Families across the country come in all shapes and sizes. For roughly two-thirds of Americans, their family also includes a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Many people, in fact, love their dogs and cats at a level that is comparable to love they have for their own children or their parents. So, when it comes to leaving town for business or vacation, it can be a quandary for pet owners about who to entrust to care for their pet.

On the outskirts of Macomb, which is home to Western Illinois University, pet owners since 2006 have been turning to Paws-n-Claws Boarding & Grooming and its owners Jerri and Lyndon Swigart for the boarding and grooming needs of their furry friends.

“Paws-n-Claws Boarding & Grooming is a boarding and grooming facility. We groom dogs and we board dogs and cats,” shared Jerri. “I understand people’s pets are part of the family, and they’re prized possessions as well. I take that responsibility really seriously to take care of their animals.

“I have always loved animals. That came from my grandma,” said Jerri. “I had dogs my entire life. My grandma fed every cat in the county, and I grew up chasing wild kittens and taming them.”

In fact, Jerri’s own home reflects her love for animals.

“I have two standard poodles, 12 cats, and a guinea pig right now. That’s the most animals I’ve ever had at one time,” Jerri shared with a laugh.

Building a palace for pets one

Starting a business is no small feat, especially when it is your first rodeo as a retailer. For Jerri, the decision to open Paws-n-Claws was fueled by a combination of passion and a clear need in the community.

“I had never owned a business before, but with determination, I thought I could do it,” Jerri recalled. “There was definitely a need for a kennel here. There weren’t any others at the time. You had to go out of town to board your animals.”

Jerri’s journey to becoming a business owner wasn’t a straight path. After losing a job and facing challenges to find new opportunities, she said she decided it was time to take a leap of faith.

“After I lost my job and tried for numerous other positions and they didn’t work out,” recalled Jerri. “I decided it was time to follow my dream, build a building and get started.

“One of the first things I did when I decided to do this was talk to my kids and get their opinion,” Jerri added. “And my grandkids all have been out here helping and playing with dogs and being a part of it.”

Family involvement not only strengthened Jerri’s resolve to succeed, but also added a personal touch to the business, truly making Paws-n-Claws a family affair.

“Here we are 19 years later, and we’ve got plenty of animals,” Jerri said with a smile.

Keeping everyone happy

Every detail at Paws-n-Claws is designed to give pets a sense of creature comfort and safety. Owners are encouraged to bring their pet’s favorite food, toys, treats, and even their beds, to ensure the stay is as cozy as possible.

“Every animal that comes, we get attached to,” said Jerri with a grin. “It’s just like they’re a part of my family as well.”

For customers who don’t bring food for their dogs, Paws-n-Claws provides food at no additional charge. Also, to ensure the health and safety of all animals, Paws-n-Claws requires proof of current vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella.

Paws-n-Claws is licensed to care for dogs and cats, but because of her reputation in the community, Jerri said she has received requests to board exotic animals.

“One lady asked me to keep her potbelly pig. I don’t think that would go over really well in the kennel with the dogs,” Jerri said with a laugh.

Round-the-clock retail

Jerri stressed that Paws-n-Claws is a round-the-clock commitment.

“It’s pretty much 24/7. Because no matter what, even if I’m in the house, I have to be aware of what’s going on out here,” said Jerri about how she runs her operation. “I have to make sure that the animals are all safe and that they’re well taken care of. It’s not like they can feed themselves on their own or clean up their own messes.

“It takes a special kind of person to do what I do. You have to have a love of animals. You have to be dedicated. You have to understand that it’s hard work. It doesn’t matter if it’s Christmas, or you’re sick. The animals have to be taken care of no matter what.

“I primarily work alone. My husband helps me when he can. My granddaughter helps me after school and in the summer. But mostly I do it on my own,”

Pets checking into Paws-n-Claws have access to bathing and grooming services, playtime in the yard, regular meals, and plenty of attention.

“They get let out in the yard to play. They get fed, cleaned up after. Water. I bathe them before they go home, if the owner wants that done,” Jerri explained.

The length of a stay varies, depending on the owner’s needs with some pets staying several days or even a month at a time. The busiest times at Paws-n-Claws are during the summer and holidays.

“Grooming stays steady just because dogs need grooming no matter what the weather or what’s going on. Whereas the boarding tends to be more just the typical times people are going away,” explained Jerri. “A grooming consists of a bath, whatever haircut they want, trim in their toenails, cleaning their ears out.

“A lot of the animals that come are my favorites. There’s very few that I don’t get along with. There are some that are harder to take care of. Some are extremely easy, but we love them all,” grinned Jerri.

Know your business

Although Paws-n-Claws does not sell any products, Jerri told us that retail is integral to the success of her business.

“Even though we sell a service and not actual products, I still have to know how to sell my services,” explained Jerri with a warm smile. “In that sense, we are a retail establishment.”

For anyone wanting to open a boarding or grooming center for animals, Jerri’s advice is clear. Do your research.

“Know what you’re getting into,” suggested Jerri. “Know that it’s a lot of work, but it’s also very rewarding work.

“I’m my own boss, even though that doesn’t mean I can come and go as I please,” added Jerri. “But I set the rules, and it’s more rewarding to do it for myself than for somebody else, and I’m getting paid to work with dogs and cats.

“I like to think we are a five-star resort for animals.”