Meet Andrea Coughlin | Owner, Pardon the Pooch

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

Hi Andrea, what’s your definition for success?
I believe success is defined as supporting your life doing something that brings joy into it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the owner and operator of Pardon the Pooch pet care. I provide care for dogs and cats when their owners are either unavailable, looking for socialization, or in need of exercise.  I offer walks, park or beach trips, daycare, and overnight boarding. I take pride in having built a business almost entirely based on referrals. It has taken me several years of hard work to get to where I am today. It hasn’t always been fun or easy, but it has been worth it. I get to spend my days playing with animals – 10 year old me can’t believe it! When I started the business it was only part-time. I knew I had to develop a client base and get some real experience before I could financially support myself with it. There have been many ups and downs, and the pandemic was not easy for me at the beginning. It has taken a good amount of time to build my business back to a place where I am busier now than I was before the world changed. Owning and operating my own business has taught me so much about myself and others. I would never have considered myself a push over, but now I know what I have to offer and how to stick up for that. I spent years in the service industry which taught me how to deal with people on a superficial level. Now I understand how to develop and grow true relationships with my human clients. I pride myself on treating all “my pets” as though they are my own. This means we’re having fun and giving lots of love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were to come visit me, first we would hit the usual tourist attractions: Balboa Park, downtown, the waterfront, Cabrillo tidepools, and the beaches. After that we would head down to Tijuana to wander the streets and get some tacos. Hiking would definitely be on the itinerary. To keep it local, we’d hit the trails at Mission Trails Park. I would also be sure to take them to Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan – it’s the absolute best!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
}The Rescued Dog. This is a local non–profit that is a network of volunteers and fosters that rescue and rehabilitate dogs in San Diego. I started fostering with them in 2017 and from the beginning a wonderful group of people welcomed me into their family. I have always had a love for dogs, but being a part of the process from shelter to adoption was life changing.

Instagram: @pardonthepooch

Facebook: @pardonthepooch

Yelp: Pardon the Pooch

Image Credits
James Wilson Photography