When Tobi and Simone Skovron first came up with the concept for The Pet Loo, it was an idea born from pure - a solution to a very common problem that pet owners all around the world were facing.

As cities grow larger and housing becomes more expensive, not everyone has the luxury of a backyard. And it is for this reason that The Pet Loo wasn’t just a solution that suited Tobi and Simone, but a solution for all pet owners across the globe.

One year ago we joined forces with Oak Thrift Corporation so that The Pet Loo could be purchased in the UK – a country with one of the highest numbers of per ownership.

There are 27 million pets in the UK and 43% of households contain at least one furry, feathery or scaly family friend, making pets well and truly part of the UK’s landscape.

* 39% of London’s pet owners purchase their pet for companionship, despite living in the UK’s highest populated city.

* 39% of London pet owners feel the need for companionship despite having over 7.5 million neighbours across the city

* Over a quarter (27%) of the UK’s pets were bought or acquired from an animal welfare or rescue centre compared to 20% from a pet shop[1]

The Pet Loo isn’t just for people living with pets in apartments either. Dogs, and owners, who have backyards, may not be so keen on venturing outside in the cold winter months, when they could both stay cozy and warm with a Pet Loo inside the house. Boat owners can stay out longer on the water with Fido having easy access to his own Loo. And elderly pet owners moving to retirement villages are able to keep their pets with them, no longer having to surrender them to the pound.

With an estimated 100,000 pets abandoned every year in the UK, The Pet Loo is the perfect solution to a large majority of abandonment causes.

Pets are a wonderful companion and give us years of joy. Why not ensure their longevity in your family, and make pet toileting much easier for you both, by picking up a Pet Loo today?

Visit www.oakthrift.com

At just 28 years-old, Tobi Skovron knows what it takes to turn an idea into a multi-national business – hard work, determination and a really great product. His idea? “A backyard in a box” called The Pet Loo.

In 2006, Tobi and his wife Simone formed Pup-Pee Solutions Pty Ltd which manufactures The Pet Loo and a line of pet waste management products. They launched their hero product, The Pet Loo, the same year. The invention received a kick-start from Australian national television show 'The New Inventors' when the public voted it Australia's favorite new product.

Pup-Pee Solutions is now Australia's leading designer and manufacturer of pet products which it exports to more than 75 countries, including the United States. In 2009 Tobi moved to Los Angeles with his wife Simone and dogs Subii and Coopa to grow Pup-Pee Solutions’ U.S. business.

Direct Marketing Digest: What was your life like when you were young? Were your parent’s business owners, or show other entrepreneurial traits?

Tobi Skovron: I was born and raised in Sydney Australia. My parents were hard workers that wanted to ensure their kids (my sisters and I) didn’t go without. My dad was an entrepreneur who changed the landscape of his industry and some twelve years after his passing, his products and ideas still lead the automotive industry –www.asnu.com.

My inspiration is my father for doing things his way and my main motivation is to make my family (wife, mum, sisters and extended family) proud. It is the support of my immediate family that drives me and without their support and encouragement I wouldn’t be half way to where I’m right now. I value my support structure and it’s a large part of who I am.

DMD: Were there any business people you looked up to, or wanted to be like?

TS: Not really business people, more athletes.

It takes hard work, not just talent, to become the best in your field. Michael Jordan was my childhood hero, not only because he was the best in his era but because he was a competitor, a hard worker and the kind of person who was in the gym first and last to leave. He didn’t just happen; it was the years of hard work that made him into the Michael Jordan the world knows!

DMD: What was your first work experience?

TS: I was a Junior Basketball coach at my school and local club. The lessons I learnt doing layups and playing defense still guide the way I run my day-to-day business.

DMD: Why did you want to start your own business?

TS: For anyone that knows me personally, they know I am a highly motivated individual. While I respect corporate structures and the 9-5 grind, it’s just not for me.

I love to conceptualize, create, package, sell, deliver, expand and everything that goes along with running your own business. Working for someone is not even a consideration – I need to do my own thing, my way, from beginning to the end, it makes me tick!

