We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had been working in the Veterinary field for many years and developed a passion for helping dogs and cats go through physical therapy. I kept seeing dogs come in because they injured themselves, had to have surgery, and now needed to get back to their “normal” activities. I wanted to help those dogs in order to prevent injuries and major surgeries. I always worked for a company, under someone. I went with this idea to the owner, but it was shot down. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to work for myself and be able to make a difference where I wanted to make a difference.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I get dogs to perform exercises on different types of equipment to help strengthen their muscles and core. Most of my equipment is inflatable, with some other pieces that are not. The exercises are for younger dogs who need to burn more energy or to strengthen their muscles and core; any dog that is involved in agility, this helps to prevent injury while they are performing their agility runs; and senior dogs to help them maintain their muscles and help them to keep moving in their older age.

I am proud that I have been able to develop and grow my business on my own. I am extremely proud to see all my hard work has paid off and to watch my business grow more. I am excited that I get to work with dogs and that I am doing something that I am very passionate about.

Getting to where I am today definitely had its ups and downs. I have gone through many years of education and working as a veterinarian technician to realize this is my passion. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s in Animal Health Science, from there I received my Registered Veterinary Technician license. After being an RVT for several years, I decided to go back to school and become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. This certification was by far one of the toughest courses I have been through. I was extremely proud of my myself for completing this and went on to work a few years as a Physical Therapist for dogs and that is when I realized my passion was fitness for dogs and preventing the need for surgeries and physical therapy. That is when I decided to become a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer and start my own business.

I tried starting my business in 2020, when Covid hit. It was very challenging and actually prevented me from starting when I wanted to. At first, no one seemed interested in what I was doing and I felt like my business was going no where. But then, it just took one person to start working with me and I was able to get more clients. I still need to grow my business, but I am proud of where I am today.

I have learned that if I work hard and stay dedicated, I will accomplish anything I put my mind to. I also learned to keep promoting myself and my business no matter what road blocks may be in my way.

I absolutely love the business I have created. I know my clients can see how dedicated I am when they see the connection I have created with their pets and with them. Fitness training may not be on a lot of pet owners minds, but it is so important to start exercising your dogs early to help prevent injuries later in life. It is also important to keep senior dogs moving so they have a better quality of life in their golden years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many places in San Diego that are great places to visit! First off, they have to try the Mexican food here! I like so many Mexican places, it’s hard to say which one we would go to. I would want to take them to Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla to see the seals, and of course a trip to Julian would be in order. I also would take them to the SD Zoo. Another place would be the Hillcrest farmers market. There are so many different types of food to try there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to be thankful for the physical rehabilitation practice I worked at, I was able to learn so much and develop my skills. I also created many relationships with my clients, who have been some of my biggest supporters! The one person who I learned a lot from and knew who always had my back, was a co-worker at the time: Kathy Herbert-Beeman. She has always been there to help discuss my business and give me ideas in order to excel. And of course, I have to shout out to my entire family for all the support during the stressful times while I was developing my business.

Website: https://paws4motion.wixsite.com/paws4motion

Instagram: @paws_4_motion

Facebook: @paws4motion

Other: Paws4motion@gmail.com

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