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Business & Tech

Local Pet Care Business Gets Regional Recognition

Katie and Rosie's Pet Care based in Potomac started out as a favor for a friend and is now getting attention in Washington Magazine.

Katie and Rosie Kohn are the mother and daughter co-owners of the Potomac-based pet boarding business, Katie and Rosie’s Pet Care, which recently received some attention in Washington Magazine’s online edition.

Washington Magazine called its online readers to submit their picks for the top pet care providers in the Washington, D.C., metro area, and several readers recommended Katie and Rosie’s Pet Care.

“Katie and Rosie’s pet care is great, my standard poodle Madison has spent a lot of time with Katie and Rosie and they take wonderful care of her, she even gets to sleep in bed with them,” posted Judy Z. of Potomac on the comment chain. “Highly recommend them!”

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The mother, Katie said it all began when she visited veterinarian Dr. Richard Weitzman in 1998. She said she was offered a job and worked there for about seven years. While Katie was working for Weitzman, a friend and client came in with a dog looking for a place to keep it other than a kennel. Katie offered to keep the pet.

“Literally, that is all it took,” Katie said. “From then on it was a snowball.”

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Katie said the majority of her clients have come through Weitzman’s office. Within a year or two, the clientele increased and Katie’s husband, Joe suggested pursuing it as a business.

Katie didn't miss a beat and started the pet care and boarding business, now located at 9017 Rouen Lane in Potomac.

Dr. Kara Chaplin, a veterinarian in Weitzman’s office, said Katie is one of the first people they think of when asked for places to board a pet.

“We know how reliable she is. They take care of the dogs like they are their own dogs,” Chaplin said. “I would feel comfortable leaving them with my dog.”

During the early years of the pet care business, Katie’s daughter Rosie studied psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and then lived in Argentina for a period of time. Rosie came home to Potomac in 2009 to save some money, but as things turned out, she decided to stay. Rosie said she could see the growth potential in the pet sitting business.

“I needed her,” said Katie, who was suffering from knee problems that eventually led to surgery. “At first it was a babysitting business. All of a sudden I’m getting referrals. I couldn’t take in any more business by myself.”

Rosie admitted it is “interesting” working with her mother.

“I did not think I would be working with her, taking care of animals,” Rosie said. “I’m shocked I am.”

They decided to call the business Katie and Rosie’s Pet Care about a year ago. Rosie signed the business up with Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, as well as getting them licensed, bonded and insured. Rosie also made a Facebook page and a blog for the business to get the word out.

Katie and Rosie have cared for a large variety of dogs and cats, as well as ferrets, birds, fish, a bearded dragon lizard, a rabbit, snakes and a large hermit crab.

Katie is also able to give insulin injections and medication.

In spite of the occasional mess, Katie and Rosie said the job is fun.

“We really enjoy the interaction of the dogs with other dogs,” Katie said.

One client, Maria Combs, said she has been boarding her dog Max with Katie for about three years.

“All I do is mention [Katie’s] name and his ears perk up and he starts looking for the door,” Combs said.

Combs said she had to get rid of one of her dogs recently because she had a baby. She said she called Katie, who found the dog a home within 24 hours.

“She is like family,” said Combs. “I guess we are related by our dogs.” 

Katie said they get cards and videos from past clients, as well as calls when a pet passes away.

“It really is fulfilling. We have made so many friends,” Katie said. “We have wonderful clients. In essence, we are caring for a member of their family.”

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