(Photo by mgstudyo via Getty)
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, you wouldn’t be able to hail a taxi, unless you’re a dog.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, a local resident is trailblazing a new business model: taxis for pets. It’s called Dogxi, and it was founded by Jenna Piro.
A year and a half ago, Piro was working at Paws Plaza, a local dog daycare, when she got the idea. “There would be calls from people needing help at home [with their pets],” Piro said. “People were asking if daycare could provide transportation.”
Not long after, Piro bought a commercial van and customized it for dog transport. In the back, there’s a crate for large breeds. And for smaller dogs, there’s a small crate taking up half of the backseat. “I’m a single mother,” Piro said. “I have my kiddo spot.”
Not just a dog taxi
Amazingly, what started as a transport service has blossomed into so much more. Not only does Dogxi transport people’s dogs, but Piro also offers walking, feeding, and dog-sitting care. “There are people with mobility issues or [who] work long hours and can’t get home to take care of pets,” Piro said. “We help walk and feed dogs at retirement homes.”
One of her customers, Shari Carroll, grabbed a Dogxi business card while dropping her dog, Brodi, off at daycare. “A week later, I fell on a trail and broke my ankle,” Carroll said. “I needed to be off my feet. ‘Oh, my God, what am I going to do with my dog?’ I pulled out the business card.”
For two months, Piro brought Brodi to his daycare every morning, then brought him back to Carroll in the evening. “My dog doesn’t like strangers at all,” Carroll said. “Jenna is amazing in developing a bond with a dog right away.”
Business is booming
Although Dogxi is first and foremost a pet transport service, Piro says only 40% of her business is actually a taxi service. Amazingly, besides feeding and walking dogs, Piro also offers basic dog training.
“That’s my favorite part,” Piro said. “I’ve gotten a lot of pandemic puppies. I get a lot of people not knowing what to feed them. It’s important for dogs to be socialized. These dogs are still learning about the world around them. I take them on little adventures. It’s basically socializing them. It’s great to watch them be comfortable when they weren’t comfortable before.”
Piro’s personable approach is surely one of the reasons for her success. In fact, her business has grown so much that she now has two employees. And on top of that, she’s also expanded her services to other pets.
“We catsit all the time,” she said. “I’m super familiar with birds and reptiles.”
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