NEW PET SERVICE COMBINES PROFESSIONAL, NURTURING CARE WITH STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

Customers receive free GPS tracking for their dog walks simply by downloading a smart phone app that allows them to view a map of the walk in real time

Wag West, a professional pet service that offers customers free GPS tracking via a smart phone app, launched last month to a rapidly growing client base in the North County Coastal area.  Wag West owner, Adam Zucker, differentiates himself from competitors not only with the GPS technology, but also by offering a convenient online scheduling and billing service.  In addition, customers receive an email exactly at the time their pet’s walk begins and ends.    

After carefully evaluating the industry, Zucker, a former New York City restaurateur and San Diego sales manager, began setting the stage for what is now a professional, comprehensive pet service including dog walking at beaches, parks or local neighborhoods, pet sitting, dog training, cat visits and even a pet taxi service.  “Since the pet care industry is largely unregulated and there are no required professional standards, virtually anyone can do it,” says Zucker, who left a high paying corporate job to follow his passion.  Adding that he is fully licensed, bonded and insured, he says he knew he was taking a risk.  “I knew I had to differentiate myself if I was going to be successful.  I definitely possess the business skills that exceed most of my competitors, so that made me a little more confident,” he says.  “I made sure I did things right by getting a full background security check by the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and a first aid certification, which helps customers feel more confident,” he adds.   

Clients who sign up for a Wag West dog walking plan can expect Zucker, or one of his specially trained walkers, to enter their home where a QR code (usually placed on the fridge) gets scanned.  This prompts an email to be sent, notifying the client the walk has begun.  A smart phone app then enables the client to view a real time map of the exact location and route of the walk, and even whether their dog pooped, peed or both!  “I like that clients know exactly when and where their dogs are being walked,” says Zucker.  “This puts full accountability on the part of Wag West, and provides 100% peace of mind for the owner, which is my primary concern since I believe most pet owners tend to be as neurotic about their animals as I am,” he adds.

A lifelong dog lover, Zucker says he would take care of pets on the side, but started getting more referrals from friends who said he was the only one they trusted with their dog.  “I knew I was onto something, so I made the decision to turn my ‘hobby’ into a profession,” he says.  “In addition, I carefully select my dog walkers.  They must be animal lovers and have experience with pets, but they also must have a great work ethic, pass a background check, and be service-oriented and reliable.  Having hired and trained hundreds of managers over my professional career, I feel confident that our staff will be the best in the industry.”

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About Wag West

Wag West strives to improve the quality of life for pets and their owners by providing professional, nurturing service combined with innovative technology.  Services include dog walking, pet sitting, cat visits, dog training, pet taxi and professional pet photography.  For more information visit www.wagwest.com or connect with us on Facebook. 

About Adam Zucker

Adam was born and raised in Manhattan, and moved to San Diego close to 15 years ago.  He is a lifelong dog owner of a number of breeds, including Viszlas, mixed breeds, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs.  He holds a B.A. in Economics from Vassar College and resides in Del Mar with “Jenny,” his 11 year old German Shepherd/Yellow Lab mix.