Chris’ Canine Club
Chris turned his love for dogs into a full-time business and used Goose software to streamline his operations, grow his client base, and provide top-tier care for his in-home boarding and daycare service.
Chris turned his love for dogs into a full-time business and used Goose software to streamline his operations, grow his client base, and provide top-tier care for his in-home boarding and daycare service.
Chris LaColle always had a love for hospitality and culinary arts, envisioning a career in the bustling environments of kitchens and restaurants. After graduating from culinary school, he found himself working in an assisted living facility, eventually rising to the position of food service director. During this time, Chris also discovered another passion that aligned with his love for hospitality —caring for dogs. What initially began as a side hustle through Rover became the foundation of a thriving full-time business: Chris' Canine Club, an in-home dog boarding and daycare service.
Chris began his journey into pet care by dog-sitting on Rover. The extra income was a welcome supplement to his full-time job. However, the demands of his full-time job and the responsibility of caring for his two German Shepherds made it increasingly difficult to manage his side hustle. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only heightened the demand for his services, as many people who had adopted pets now needed reliable care for their furry friends as they returned to work.
Chris with Ruby & Ralph
Recognizing the potential of his new endeavor, Chris decided to take a leap of faith. He left his job and committed himself fully to Chris' Canine Club. Initially, Chris continued to manage bookings through Rover. However, running his business through Rover was costly, forcing Chris to increase his rates to cover the fees he was charged. He decided to manage his bookings and client communications using Google Calendar and Excel to make his business more profitable, but as his business grew, this system quickly became inefficient and error-prone.
In his search for a more efficient way to manage his business, Chris came across a flier about Goose. He decided to give it a try, believing he could streamline his operations and better support his growing client base.
Implementing Goose marked a significant turning point for Chris' Canine Club. The software provided several key features that eased operational burdens and allowed Chris to focus on what he loved most: caring for dogs.
With Goose, Chris was able to automate the booking and management process. Clients could now book services directly through his website, eliminating the need for time-consuming back-and-forth communications. This automation streamlined operations and helped prevent overbooking, a common issue Chris faced with his manual system.
One of Goose's most impactful features was its rate optimization tools. Chris could now adjust his prices for high-demand periods, such as holidays and weekends, ensuring he was adequately compensated for his services. This feature alone significantly increased his revenue.
Goose’s reporting and analytics tools provided Chris with valuable insights into his business. He could track revenue, monitor occupancy rates, and understand customer preferences better than ever before. These insights were crucial for making informed decisions and planning for future growth. The improved booking system also enhanced the customer experience.
Clients appreciated the ease of booking online at their convenience without having to wait for a response. This feature was especially appealing to younger, tech-savvy clients who preferred the flexibility of online interactions.
The impact of adopting Goose was profound. Chris’ Canine Club saw a staggering 300% increase in revenue from January 2023 to January 2024. This growth was not just due to an expanding customer base but also because of the efficiency and optimized pricing that Goose unlocked.
Looking ahead, Chris has ambitious plans for Chris’ Canine Club. He envisions expanding into a more formal kennel setup, with facilities attached to his home. This would allow for further growth and the ability to hire additional staff. Goose’s robust reporting and analytics tools will be instrumental in this expansion, helping Chris to project growth, manage resources, and plan strategically for the future.
Chris’ journey from side hustle to full-time business owner is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and vision. The addition of Goose enabled Chris to streamline his operations, optimize his earnings, and provide a modern customer experience, transforming Chris’ Canine Club into a successful and sustainable enterprise poised for future growth.
Yardstick, a boutique pet care brand designed for modern pet parents, improved its operations and scaled its multi-location business with the help of Goose, benefiting from enhanced reporting, better business visibility, and a smoother booking experience—all backed by frequent updates and exceptional customer support.
