment to my clients and their pets.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Petsitting and Dog walking will always be a relevant profession. There is a strong need for sitters to stay 24/7 in someone’s home or to have a “like home” personal boarding experience where dogs can stay in someone’s home while their owner is a way. I do see myself providing more pack walks or opening a doggie daycare facility in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sbpetpals.com
- Instagram: @sbpetpals1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBPetPals
