james barnett - the playpen pet boarding and grooming

I'd like to introduce James Barnett,Owner of The Playpen boarding and grooming in Cranbrook BC.

How has Covid-19 affected your business or daily operations?

The COVID 19 crisis has been felt strongly here. We went from having 100% capacity spring break bookings to no overnight bookings at all, all within the space of 48 hours. Having been deemed an essential service, we remained open throughout the crisis to serve our front line workers with their pet related needs, but we were also forced to layoff two of our long standing team members. The rest of the team went to 25% hours immediately and were on government benefits as well. We had to implement a lot of changes to both the front office and our ways of doing business to allow for the social distancing rules The biggest impact however, has been the stress of the unknown. We rely on a lot of forecasting and previous history to make decisions, and with the crisis there is no way to know what is going to happen. We are almost a seasonal business as in we have only 4 times where we make our profit for the entire year, namely Spring Break, July/August holidays and Christmas. This year Spring Break was taken from us and the summer is completely unknown at this point. It is all new from here, and not even knowing if we will have business in the future is very stressful.

What positive or uplifting things have you been seeing during the pandemic?

There have been a lot of positive things that have gone on, many of which are never made public. We have had several clients come in with their dog for a day or buy a new daycare pass just because they wanted to make sure we were ok and that our business would survive the crisis. I never thought that people looked at us as part of their extended circle like that. It is a great feeling to know that you are providing a service like that where it makes people feel good. That has really helped us weather the uncertainty we are all facing. We have also enjoyed the amazing feeling you get when you are able to help those in greater need than yourself. We are usually pretty low key when we provide different types of charity to the community as it is not about recognition, it is about the act itself. We have been honoured to help those in long term hospital situations, helping to relieve some small amount of their stress knowing that their animals are safe and well looked after. Donating what extra food and litter we had to the Cranbrook Pet Food Bank, housing rescue dogs for free until they can find a suitable foster and offering compassionate rates for those in need.

What have you been doing to create joy or find some happiness during this time?

Being in the dog and cat business we are lucky that we can go spend quality time with animals. Animals have the most amazing ability to create a sense of warmth and happiness when they are connected to you. When I am feeling down, I often go into the daycare areas and have a play with the dogs, or even will get a kitty out and have a snuggle. I always find that to be energizing and often full of laughter when I spend time with them like that.

Is there anything specific you'd like to share, or wish people knew right now?

I would like to share that I have heard a lot of people expressing frustration, fear, or anger at the situation we are facing. My view is that the world as a whole was due for an adjustment in so many ways, and this pandemic has forced a lot of people to look in the mirror and make changes to survive. My hope is that the change keeps its momentum and we continue to find ways to come together and create a better tomorrow for us and for our planet.