Health worker launches niche dog treat business post-COVID

She’s a baker by day, and a dementia support worker by night, and now this Toowoomba woman has launched her own brand. Here’s how she did it.

Meringandan’s Sandy Dickson is a personal care worker in a dementia aged care ward by night, a passionate baker by day, but first and foremost, she is a lover of animals and the dog mum of dreams to German shepard, Max.

Started by a desire to give her dog the best things in life, Ms Dickson spotted a niche in the dog treat market and made the brave decision to launch her own business, selling healthy, clean dog treats to her fellow dog parents.

NEW BUSINESS: Off Leash Co Pet Bakery stock delicious treats for your furry friends.

Off Leash Co Dog Bakery launched last month at the Cabarlah Markets, and the reaction to her innovative business has been nothing but positive.

Ms Dickson works eight night shifts in a row as a personal care worker in a dementia aged care ward, and by day creates the delicious, healthy treats for dogs.

“I got started because my dogs are spoilt, of course, and I wanted to be able to give them something special without all the harmful, artificial stuff you find in a lot of the pet foods on the shelf,” she said.

“I’ve always loved baking and this way I can put two of my things I love, my pets and my baking, together.”

NEW BUSINESS: Off Leash Co Pet Bakery stock delicious treats for your furry friends.

The store stocks dry biscuits and “pupcakes”, and Ms Dickson also makes personalised birthday cakes for dogs.

The key factor that sets Ms Dickson apart from the market is that all her products are clean, and homemade.

“Everything has human grade, pet safe ingredients,” she said.

“I make everything myself in my fairly small home kitchen.”

As a relatively new small business owner, Ms Dickson is slowly but surely learning the ropes of managing her company while working a day job during the week.

What came as a surprise was the invisible support system that rallied behind her when she first opened up shop.

NEW BUSINESS: Off Leash Co Pet Bakery stock delicious treats for your furry friends.

“Other small business owners are wonderful. they’re very kind, I’ve had messages from like-minded people already,” she said.

“It is hard work, a lot of time goes into it, especially those who are juggling careers and trying to run their small business at the same time.”

You can find out more about the business on Facebook and Instagram, and on her website.