Meet Clare Mix | Owner Wings and Whiskers LLC/ Wildlife Biologist/Retired C.P.A.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clare Mix and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clare, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I own Wings and Whiskers L.L.C., a pet sitting company serving the pet parents of Windsor, CO.  I have built a reliable, well-respected, and highly-reviewed pet care business. My business was just named as one of the most highly rated pet care companies by clients, out of over 3000 pet sitting businesses. I care for any species including dogs, cats, parrots, chickens, horses, donkeys, ferrets, rats, snakes, and tarantulas.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Like most businesses, my business was born of need and knowledge that I could do better.  I took quite a circuitous route to become a business owner. First, I was a C.P.A. After a few years, I went back to school, got a 2nd Master’s degree, and became a wildlife biologist studying endangered birds. My accounting background gave me the knowledge and technical skill to run a business. The wildlife biology background gave me the fortitude and stamina to work long, hard days in terrible weather. In both professions I learned comprehensive research skills which I use to read about science involving pets.  I developed the ultimate skill: the ability to read animals through my years of volunteering at shelters.  From the age of 18, I had been volunteering at the Humane Society and various local shelters, working with really tough dogs and cats. I continued volunteering every weekend through my professional jobs. When home security cameras came out, we were stunned to find out our pet sitter was not performing her job.  I knew I could do better and I have.  The most fulfilling part of owning a pet sitting business is letting people who haven’t taken a vacation in 20 years (yes they exist) finally have a vacation. It’s about giving people peace of mind knowing I can handle their tough dogs. I want to help people and I really like finding a connection with people through their animals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best thing you can do when you get to Colorado:  Drive.   A really fun treat is to rent a high-end sports car, and drive the Lariat Loop. It’s close to Denver, simply gorgeous.  Obviously Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-do.  But don’t do the paths everyone else does, get a map and stop at a lesser-used trail.  They exist and they are amazing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success has been made possible thanks to my parents, husband, teachers, and network of fellow sitters.  I also thank pet behavior researchers and veterinarians.  Pet behavior has been well studied at institutions like UCLA, yet is not well known by the majority of Americans.  I consider it my job to help disseminate the science for happy, healthy pets.  Thank you.

Website: https://www.wingsandwhiskerspetsitting.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingsandwhiskerspetsitting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingsandWhiskersPetSitting/

Image Credits
All images are mine except for the very first one in orange dress. Ashley McKenzie Photography for the “official” photo.