DMD: Were you entrepreneurial at an early age? For instance, did you sell lemonade on the corner, shovel sidewalks or deliver newspapers? And if so, did your parents push you that way, or was it more part of your DNA?

TS: Yes, it is in my blood, it’s in my family and I believe I’m a born leader!

My parents didn’t push me, but my mum certainly gave me the support I needed. She has been on the sideline from day one, cheering me on. Recently, my father-in-law has been a great mentor and supporter even coming with me on round the world trips.

DMD: Were you involved in another business before you started the business you're in now? If yes, What happened with it?

TS: I was involved in a corporate health company and on the side ran private sessions as a personal trainer. Personal training was never a long term career, but is certainly built my skill set and gave me experience in strategic planning and setting goals. It also taught me how to deal with people, take care of those people and ensure they achieve their goals – I believe these are the basic skills of any CEO.

DMD: Did you ever have a business idea you didn’t act on?

TS: No, never. I do what I say and say what I feel.

DMD: How did you get into the "business you're in now"? How did the “Big Idea” come to you?

TS: It all came about from “need” from there it evolved into “if I need this, who else does”. Simone, my wife and I moved into an apartment with our dogs – we were both working long hours and needed a solution to those in between times when we couldn’t take our dogs outside to “do their business”.

DMD: Did you layout a detailed business plan for it, or was it more a napkin-sized outline?

TS: Everything is detailed, but I’ve moved away from the “business plan” and focused on the “strategic plan”. I believe it’s the daily strategy that delivers the results. I see the “strategic plan” as the short terms goals – as in what is on today and the “business plan” is the long term program – as in this year’s goal!

DMD: How did you finance your start up? i.e. Savings, Family, Mortgage, Loan, Angel, Private Investors?

TS: I borrowed some money from a family member. This gave me enough to register patents, and get some samples made up. From there, I sold, sold, sold. For the first year and a half I didn’t take a salary, and put everything we made back into the company. I worked two jobs and some ridiculous hours to make it happen.

Today, there is no debt in the company, we are cash flow positive and self sustaining. The initial loan was paid back almost overnight after generating fantastic interest and sales.

DMD: What are your thoughts about having and/or dealing with business partners? Some businesses partnerships seem to thrive, while it destroys others. If you had partners, how did you decide on an exit strategy?

TS: We established an exit strategy before we entered into the agreement. I believe it is important to stick to what you’re good at and allow others to do what they are good at.

Pup-Pee Solutions has three shareholders; everyone brings different skills to the company so in our case we’ve thrived. Early on we established that during business hours, it’s strictly business and nothing personal. Just like “white line fever” in sport – once you cross that line, you do what you have to do to win the game (in an ethical manner, of course) but at the end of the day it’s great to celebrate successes together.

DMD: Did you have a detailed spending plan in place for the money you started with? If so, in ballpark percentage terms, how was the money spent; (product/inventory, marketing, employees, tools/equipment, location of operation.) Or was it more, I have this much money to start and I’m going to wing it the best I can?

TS: Our start-up money was spent protecting intellectual property and creating some off-tool samples. From there the business had to stand on its own. Our first sales allowed us to manufacture inventory, do more marketing and promotion, then hiring new people. After a year we could better forecast growth, we added structure, more people and more inventory.

DMD: As your business progressed, was your growth self-financed through its own success? Or, did you need to raise outside money to grow? If you needed outside capital, how did you get it?

TS: Totally self financed. I don’t like to be in debt, so our aim is to sell, sell, sell, and reinvest revenue into expanding the company. We don’t spend what we don’t have, or borrow to make things happen.

DMD: What worked the best for you when you start promoting your company?

TS: The concept of The Pet Loo was great in theory but we needed to demonstrate this to retailers who reluctant to carry a new product, unproven in the market. I backed my products by giving well-known retailers The Pet Loo on consignment for 30 days. On the back end, I invested in PR to gain exposure in the media, drive traffic to my website and stores.

DMD: What DID NOT work for you?

TS: Giving payment terms to retailers. Some retailers early on took advantage and dodged paying bills when they became due.

