Wagmore Quality Pet Care: Trustworthy, Patient and Energetic Pet Sitting

from Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, August 2020

Plumbing Service Precautions During COVID-19

Business Profile by Christina Manning

Photos courtesy of Wagmore Quality Pet Care

Everyone considers their pet to be a member of the family. You therefore want the best for them. It’s sometimes difficult to care for your pet during the day with busy work schedules and unexpected situations. Wagmore Quality Pet Care is here to help! At Wagmore, you can trust that your pet will be cared for and loved like it was one of their own.

Wagmore’s Owner Bob Zwaan grew up in a large family — one of seven — and they always had a dog in the house. “When I was little, I snuck out the front door one day and started walking towards a busy intersection. My dog came running after me and stopped me from walking into the street!” Bob recalled. “Ever since then, I’ve always had a love for dogs.”

**Bob Zwaan with Kodiak, his previous dog and the reason Bob created his home-based business**

After high school, Bob joined the Army. During his active service years, he earned his college degree in electrical engineering. When he left the Army, he started working for a telecommunications company in West Chester. He worked his way up to Project Manager and stayed at that position for 15 years. When his company wanted him to go back to electrical engineering, Bob decided to move on from the corporate world and do something on his own.

“Every time I had to travel for work, I had to put my dog in daycare somewhere,” Bob explained, “but my dog would never come home the same.” Bob’s love for his dog Kodiak was the reason he started his business. “I wanted him to be with me during the day.” At first, Bob wanted to be an obedience trainer, but was struggling to get clients. “My family suggested that I walk and train dogs. I love dogs so why not work with them in every aspect?”

In 2011, Bob started Wagmore Quality Pet Care. He started growing his business by leaving his business card in veterinarians’ offices and in pet food stores. After two years, his client list had increased to the point that he was able to hire employees.

**Bob's current dog Berne (second from left) with some of the many dogs cared for by Wagmore Quality Pet Care Team**

Wagmore Quality Pet Care provides care for all types of pets: dogs, cats, birds, rodents and even reptiles. “My first client had 17 cats, 4 birds, and 2 dogs!” laughed Bob. His website, www.WagmoreQualityPetCare.com, describes the various types of visits you can choose from based on your schedule and what your pet needs during each visit. Clients can choose a quick visit and a Wagmore employee will come to the client’s house, to turn on/off lights or close the windows or shades, making sure your pet is comfortable. Intermediate visits are 30 minutes and include services such as dog-walking, litter box maintenance, feeding, playtime, etc. Extended visits are 60 minutes and include the same services as Intermediate visits plus some additional playtime and grooming. “We cover a 12-15-mile radius around Newtown Square, with most of our clients in Newtown Square,” said Bob.

What sets Wagmore apart? Well, being a marathon runner, Bob can take your dog for a long run for exercise and he also offers obedience training. The only stipulation is that his dog can come too. “It’s great socialization for all of them, and my dog gets to stay with me all day.” You can schedule a service by calling 484-459-0953 or by email to Bob@WagmoreQualityPetCare.com.

During COVID-19, Bob’s business, like many others, took a hard hit. With people losing their jobs and/or working from home, there wasn’t as much of a need for Wagmore’s services. When his business had decreased by 65% in mid-March, Bob decided to use a GoFundMe on Facebook to raise the funds needed to keep his three workers. “I was thinking I could get us covered through April.” The response was much greater than Bob could have predicted! “My clients continued to pay for their services, without actually receiving the service," said Bob.

It was incredible to receive the support from my clients. These animals are the loves of their lives, and I am grateful they put their trust in me to take care of them every day.