Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Zwerneman.
Hi Evan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always knew I had a passion for animals but was not sure how to make a career out of it. In 2017, I started working as a Vet Tech for Emancipet, a local non-profit here in Austin, TX. I quickly realized I wanted to make a career out of caring for animals, but did not want to work for anybody else doing it. In early 2019, I left the vet clinic I was managing and launched EZ Dog Stay and Play. I never looked back! My first day of daycare I had four dogs and it just took off from there. We just passed our three years anniversary mark and I now have five full-time employees and we watch anywhere from 50-75 dogs per day between daycare and overnight boarding. In December of 2021, we had 95 dogs on our waitlist to join our daycare program. I love what I do and can not believe my passion has turned into my career.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
– The beginning of COVID was definitely a struggle. I had several bookings for overnight stays and then COVID hit and nobody was traveling anymore so they canceled. We also had several dogs quit coming to daycare since the owners started working remotely. We had to make adjustments and figure out a way to stay stable through it!
– Staffing has been a real issue. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to find reliable and good help these days. My Dad gave me advice and warned me very early on that growth is fine, but just to be careful to not grow so big that the bad outweighs the good. I’m happy with what I have and do not plan at this time to continue to expand. One location is already a challenge and I’m happy with what I have.
– The Dog Buses are always in the shop! Everybody wants to copy and do what I have started, but they don’t realize the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles. These are expenses other dog daycares do not have. Gas for example(have you seen gas prices lately!?), Car Insurance, Liability insurance, oil changes, tires, and the wear and tear of all the miles we put on them.
– Finding a location! I searched for months before finding each of my locations! I leased my two first locations before finding my current location which I purchased in 2021. Restrictions and commercial zoning are real things!
As you know, we’re big fans of EZ Dog Stay and Play LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We launched in 2019. We’re just a local small business that plans to stay local at this time. I am a true believer that if you do what you love then you never work a day in your life.
We are different from any other dog daycare in Austin due to our pick-up and drop-off service in our multiple dog buses. We also have acreage where dogs can be dogs and not play on a concrete slab all day. Our dogs get to meet and interact with our potbelly pig, see horses, etc. being with us! It’s the country life and the dogs LOVE it.
I am proud that I was able to launch with 1 dog bus in 2019 and now have 5 dog buses total. I built this all myself and am proud of what I’ve accomplished. People from all over the world are reaching out asking how I’ve done what I’ve done. I’m probably going to start business coaching very soon to help those interested.
We currently offer overnight boarding, dog daycare and some grooming. We also offer services such as baths, nail trims and even frozen yogurt treats from a local shop called “Paws on Chicon” here in Austin, TX. We love supporting and keeping it local!
How do you think about luck?
I’m not a big believer in luck! I believe if you put in the work then the rest will fall into place. Success is not easy, but if you truly put in the work you will start seeing results and figuring out the next steps to be successful. Challenge yourself, work hard, give the best customer service possible and put yourself in other people’s shoes. When you take a step back and start viewing the situation from others you will be amazed at how much more understanding you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ezdogstayandplay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ezdogstayandplay/?hl=en
Image Credits
EZ Dog Stay and Play LLC (they’re all our photos).
