Q&A with Monika Hartman Owner Doggy Drop ‘n’ Go
Thanks for your time Monika. Such a fun concept for your business. Kick us off and tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there.
I moved to St.Augustine a little over a year ago.
Why and how did you get started?
I have been training dogs and working in different dog resorts and boarding facilities for quite a while. My family and I were throwing around ideas about what type of business we should open. We decided to open a unique dog daycare & pup-friendly art studio..
What aspect of your business are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the dogs that we care for! We also have the most wonderful clients! I love taking the dogs on field trips and taking fun photos of them for their owners. I also enjoy having pups who aren’t excited to be in large groups.
How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
I visited St. Augustine and saw that there wasn’t a dog daycare available for short-term visits. I thought it would be a great idea to be able to offer a place where people could leave their dogs if it’s too hot outside or while they visit museums and other places that aren’t able to accommodate them.
Being a dog trainer, and having worked in large resorts and dog daycares, I wanted to provide a more intimate, “boutique” style daycare for pups.
From the outset, what would you say was your mission?
We wanted a daycare where the pups are treated as part of our family, close to downtown for convenience.
What are your goals for the company?
We are outgrowing our current location! We are excited at the opportunity to relocate by summer. We always want to maintain the quality of love and care that our pups receive. We also want to be able to offer more fun things for them to do!
When did you start your business?
We officially opened October 25th, 2023
What made you choose to operate your business in its current location?
We originally wanted to be in the heart of downtown. Due to zoning restrictions, we were not able to open a daycare in the area that we preferred. We found a building as close as possible to downtown in the area that is zoned for a daycare.
Can you give us a brief background on the service(s) or product(s) you offer and the people you serve?
We provide short-term daycare for out-of-state guests who just need a place to care for their pups while they sightsee and explore downtown. We also have local clients who bring their pups on a regular schedule so they can spend time interacting with their friends. We also offer dog training and boarding.
What is a unique attribute/aspect/quality/feature about your business?
Since we are a family-owned, smaller dog daycare we are able to provide our guests with personal love and attention in our own home.
How many employees make it happen at Doggy Drop ‘n’ Go?
We are a family business. It takes both behind the scenes and in front to be able to make it happen!
What qualities do you look for in an employee?
Currently, we are not looking to hire employees.
As a business owner, tell us what some of your responsibilities are.
Most people can see what is going on in the front of the house. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to be able to run this business.
Our family comes together to make sure all of the responsibilities are taken care of from staying compliant with the city, paying bills, and caring for the pups.
How do you advertise your business?
We are on Google, Social Media, and the St. Augustine Tour Map. We are also on some other popular online sites like Visit St. Augustine and Bring Fido. We were recently voted #1 for the St.Augustine Best Choice Community Awards.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute our success to hard work, a great family, and amazing guests!
Does your company help with or get involved in any community projects?
We get involved with dog rescues and have had food trucks and vendor events.
If you could offer one piece of advice for someone who’s just starting a business, what would it be?
Don’t give up! There are times when you will feel overwhelmed and like throwing in the towel. Hang in there! We are also a family of faith. We know that we are not alone in this.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I am passionate about road-tripping with my own pup, Wyatt. We visit historical and pup-friendly places and then blog about them on social media. My pup has his own social media called, “Adventures with Wyatt”.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The people. I have made the most incredible friends here in St. Augustine. The community is also wonderful. I truly enjoy meeting other small business owners as well as our guests.
Where and how can folks learn more about your business? Links to your website?
Doggy Drop ‘n’ Go is on social media and Google. Our website is www.doggydropngo.com
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
