Krista Lofquist added a brick-and-mortar location to her pet sitting and mobile grooming business in 2017 by opening Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw in Wolcott, CT. The exterior looks like the home away from home she intended. Previously a boarding facility, as well, the 7,500-square-foot building and 6-acre grounds underwent upgrades throughout. New flooring, counters and paint, plus artwork, create a spa-like aesthetic in the lobby. Displays change with the seasons. The retail offerings include treats, chews, and toys perfect for boarding and diving pets. Lofquist installed an Ultimate Air Dogs diving pool so her daughter could compete with their family dog and for an additional revenue steam. UAD events bring in $5,000 and up during the competition season, with Try It sessions costing $30 each and running one after the other. Day care dogs can take a swim as well with add-on pool activities. If they show a love of water, jumping in from the dock instead of taking the ramp, team members recommend them for a Try It session. Team members also recommend a trip to the grooming salon after swim sessions so pups can dry off. Day care and boarding pups have 14,000 square feet of upgraded, turfed play yards to explore. During the height of the pandemic, Lofquist began creating special events to boost day care and boarding revenues. Each of the “pawties” includes a photo shoot, activity, and take-home treat or craft. The events raise the day care rate to what businesses in more affluent areas of the state can charge. Read out America’s Coolest profile on Wagging Tails. 1 | 15 Previous 16 Photos That Show Why The Public Pet Is One of America’s Coolest Pet Businesses Up Next See What’s in the PETS+ Earth Day Sample Box Photo Gallery 15 Photos That Show Why Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw Is One of America’s Coolest Pet Businesses Krista Lofquist added a brick-and-mortar location to her pet sitting and mobile grooming business in 2017 by opening Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw in Wolcott, CT. Advertisement