DMD: Was there any big break that really got you off the ground?

TS: I applied to go on an Australian television show called The New Inventors and received a letter thanking me for my application and informing me that if my invention was chosen I’d hear back from them within 8 months. I got the call within three days, the following week we were in Sydney filming the show which went to air two weeks later. During that two weeks I recruited a PR firm to ensure every media contact they had watched the show. After that we were inundated with interest, sales and media opportunities.

DMD: What is the smartest thing you’ve done while running your company?

TS: I recognized very quickly that while I have the drive and hunger to succeed, it is so important to seek the advice and assistance from mentors and accomplished business people. I believe that we’ve been so successful because I’m not shy to ask questions.

DMD: What was the toughest time or “unexpected challenge” you experienced when you started your business, and how did you get through it?

TS: I have met a lot of honest, hardworking people but I’ve also come into contact with some very dishonest and unethical people. Unfortunately, you often find out who’s who the hard way. We had to see out the contractual arrangements we had with one of these people which put us behind, but it taught us an important lesson about forming relationships with the right people for the right reasons.

DMD: What do you think was/is the key factor that made YOU successful, when so many others have failed in starting and building a business?

TS: My approach is to deliver innovative products with first class customer service. From day one to date, that’s exactly what I’ve done.

I’ve focused on building relationships with key customers and delivered quality products on time, every time. This builds credibility and encourages word of mouth promotion. The biggest obstacle is to form the first relationship; from there you earn people’s trust and respect and expand your opportunities. People do business with people they like – I’d like to think I’m a likable person and if not, a very hard working, honest one!

DMD: When you’re making business decisions, are you more likely to go with your head or your gut?

TS: There is a fine line, I often go with wearing my heart on sleeve but with time learning to create a balance between both – It definitely comes with experience.

DMD: When do you do your best thinking?

TS: If it’s not at 3am when I wake with a rush of ideas then it’s definitely when out on my bike at 5:30am.

DMD: How have things changed in marketing since you started, and how has it stayed the same? What do you think the future holds for marketing your company?

TS: Right now I’m still doing what I did to get this business to where it is today. Our operations out of Australia are well established. This year I relocated to join my US-based team - I often think to myself “what did I do to get Pet Loo Australia to where it is today” then I work out a strategy for a population 10-times the size.

DMD: Do you have any worries about the future that may affect your company? And if so, what are you doing now to be prepared?

TS: When you have a successful product you are bound to become a target for counterfeiters. While we have very strong registered intellectual property (Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Design Protection etc.) and plan to protect our rights when threats surface, this causes me the most anxiety.

DMD: How educated do you think you have to be to start and build a business? Do you think you need a college education to be successful? Or do you think any average person can start and build a business in today’s world, if they work hard and are persistent?

TS: If you’re passionate, strategic and apply yourself accordingly you’re off to a good start! At Pup-Pee Solutions we have employees with and without degrees. Education is important but if you don’t love what you’re doing it doesn’t matter how many degrees you have. Surround yourself with people who have been successful in their time (advisors), people with common sense, drive, and determination.

DMD: Which is more important, talent or experience?

TS: I have drive, energy and vision BUT still have a lot to learn. I’ve implemented a board of directors to advise me and channel my energy – it’s this mix that has put Pup-Pee where it is today.

DMD: What is better, Money or Ideas?

TS: In 2003, Simone and I had a fantastic idea – The Pet Loo, being 22 & 23 years old at the time our access to cash was limited. We obviously needed money to bring our “idea” to life and then to market. While money certainly allowed us to get to market I think it’s far more important to understand “profit and loss”. You categorically need to be able to sell product and make a margin on it to make your business sustainable.

DMD: What’s the best advice you’ve received?

TS: Don’t live beyond your means. Put simply, if it’s not in the bank, I’m not buying.

DMD: What most impresses you about a person?

TS: Passion, efficiency, attention to detail and initiative.

DMD: What’s one thing they should have told you, about being a business leader?

TS: There is no such thing as a 9-5 job. If you have to work all night to meet deadlines – then that’s what you have to do. And, never compromise your values.

