Mobile Pet Grooming: Bringing Convenience and Care to the Mat-Su Valley
A modern mobile pet grooming service inspired by a beloved pet, Yukon Tails is simplifying pet care by delivering professional grooming directly to pet owners’ front doors.
Teela Bieschke, the proud owner of Yukon Tails LLC, was inspired to start her business by her late dog, Kaz. Kaz had mobility issues that made it difficult for her to travel to grooming appointments, prompting Teela to search for a mobile grooming service in the Mat-Su Valley. However, the long waitlists and lack of availability left Teela frustrated, and she never managed to get the service for Kaz.
After Kaz passed away, Teela recognized the need for convenient grooming options for pets with similar challenges. This realization sparked her journey to bring Yukon Tails to life, and with the support of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), her vision has become a reality.
Teela knew there was a gap in the market for mobile pet grooming in the Mat-Su Valley. Pet owners, especially those with elderly or mobility-challenged pets, struggled to find convenient grooming solutions. The lack of mobile grooming services in the area was a significant problem. Teela was determined to fill this void but faced the challenge of starting her own business from scratch. She needed guidance from writing a business plan to securing funding to make her dream a reality.
Teela turned to the Alaska SBDC for help. She scheduled an appointment with Mat-Su Center Director Misty O’Connor, who gave Teela the tools and resources she needed to succeed. Misty helped her develop comprehensive business projections and guided her through finalizing a solid business plan. With Misty’s support, Teela secured a loan from Cook Inlet Lending, which was instrumental in launching the new business.
Now, Yukon Tails operates a modern, fully equipped mobile salon that brings professional grooming services to customers’ front doors. You can see the artistically labeled Yukon Tails van traveling throughout the Mat-Su Valley, loaded with everything their professional groomer needs to provide a full range of affordable services.
The business is currently operating Tuesday through Saturday, offering flexibility to clients by including weekend availability. As the business grows, Teela hopes to expand operations to a full seven-day schedule, providing even more convenience to pet owners in the Mat-Su Valley.
Thanks to the comprehensive support provided by the Alaska SBDC, Yukon Tails LLC successfully launched and is quickly gaining traction in the Mat-Su community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on October 21, 2024, was a resounding success. Teela and the Mayor of Wasilla held the scissors to cut the ribbon as 30 attendees, and Teela’s family members cheered and applauded.
“I accredit Misty with the SBDC in helping with nearly every step of the business start-up,” Teela said. “She guided me through completing the business projections and assisted in finalizing the business plan that ultimately led to securing the loan with Cook Inlet Lending. Her expertise was above and beyond the help I anticipated getting from the center.”
Yukon Tails LLC is making a positive impact in the Mat-Su Valley by providing a much-needed service that is both convenient and compassionate. Teela’s journey from inspiration to launch showcases the importance of perseverance and having the proper support. With the help of the Alaska SBDC, Yukon Tails is on a path to continued success, with plans for growth and deeper community involvement in the future.
Let Yukon Tails bring professional, compassionate pet grooming right to your doorstep! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Yukon Tails at (907) 560-6197, schedule an appointment on the website at www.yukontails.com, and follow Teela’s mobile pet grooming adventures on Facebook.
