Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Byrd.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Bonding with animals comes quite naturally. My earliest memories include interacting with pets and wildlife. Pet care was the first job a non-family member paid me to do. As a young adult, I worked in a veterinary clinic assisting in all areas. With many interests, including art, deciding on a career path was difficult. Eventually, I began to volunteer at Zoo Atlanta and enrolled in college. Caring for animals is so fun and challenging. I fell in love. The zoo offered me a keeper position. I eventually earned a biology degree from Agnes Scott College. After ten years of caring for a variety of animals–from kangaroos to elephants–it was time for a change. Once again, I was unsure of what to do in life. Caring for animals is the most rewarding work I have ever done. Working for myself was quite scary at first, but it introduced a whole new level of fulfillment. I am fortunate to work with so many wonderful people and pets.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This has been a learning experience, for sure, but a far smoother transition than imagined. At first, people did not want to hire a newcomer. I understand. They wanted to feel secure I would be around in a year. A few friends and former colleagues heard I was in business and began to hire me. Soon their friends called, and so forth. Most of the families I work with heard of me from another Capricorn family. It actually does feel like one big, real, fuzzy family. I am proud of that. A little luck, a strong animal husbandry background, and a lot of support from my community helped establish Capricorn Care.
Capricorn Care – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
All households are unique and we provide full-spectrum pet care. We offer dog walks, play visits, and daily care for all types of animals. Whether your cat needs food and snuggles once a day or eye drops three times a day, we can handle it. All of our pets need love, nourishment, and activity; some Capricorn kids also need complicated medical treatments and help walking. One service which sets us apart is our ability to provide overnight care. We seem to have a knack with pets who maybe do not possess the greatest social skills. Don’t be surprised if you return home and find a pet portrait on the shelf. Our work babies provide so much artistic inspiration! We even provide farm care services. More and more, people in and out of the city are raising chickens, goats, and other small farm animals. Homesteading makes travel difficult. It is even harder to find someone with knowledge of farm animals. We can perform all basic animal husbandry tasks on a farm, including milking and some hoof trimming. The Capricorn Care team has extensive animal care and animal behavior experience. Both are sciences, and we approach them as such. An infinite love for animals is a requirement for this sort of work, but it isn’t always enough. People want to know their pet is loved when they are away. They also want to know their caregiver will make the right decision in a critical moment.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success, professional or personal, is doing what you love without starving. My only financial goal was to earn more money working for myself than for a private organization. Reaching that goal felt more like intense relief than success. Maybe they are the same thing. Success is feeling like hard work is paying off, it is when clients tell you they need you and appreciate what you do. Success is also working outside and playing with animals all day.
Contact Info:
- Phone:404-213-1170
- Email:sarahbyrd.sc@gmail.com
- Facebook:www.facebook.com/capricorncare
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