DMD: In your experience and opinion, is there any industry/business you would advise people to stay away from today. If so, why?

TS: No. Follow your dreams and passion! Do what makes you happy.

DMD: Are there any areas you see right now that you think offer great opportunity to get into today?

TS: Certainly. There are many companies in the industry that are folding. I see that as an opportunity to buy brands or companies and incorporate them into our corporate structure. I don’t want to dilute our existing brands but I know that it’s smart to diversify.

DMD: Who inspires you now?

TS: So many different people from all areas: Family, my Mum – her strength and determination will rival anyone. Extended Family, my father-in-law – cool, calm and collected in his approach to everything. Sportsman, Michael Jordan – he’s the best there ever was and potentially ever will be at what he did. Business, Richard Branson – I just love his approach and “out of the box thinking.” Immediate circle, Mark Stern – former president of United Pet Group, a global pet industry KING!

DMD: What’s the most overlooked secret to success?

Answer: Hard work! Nothing happens over night and sacrifices need to be made along the way. Some people who walk into a pet store will see our products and assume “that guy is making big bucks” but the effort to get it into stores is underrated.

DMD: Do you have any pointers or words of wisdom to give Entrepreneurs and small businesses that want to follow in your footsteps?

TS:

1. Surround yourself with people that have been there and done that. Understand where you’re at as a professional and don’t be shy to ask questions and learn.

2. Make sure you get advice from people who aren’t emotionally involved and can be objective about your business idea.

3. Protect yourself and your ideas. Discuss your ideas under confidentiality. If product related, register patents. These are invaluable when dealing with the big customers.

4. Back yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it. This only comes into effect after points 1, 2 & 3 have been ticked!

DMD: Do you have any words to live by?

TS: Activity leads to results!

Personal and Company details if public:

Year Company founded: 2006, after 3 years of Research & Development

Number of employees: 12

Short Company Description: Pup-Pee Solutions are pursuing their goal of being a worldwide solution in the category of pet waste management. Pup-Pee has proven their success in multiple markets worldwide with their product range. More info:www.thepetloo.com

Interviewee’s age: 28

Hometown: Sydney, Australia. Relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2009.

Family: Wife Simone, two dogs Subii & Coopa.

Article written by: Direct Marketing Digest 

http://www.directmarketingdigest.com/node/15 

Launched in 2006 after 3 years of research & development by Australian entrepreneur of the year, Tobi Skovron, and former Vet nurse & animal assisted therapist Simone Skovron, Pup-Pee Solutions is an Australian business success story that has expanded worldwide. 

With offices in Melbourne Australia, Los Angeles California & New York City The Pet Loo is Pup-Pee’s flagship brand. The Pet Loo replicates a backyard and is a safe and hygienic device that allows dogs & cats to do their business in a mess free, sanitary manner. It is suitable for apartment dwellers, the elderly, office dogs, boat owners, plush garden owners, cold climates and grassless backyards.  

Pup-Pee has won multiple awards for its ever evolving Pet Waste Management range of products and has successfully sold them through tens of thousands of independent dealers, multi-chain retailers as well as national pet retail giants in numerous markets. 

Further growth is an ongoing objective for Pup-Pee and they are currently seeking multiple partners with experience to expand their current distribution channels. 

The success of Pup-Pee Solutions to date is all about innovative first class products merged with first class service. The team within the organization is highly professional, motivated and passionate about pets. Pup-Pee has built an honest and reputable name within the global pet industry servicing Vets, Doggy Day Care Centers, Breeders, Obedience Professionals & even Groomers. 

Keen to discuss business? Feel free to jump online at www.thepetloo.com to find out more about Pup-Pee Solutions – who they are and how they go about their business. 

Follow Pup-Pee on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetLoo

Contact:

Los Angeles (Global Business): +1 310 591 8123 | Email Now

New York (US National Business): +1 646 383 8886 | Email Now

Australia (AU & NZ Business): +61 9415 8599 | Email Now

  Videos & TV appearance: www.youtube.com/PetLooUSA

Protect Your Good Ideas

The board of directors they gathered included licensing and patent attorneys as well as accountants and industrial engineers.

