Meet Susan West of Party Animals Dog Party Planner and Play Dates in Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan West.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Animals have always been my passion! I used to work as a volunteer at the Orange County and Irvine Animal Shelters. And am presently part of a growing number of animal lovers trying desperately to change laws to protect those animals whose voices are not heard. It is an uphill battle and one that I personally will never give up on but we thank goodnesss are starting to see the results.

Since I had a background in advertising and have planned numerous events throughout my career I thought it would be fun to start a Dog Party Service. Can you imagine? I thought what fun! To work with people to plan different events/celebrations in their dogs lives. Not just Birthday Parties, but all kinds of celebrations, Halloween, Celebration of Life, etc. And not just the private sector but corporations as well. For example bring your dog to work day. Anyway that’s how it started with just a simple idea.

The Play Dates idea came simply from the frustration I had when I started agility classes for my dog. Since we were in a class of about 20 dogs, my dog went through the course maybe one time per session and we never had a place to practice. I love the concept of the agility course it’s a great way to bond with your dog and give him/her plenty of exercise. It also keeps your pup’s mind stimulated, challenged. So I thought what a great idea to add that service as well.

From there people started contacting me for dog walking and dog and cat sitting services. So the business grew to what it is today. And now we offer the following services:
– Dog Parties
– Play Dates
– Dog Walking
– Cat Sitting
– Dog Sitting

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I came from 45 years in advertising. I knew no one in in the dog service industry and it was very difficult to figure out how to get business. I made a lot of mistakes along the way. In many ways my advertising background hurt me. In the beginning I spent way too much time and money on dog events, networking, and other venues thinking all that would help me get my name out and get business.
But, I never gave up and kept pushing forward. If one idea didn’t work I tried another. I started meeting people in the industry. I found associations for people like me in the business which was really helpful. I found the right networking group for me and referrals starting coming in. And then one day it all started to come together. Success!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Party Animals Dog Party Planner and Play Dates – what should we know?
DOG PARTIES
We hosts unforgettable parties that your pup’s pals will be barking about for months to come. If our dogs are members of our families, then we should celebrate their accomplishments too! Maybe it’s your buddy’s birthday, graduation from dog training or any special holiday.

PLAY DATES
Our belief is that every dog/puppy deserves a strong, vigorous life style to stay in good mental and physical shape.
We don’t just walk your dog/puppy, we make sure that they stay active during our entire session by playing on our agility set as well as other activities so your best friend isn’t bored. He or she is even physically challenged since our agility sets offer them opportunities to move more quickly and easily.

DOG WALKING
helps promote sound wellness and physical stimulation for your special friend while you’re away. Excellent for those who work a distance away from home, long hours at work and are unable to walk their dogs/puppies! We will pick up your dog, provide them with a 30 minute or hour walk, once or twice a day whatever your requirement is and provide fresh water. We always provide snacks at the end of our walk!

CAT SITTING
Excellent for those who need someone to take care of their feline while going on vacation! We will come to your house and provide them with 30 minutes of loving care, including affection and playtime (if your cat desires), fresh food, water and of course snacks! We also scoop and clean your kitty litter box to keep your kitty and home clean and fresh. We know your cat misses you so we go the extra mile to ensure your cat extra affection while we are there.

DOG SITTING
We know your dog misses you so we provide a loving, caring environment during our stay. We offer one-on-one time with your dog, plenty of physical activity so he/she is stimulated and not bored throughout the day. Our service includes plenty of companionship, a brisk walk, fresh food and water. We even clean up after your pup outside, and provide home-sitting services such as watering plants, bringing in the mail, newspapers, and daily doors and window checks. And let’s not forget the daily selfies, sent directly to your email or phone so you have proof your pup is doing great while you’re away! And of course we’ll bring the snacks!

We are rated 5-Stars on Yelp and Facebook
Bonded and Insured

I am most proud of the fact that I made it. I literally started with an idea and had no idea if I would be successful.

What sets us apart?
Look at are reviews. We love what we do! It’s our passion!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My success would have not been possible without the unwavering support of my daughter Ashlee Tuttleman. Without her encouragement to continue to follow my dreams, her endless ideas on how to grow my business, creating and teaching me excel, I don’t believe I would have become the success I am this quickly. Thank you Ashlee.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.padogpartyplanner.com
• Phone: 949.521.2383
• Email: [email protected]

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.