Local Pet Caregiver Passionate About Animals

This Q&A feature helps readers learn more about people living and working in the Mount Vernon business community. This week’s Q&A profiles Biscuit Break Pet Service owner Cathy Read, Owner, Biscuit Break Pet Service.

A professional pet care company, Biscuit Break Pet Service is liscensed, insured and bonded, and offers daily care, including daily visits or walk, vacation and holiday pet sitting, for dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and other pets living in the South Alexandria area. Email: biscuit.break@verizon.net; 703-799-2993.

Cathy, originally from Punxsutawney, PA, moved to the Mount Vernon community with her daughter and husband nearly 20 years ago when her husband’s military career brought the family to Fort Belvoir. In addition to owning and operating Biscuit Break Pet Service, Cathy serves as senior manager at the Department of State. She received her B.A. in English Humanities from George Mason University (GMU) and also holds two Masters degrees from GMU and Devry - Kellar Graduate School in English and Human Resources Management, respectively.

With over 16 years of volunteer and board member experience with Lab Rescue of LRCP, Inc., Cathy truly loves working with all kinds of animals. She credits her extensive experience in obedience and agility training to her commitment to delivering high level dog walking and pet sitting.

How did you become interested in your line of work?

Owning a company like Biscuit Break had always been a dream of mine. I love working with animals and the timing was just right [the company launched in 2007] when I was wrapping up my time serving as president with Lab Rescue for five consecutive years. It was time to pass the torch to the next volunteer, and that’s when I moved forward with starting the company.

Describe your company.

We have a total of six employees, and my daughter is the head dog walker. Each of our service professionals are employees of our company, not independent contractors. All of them are trained in Pet First Aid, and have been trained in dog obedience and basic pet behavior. In addition, each employee undergoes a thorough background check. We strive to provide all of our pets’ superior care when their owners can’t be there with them. I like to think we have a lot of constant communication with our customers — we are always checking email for cancellations, last minute requests and more. We try to provide the ultimate in customer service.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The interaction with the dogs and other animals. They are always happy to see you, and they never seem to have a bad day, even in the rain. Every time you show up, they are just right there, happy and wagging their tails, just thrilled to see you…that’s what makes it so worthwhile.

Where is your favorite place to go in the area?

We love , as well as the whole George Washington Memorial Parkway in general. I love taking the pups out there. And of course, I love the dog park at

What are your hobbies?

Hanging out with dogs and training them.

Do you have a favorite area restaurant?

.

Any travel plans this summer?

We used to travel a lot, but I really enjoy being a homebody now. We may head to Chincoteague later this summer.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

Biscuit Break truly is my dream job. And when I eventually retire from the Department of State, I hope I can do it full time.