"Go and seek legal advice right off the bat," Skovron said. "You really need to seek out people with the right areas of expertise."

Cover every angle. Skovron's company, Pup-Pee Solutions, has since added new products to its lineup and expanded its market to 73 regions around the world. Skovron patents and trademarks each product as it's developed. "We have invested heavily in our intellectual property," he said.

Fight the good fight. Skovron has legal proceedings under way against a couple of imitators.

"I will use every dollar I have and more to chase down someone who decides to rip me off," Skovron said. "It's not just me. I've got 60 other people (employees) to think of."

Pick a weapon. Patent or trademark? Is one better than the other? It depends on your objective, says Oliver Herzfeld, chief legal officer at Beanstalk Group, a brand licensing firm. "Patents protect the inventor," he said. "A trademark is basically protecting the (product) name."

In other words, patents prevent competitors from re-creating your product for 20 years. A trademark prevents them from using your product's name for as long as you're in business. "If you fail to use your trademark in commerce for a certain period of time, you lose your rights," Herzfeld said.

Keep your secrets. Bug Bam's inventor and president, Joseph Symond, chose to trademark everything about his all-natural mosquito-repellent wristband rather than patent it.

With the latter, "you have to put down every single part of the process," he said. "It becomes like an instruction book on how to create my product." He plans to keep that secret for the long run.

Watch for squatters. People don't just steal business ideas. They can ride on another firm's coattails. That's what happened to Symond.

"A competitor hacked into my Web site and put their TV commercial on my Web site," Symond said. "I'm filing my first lawsuit ever in my life."

Beat your drum. Besides legal wrangling, Symond devotes energy to teaching consumers why his repellent is safe and effective. "All the advertising I do is focused on educating the customer," he said.

While his blog may have a limited audience, it has a long reach.

"That blog gets picked up (and re-posted) by multiple sources," Symond said. "I write it more like a public service announcement with real facts and figures."

www.investors.com

Protect Your Good Ideas

By Sonja Carberry

You've come up with a great product and put it on the market. Almost immediately people are imitating or even stealing your idea. What to do? Details on protecting what's yours:

• Assemble a team. Billed as a "backyard in a box," the Pet Loo invented by Tobi Skovron and his wife, Simone, lets dogs do their business indoors on a hygienic, synthetic-grass-covered box. Before dropping the Pet Loo on the marketplace in 2003, the couple surrounded themselves with an arsenal of experts who'd "been there, done that," Tobi Skovron told IBD.

The board of directors they gathered included licensing and patent attorneys as well as accountants and industrial engineers.

"Go and seek legal advice right off the bat," Skovron said. "You really need to seek out people with the right areas of expertise."

• Cover every angle. Skovron's company, Pup-Pee Solutions, has since added new products to its lineup and expanded its market to 73 regions around the world. Skovron patents and trademarks each product as it's developed. "We have invested heavily in our intellectual property," he said.

• Fight the good fight. Skovron has legal proceedings under way against a couple of imitators.

"I will use every dollar I have and more to chase down someone who decides to rip me off," Skovron said. "It's not just me. I've got 60 other people (employees) to think of."

• Pick a weapon. Patent or trademark? Is one better than the other? It depends on your objective, says Oliver Herzfeld, chief legal officer at Beanstalk Group, a brand licensing firm. "Patents protect the inventor," he said. "A trademark is basically protecting the (product) name."

In other words, patents prevent competitors from re-creating your product for 20 years. A trademark prevents them from using your product's name for as long as you're in business. "If you fail to use your trademark in commerce for a certain period of time, you lose your rights," Herzfeld said.

• Keep your secrets. Bug Bam's inventor and president, Joseph Symond, chose to trademark everything about his all-natural mosquito-repellent wristband rather than patent it.

With the latter, "you have to put down every single part of the process," he said. "It becomes like an instruction book on how to create my product." He plans to keep that secret for the long run.

• Watch for squatters. People don't just steal business ideas. They can ride on another firm's coattails. That's what happened to Symond.

