Hosting Puppy Parties: Ossining Business Spotlight

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on New York Pet Care.

Business: New York Pet Care

Owners: Rich Ceretti

Website: www.nypetcare.com

Address: 176 North Highland Ave.

How did you come up with the name?

I went the simplest route: I own a pet care business, and I live in New York. I figured if it was that straightforward for me, it would simple & straightforward for potential clients too!

Briefly, what business are you in?

Doggy Daycare, Boarding, & Grooming

Were there any challenges that made you second-guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

I believe people who start their own businesses don’t focus on challenges...they do what they want to do! They may bite off more than they can chew, but that entrepreneurial spirit makes you learn to chew harder!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

This may sound corny, but every single time I walk through the door and realize that this place, this business, has been my dream for 5 years, and now it’s finally happened!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Hosting puppy birthday parties for our clients. It’s like the class parties kids have in school, complete with cake & goody bags! And the dogs love it!

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I encourage my staff to be empathetic, and try to help the customer in any way we can. If it becomes obvious that there just is no way to satisfy the customer in question, I step in and hopefully brings things to a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Most times, we can come to common ground with a difficult customer.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

As a new business in the Ossining Community, we’re exploring that topic right now. This spring, NYPC will step in to pick up sponsorshipof a womens softball team in the Ossining Womens League. We’ll also be taking part in community events, like the Village Fair, the SPCA Walk at FDR Park, and the YMCA Fair in Tarrytown in April. Our staff looks forward to chances to meet the public and show them what we offer. Periodically, we run specials or offer discounts for various services, and we are always there for our clients.