Christine and Pier Bollini are taking their new business to the dogs.
‘We were looking for a home-based business,? said Christine, owner of Aussie Pet Mobile in Clarkston, with her husband. ‘We were looking at the different franchise opportunities and this one appealed to us. We saw a need for it, and we wanted to stay in the community.?
Christine and Pier, who have four daughters and live in Independence Township, completed their franchise training, set up their Pet Mobile van, and hired a pet groomer, Cynthia Dodich. of Waterford.
“A lot has happened in two months,? Christine said. ‘Everything’s falling into place,?
Dodich is trained in a 15-step grooming process, including nail clipping, ear cleaning, bathing, brushing, drying, and massage.
“My dad saw an ad for it in the Penny Stretcher, and I wanted to check it out,? she said. ‘I love animals. It’s a lot of fun.?
The vehicle, which she drives to customers’ homes, is equipped with a tub, warm water supply, clippers with vacuum, wash hoses, clippers, and everything else needed to take care of dogs and cats. Water drains into a storage tank in the back, so nothing is left behind.
They also offer ‘pawdicures,? in which dog’s nails are filed and painted assorted colors, tooth brushing, and Firminator shampoo, which loosens and washes away undercoat fur and reduces shedding.
The service offers many benefits, Christine said.
“A lot of dogs don’t like riding in the car and being left for hours,” she said.
“It also benefits people who aren’t able to get out,” Pier said. “It’s good for older dogs, who might have trouble getting into the car.”
They plan regular stops at local senior centers, as well as taking calls from throughout the Clarkston area, as well as Waterford, White Lake, and Commerce townships.
Customers call to set up an appointment. Customers do not have to be home during the appointment.
Pier worked for big corporations for 27 years ? this is the Bollinis first business venture.
“The economy the way it is, there are no guarantees,? he said. ‘This provides something fun to do and build up.?
“It’s pretty exciting,? Christine said.
A leadership-development seminar gave them confidence to go out on their own, he said.
‘Eventually, within three years, we’d like to have three vehicles, and go from five days a week to seven days a week,? Pier said. ‘We want to bring on four or five groomers.?
Aussie Pet Mobile was created in 1996 in Sydney, Australia. It has expanded through franchising throughout the United States, Ireland, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, England, China, Germany, Taiwan and Japan.
For more information or to set up an appointment, call 248-240-9199 or check www.aussuepetmobile.com.