*Dom, the day care manager at Patrick's Pet Care, gives Cooper some love.*

A good friend of mine started a pet care business five years ago, and he has grown it into one of the leading pet care businesses in DC due to happy customers and happy pets. While initially a one-man show run by owner Patrick Flynn, Patrick’s Pet Care now serves nineteen neighborhoods in both northwest and southwest DC and employs about 11 employees. While Patrick’s Pet Care was founded in Columbia Heights, it’s Petworth customers who really helped the company get its start. Read more and learn about a Petworth News reader discount!

More than just a dog-walking company, Patrick’s opened a small dog day care in 2016 at 3303 11th St NW. Anyone walking to brunch on 11th Street has seen the cute pups playing or napping through the day care’s sun-filled bay windows. Never overcrowded, the day care champions human-animal interaction. A manager supervises the dogs throughout the day, takes them out on private walks around the neighborhood, and makes sure they are all happy and getting along.

Patrick’s Pet Care also offers services for cats and other small pets at customers’ homes, including daytime visits for feedings, cleaning the litterbox, and providing additional house care. If you don’t want to leave your cat at home alone, Patrick’s Pet Care can board them at their own facilities.

*Sadie chilling out at Patrick's Pet Care*

One customer, Chelon Nickolette, has entrusted the company with her cat, Sadie, for an entire year. Sadie spends her time at the office, keeping a watchful eye on staff as they work. Nickolette commented, "I couldn't feel that [Sadie's] in a better place. They send me email updates with pictures to give me bits of her life, such as her new favorite napping spot, and it makes my day. I can tell by the correspondence I receive that they care for her and it really puts my mind at ease that she is in the best hands.”

What sets Patrick’s Pet Care apart is their overarching focus on providing the highest quality care for clients, pets and employees. Clients can schedule visits conveniently on their phones through the Pet Check app as well as leave comments directly for the caretaker. The app also has GPS tracking which means customers can see that Patrick’s Pet Care was where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there. After every walk, pet sit, or day of day care or boarding, the caretakers send an email with a summary of the visit, including cute notes, pictures and videos. This type of open communication means every pet gets the individualized care they need and every customer can feel confident when they are away from their pet.

*Owner Patrick Flynn walking one of his furry customers.*

For employees, Patrick’s Pet Care means a positive, stable working environment. Every employee makes a living wage of at least $15 an hour, meaning they can afford to live in the neighborhood they serve.

Ariana Goode is a Petworth resident who has been working at Patrick’s Pet Care for over a year. “While I’m not originally from DC, I feel a part of the community because I live where I work. I love seeing my clients enjoying their pets just as much as I enjoy taking care of them. Working at Patrick's Pet Care means that you're joining a family that loves people and pets alike.” With such a supportive workplace, the staff is able to get to know the pets they care for over months and even years. This leads to stronger relationships between the animals and their caretaker.

*Matt is one of the dog walkers in Petworth for Patrick's Pet Care*

Patrick’s has gained a loyal following over the years, as longtime Petworth customer Annie Sylvain notes, “I have used Patrick's Pet Care to help with regular dog walking and dog sitting our two dogs for more than three years. They put the safety and health of our dogs first. They are meticulous with planning and organization that leave me no doubt that my dogs are in good hands.”

Patrick’s Pet Care also puts an emphasis on giving back to the community. This year they are sponsoring Celebrate Petworth to show their support for the neighborhood which has always supported them. Patrick and his team will be in attendance, providing water and treats for any dogs enjoying the festival. This type of local-engagement is a priority of Patrick’s Pet Care and an ode to their small-business roots.

By maintaining their high standards of customer care, Patrick’s Pet Care hopes to expand business throughout DC without losing their community-focused spirit. No matter how many neighborhoods are served, every pet will receive the personalized attention and specialized care that has made Patrick’s a pillar of DC pet care.

To learn more about Patrick’s Pet Care, visit them online.