|
Groomer Lynda Stokes combs the beard of Roxanne, a miniature schnauzer, in a
Pet Love van parked in front of the owner's home in Southlake.
Like the Greyhound bus commercial encouraging motorists to “leave the driving to us,” businesses that offer services on wheels can help people spend less time in their vehicles doing errands.
People looking for ways to save time and effort during the holiday crunch can consider hiring others to bring their services to their homes or offices. There are several such companies that are based in Northeast Tar-rant County or serve the area, including mobile auto detailers, vehicle glass repairers and personal exercise trainers.
Mobile animal grooming services are designed to offer convenience to customers and to make the experience better for pets, said Tom Stevenson, owner of Pet Love, a Dallas company that has a Euless office.
The experience at a grooming shop can include exposure to cages of unfamiliar animals, with the work done by several groomers. But pets groomed at home by mobile services stay in a familiar environment with their owner present. Owners can request that the same groomer return each visit to help the animal feel more comfortable, Stevenson said.
“Some pets get carsick. When a pet goes to a shop and they’re put in a cage and it’s different, there are new smells,” Stevenson said. “The little ones can just be shaking.”
The company, formerly called Puppy Love, operates 35 Salons equipped with bathtubs, hot and cold water, and driers. Groomers take 30 to 60 minutes for each dog or cat. At-home services cost about 10 percent more than grooming in a shop, Stevenson said. Pet Love charges $42 for a dog package that includes a bath, a haircut, nail clipping and ear cleaning.
Some massage clients opt to have the experience in their homes, where they can control the room temperature and sounds. Instead of getting caught in traffic on the way home from a salon or a day spa, they can continue to relax afterward.
“I would say the No. 1 reason is they want to continue to relax after I leave,” said Tim Moran, a therapist and a yoga instructor with Relax & Renew massage in Grapevine.
“If they have to hop in their car
and drive for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, it kind of undoes what they’ve just paid for. After a massage, they can either take a nap or flip on the TV. It’s twice or more the value than if you go someplace,” Moran said.
An out-call costs about $20 more per massage, said Moran, who charges $80 for an hourlong massage and $90 for a private or a group yoga lesson. He has a portable massage table and brings along sheets, oil and background music.
For people who need help with their home computers, franchisees of Computer Moms, an Austin company, make house calls to set up Internet and e-mail services, perform routine cleaning and maintenance, and provide instruction in the use of programs such as Microsoft Windows or QuickBooks. There is a trainer for the company in Haslet.
jessamybrown@star-teleqram.com
|
