Today’s featured business is part of our #StartSmall series, encouraging members of our region to start their holiday shopping with local small business first. Through the month of December, we’ll get to know the faces of small business through conversation with local business owners. Today we meet Jennifer Livingood of Leads, formerly called Manhattan Mutt Company, LLC. As a small business dedicated to building relationships with clients and their pets, she shared with us how they got started here in Manhattan and what they’re doing to adjust in this crazy new world we’re living in.
What’s your business backstory?
Our business opened in 2012 when the previous owner saw a need in the MHK community for pet care outside of boarding facilities. I have many fur babies of my own — some have behavior/anxiety issues — and the horses and goats are just too big to board. Because of this, boarding facilities have never been a realistic option. I graduated with a B.S in Animal Science in 2014 and took over ownership of the business in 2019. The previous owner had moved away and I wanted to keep the much needed service of professional pet care in our community.
Pictured here is one of Jennifer’s employees and some of their cutest clients. Pets may not be your whole life, but they can make your life whole. Support a local business today by reaching out to Manhattan Mutt Company for all your pet sitting needs.
Tell us why you love what you do.
I love that we get to meet and serve people and pets of all kinds! We allow people to work, travel, and live their lives while still being able to own animals without feeling guilty that their pets are home alone.
What do you offer Manhattan that no one else does?
We offer professional pet care in a team format and on-demand / emergency services to our current clients. As professionals we are insured and bonded, and our employees go through training on animal body language, basic pet first aid, safety protocols, and more. A team member is always on-call to make sure all our pet friends are taken care of. We have online software and systems in place so if you get called into work, or have to leave town, we can step in right away.
How are you overcoming or adapting your business to covid?
Covid hit us hard with so many people working remotely and no longer traveling. We live in a great community with many essential workers that have helped us stay alive during this time as well as a few clients who continued to support us even when not using our services. This slower time has allowed us to focus on our brand and continuing education. I have also been able to provide some consulting services for similar businesses around the country.
#ShopSmall #MHKLove
