Today we’d like to introduce you to Elysse Redmond
Hi Elysse, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Absolutely, I am the owner and operator of TheCrownedHound.com, a pet-sitting service catering to discerning pet owners in Ramona, a part of San Diego County filled with wineries, hobby farms, and an equestrian community in East County. From a childhood filled with animal companionship to my young adult years in global volunteerism, I have been imprinted with a unique perspective on the meaning of superb care and the importance of a service heart. This imprint has equipped me to excel in the pet care industry. My special connection with animals and passion for travel first bloomed as a pre-teen; I spent my formative years experiencing diverse cultures, crossing international borders, and sailing seas to aid populations in need. This caused me to expand both my heart and my worldview; it laid the groundwork for a life defined by service and exploration.
Adventurous years like these continued into young adulthood, when I joined volunteers aboard the ship of a global humanitarian organization. Sailing from region to region, we brought assistance, hope and resilience to difficult places. After a decade of service in Namibia, near South Africa, I sought some much-earned rejuvenation back in the States, reflecting on both the richness and hardships of life. I saw how those who embrace life’s troubles can create beautiful resilience for themselves and others- opening doors for new experiences. In a chance encounter with Melissa Kinzler, the founder of TheCrownedHound.com, we learned that both of us had done peace-building work overseas. We quickly bonded over the way it had transformed each of our lives. When the founder put her company up for sale, she waited to meet someone she could completely entrust her furry clients to; fortunately, it turned out to be me. As a second-generation business owner in Ramona, I am delighted to serve the pet owners in the San Diego Mountains. Forming lasting and trustworthy relationships is so important to me, and members of our unique community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Purchasing my first business service has been a rewarding experience filled with valuable lessons. I immediately launched into navigating challenges like learning the back-of-office procedures, maneuvering the client integration process, and becoming more efficient with my time management. Now, I’ve found my stride. My experience of caring for many moving parts, people and pets from various cultures has made transitioning into these operational tasks smoother and rewarding. As I continue to hone administrative duties, I look forward to celebrating my first holidays season with East County pet owners. Winter holidays always bring an increase in travel bookings and business growth, so meeting with clients beginning in August and September to plan those in-home “meet and greets” is on the horizon. By October, I expect to be booked for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. I offer our clients personalized services ranging from daily visits to overnight stays, ensuring pets thrive in the comfort of their own homes, so I do require a “meet your pets” visit before booking, to ensure it is a good fit for all. To learn more about my pet sitting service or request a free consultation, visit
www.TheCrownedHound.comAs you know, we’re big fans of The Crowned Hound. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The brand was born out of my mission statement, the founder’s first creation that drives everything I do and why I do it: I understand that pet owners cannot always be there to care for their pets and property as much as they would like to. They may be experiencing a busy time in life, need to travel for work, or simply return to traveling more often. I take loving and attentive care of your pet when you need a helping hand. I aim to provide superb care for the health and safety of your pet. I treat your pet like royalty. This is how we became branded as “The Crowned Hound.” I never use any form of physical discipline when caring for your pet; I use a behavioral approach that addresses each pet individually. By learning about and understanding your pet before booking, I am equipped to provide consistent, loving, and compassionate care while you’re away. I strive to better the life of pets through positive reinforcement and sufficient daily exercise. When your pets are happy and exercised, they are more likely to be well-behaved and well rested. By promoting special time and attention with your pet, I hope to enrich the life of not only your pet, but of your household.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Experts predict a few key changes in the next five years for the pet industry, and I am ready for them. Pet ownership continues to rise, with about 70% of U.S. households owning a pet. This trend is driven by both millennials and Gen Z, who treat pets as family members and are willing to spend on premium care serviceslike the kind my service offers. Naturally, as a result, the pet sitting market is anticipated to grow significantly. The drop-in visits segment is expected to see the fastest growth, driven by pet owners who need short but frequent check-ins for their pets. I plan to add and expand this convenient service as demand increases. The overall pet sitting service market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10.72% from 2024 to 2032. As a result, I envision expanding The Crowned Hound’s footprint and team, bolstered by a commitment to exceptional service and community support in San Diego County.
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