Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca F..
Hi Bianca, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my senior year of high school doing casual dog walking around my neighborhood. It was simple, joyful work that fit naturally into my routine. When I left for college, I planned to continue walking dogs whenever I was home for summer and winter break. Then Covid hit. While many people stayed home with their pets, there were still countless families who suddenly needed last‑minute pet care, and that’s where I stepped in.
I spent my days attending online classes and my breaks caring for pets, which quickly became the highlight of my routine. By the fall of my junior year, my client base expanded throughout DC and nearby Maryland communities like Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Bethesda. When I returned to campus the following spring, I realized I knew almost every pet in my neighborhood by name. Getting to know my community, and all their Covid babies, was incredibly meaningful. I feel privileged to have earned the trust of so many people across DC.
After graduating, I searched tirelessly for a job, but the market was extremely challenging. During the three months I was unemployed, I poured my energy into growing my business and connecting with new neighborhoods. Eventually, I began working in the medical department of an animal shelter. I served as the primary point of introduction for clients, helping them understand available services and connecting them with community resources.
I later attended various Department of Health (DOH) free vaccine clinics, where I witnessed firsthand how deeply loved the pets of DC are. I met people who, despite facing their own hardships, would take buses or walk long distances just to ensure their pets received care. I’ve seen people give the very last of what they had to help their animals. Those moments shaped my mission: to make sure every pet receives the care they deserve, whether their owner is at work, traveling, hospitalized, or simply needs support. My goal is to be the reliable person families can count on for last‑minute drop‑ins, squeezed‑in walks, or overnight care so their pets never feel alone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but I’m grateful that it hasn’t been overwhelmingly difficult thanks to the incredible support system around me. I’m surrounded by small business owners who encouraged me from the moment I shared my dream of turning my pet care work into a real business. Their guidance and resources were invaluable.
I met with the Latino Economic Development Center and attended their sessions, which helped me understand the behind‑the‑scenes aspects of running a business. At first, everything felt confusing and a bit frustrating, but once the information was broken down step‑by‑step, I was able to navigate it confidently.
My mother—who transitioned from real estate and teaching into home health care—offered a unique perspective on serving the community. She helped me see how I could support people by caring for the thing they love most: their pets. My career coach, Regina, has been with me since the earliest spark of this idea. As a fellow small business founder, she guided me through the first steps and helped me connect my business to my passions.
I’m deeply grateful for the circle of people who not only want to see me grow, but also want to see my business flourish within the DC community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I provide premium pet care services throughout Washington, DC. My approach is simple: I offer the same level of care I expect for my own pets. As a pet owner who has struggled to find a consistent and trustworthy sitter for my two cats and dog, I understand how important reliability and communication are.
I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built; caring, communicative, and dependable. What sets me apart is not only my natural connection with animals of all kinds, but also the sense of community I aim to cultivate as a small, woman‑of‑color‑owned business. My long‑term vision includes hosting events and fundraisers that support pet‑related policies, community resources, and advocacy efforts. I want to be a voice for the voiceless and a bridge between pet owners and the support they need.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up in a diverse household meant every day was an adventure. Some of my favorite memories include lowering my five year old brother out of my bedroom window so he could sneak our outdoor cat inside, despite my mom’s allergies, and coming home to the cheerful sounds of our parakeets and conures.
By age eight, my room was basically a mini‑zoo. I had a tarantula, two frogs, a guinea pig, a snake, fish, and three turtles; all in proper enclosures, of course. I loved the routine of caring for them. I woke up early every morning to feed them, change their water, clean their habitats, and give each one individual attention before getting myself ready for school.
Kids at school called me “the vet,” and anytime an animal or insect needed help, I was the first person they ran to. Almost all of my best childhood memories revolve around animals, they’ve always been the center of my world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www..biancaspetcare.com
- Instagram: @Dc.animalz
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancaf504?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bianca-s-pet-care-washington?osq=Bianca%E2%80%99s+Pet+Care
