1982 in Minneapolis, MN ...
The Pets Are Inn
concept was founded in 1982 by a couple in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When vacationing, the
family pet, Chopin (who was disguised as a dog), did not do well in a kennel facility. On
subsequent trips, they solicited friends, relatives or neighbors to care for Chopin.
However, they were uncomfortable with this arrangement.
They had inadvertently stumbled upon an ideal
alternative to kennel boarding. Namely, soliciting a "Host Family" to care for
their furry family member while they were away. This humane alternative addressed equally
the pet's physical and emotional needs and the family's peace of mind. Thus, Pets Are Inn
was born as the "#1 Alternative for Boarding Your Pet While You're Away" with
"All the Comforts of Home." Now, finding a loving family to care for your pet is
not solely dependent upon having relatives or friends available since Pets Are Inn
provides lodging for customer's pets in private homes.
Pet lovers endorsed Pets Are Inn and its values! In
1986, the business began expanding through franchising.
Ann & Jim Platt
On June 12, 1992 Ann and Jim Platt purchased the
Pets Are Inn franchising system after operating the #1 franchise nationally since 1987.
For the Platts, who enjoy an entrepreneurial challenge, Pets Are Inn is a second-career
company, as it is for many of the franchises operating nationally and in Hawaii.
A Mankato State business graduate, Ann broke new
ground. Just out of school, she was the first woman in management at the Farm Credit Banks
in St. Paul. She later worked as a Xerox sales executive and a computer dealer before
buying the Pets Are Inn franchise for Minneapolis and its southern suburbs. "I enjoy
being my own boss," she admits. "I couldn't go back to the corporate
world."
Jim graduated from Purdue University with a degree
in industrial management, math and computer science. His first "job" was with
Control Data Corporation. Corporate politics made him evaluate his career goals. After
much thought, he entered the "real world" of self employment and became the top
real estate salesman for the number one company in town, Bermel-Smaby Realtors. He later
formed 1st American Realty.
Since acquiring Pets Are Inn, Jim has focused his
time on business development for the individual franchise operations together with
planning expansion for the franchise company. He is enrolled in Michael Gerber's E-Myth
Academy, Mastery Program.
Naturally, the couple loves pets. Ann grew fond of
animals while growing up on a dairy farm near Faribault, MN. Jim's father and grandfather
raised beagles for hunting in his native Indiana, and he always had a dog. The Platts have
two schnauzers.
Today, there are locations nationally and in Hawaii.
Pets Are Inn has been featured on Television and Radio and in various national
publications, Dog World, USA Today American Woman, Chicago Tribune and many more. Pets Are
Inn has also been recognized by ..Small Business Opportunities Magazine as one of 15
"Blockbuster" home-based businesses and is ranked #1 Franchiser Nationally in
Pet Care Services by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Franchise Description
Pets Are Inn is an alternative
for boarding family pets when their owners are away for either vacation or business. Pets
vacation in private homes thereby providing a loving home environment. "Host
Families", i.e. caregivers, are carefully selected. Pets Are Inn coordinates travel
schedules and provides round-trip pickup and delivery. Both pet and owner prefer the worry
free services provided.
How It All Works:
For more information, please see the Pets
Are Inn Tour
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