"A competitor hacked into my Web site and put their TV commercial on my Web site," Symond said. "I'm filing my first lawsuit ever in my life."

• Beat your drum. Besides legal wrangling, Symond devotes energy to teaching consumers why his repellent is safe and effective. "All the advertising I do is focused on educating the customer," he said.

While his blog may have a limited audience, it has a long reach.

"That blog gets picked up (and re-posted) by multiple sources," Symond said. "I write it more like a public service announcement with real facts and figures."

The eco-friendly Pet Loo – no grass needed!

Author: Debra Atlas

Pet owners know what it’s like to be working late and suddenly remember the dog hasn’t been outside for 8 or more hours. If you can’t leave work yet, you face the prospect of coming home to a real doggie “mess”!

A product developed in Australia – The Pet Loo – is the answer busy pet owners have been looking for. Called the “Backyard in a Box”, The Pet Loo is high quality synthetic grass that’s resistant to the smell and acidity of pet urine. Launched in 2006 by Tobi Skovron, founder of Pup-Pee Solutions, USA, LLC, and his wife Simone, this indoor dog potty – perfect for urban apartment dwellers - lets dogs relieve themselves when owners aren’t around. And they leave no smelly mess to clean up later!

With the development of The Pet Loo, Skovron says the company followed three key guidelines:

• Be environmentally friendly 
• Be biodegradable 
• Be chemical free

Designed for dogs or cats, The Pet Loo’s base is slightly angled to work with gravity. It’s been reinforced to support an animal’s weight and is shaped to funnel the urine towards the collection jug. Pet waste can be easily removed and poured down the toilet with no spilling. Skovron says it’s been tested to hold up to 660 pounds of weight, making it good for overweight or large dogs and multiple pets.

Cleaning The Pet Loo’s a snap. Simply remove the base and clean, then remove the grass to let dry. Among Skovron’s company’s many pet products, they recommend cleaning The Pet Loo with their WEE Care.

When you remove its grass, wipe down the base down with WEE Care and warm water. Domestic cleaners will sanitize the Pet Loo but will discourage pets from going back to that spot, acting as a pet deterrent. “That defeats the purpose,” says Skovron.

Skovron believes his product helps break down barriers to pet ownership. “People shy away from pet ownership,” says Skovron, “based on (its) practicability – they can’t afford a back yard.” Having a Pet Loo makes it that much easier for people to be responsible pet owners.

This award-winning product comes in several sizes, including for larger dogs and one for cats, rabbits or guinea pigs. The most common size is 33” x 33. Try putting two or more mats together for your own private “doggie park”. “We’re all about the pets,” Skovron says.

For convenience, use The Pet Loo on balconies, patios or indoors. This product is durable if maintained. Bring it indoors when there’s bad weather or it rains. The company says it will last 10 to 20 years. Skovron says “(the black) Pet Loo will (probably) outlive a pet.”

He suggests keeping replacement grass around, but says replace it only if you feel it’s necessary. You might use it while cleaning and drying the original. The Pet Loo is available in pet stores in the U.S. and online at Amazon, SmartHome.com and www.thepetloo.com.

Prices range from $199.00 for smaller dogs to $239.00 for the larger size.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1019839_54.html

This interview is with Tobi Skovron of Pup-Pee Solutions. They are a manufacturer and distributor of indoor pet waste management products that are innovative, convenient, and green!  Enjoy the interview below:

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into this business?

Tobi: In 2003, I relocated 1,000 km south of my home town Sydney Australia to be with my girlfriend Simone who was studying at the time.  A few months after relocating I bought Simone a Cockapoo called Subii.

Living in an apartment with a dog we constantly faced issues with her needing to go to the toilet at inconvenient times. Any accidents on the balcony would rot the wooden surface. Every time we were out of the apartment we’d worry about the carpets!

We decided there must be a better way. We needed a permanent, hygienic solution and realized that that many others were in the same position.

After a couple of years working with industrial designers, dye makers, injection moulding specialists, veterinarians, obedience professionals, animal behaviourists & patent lawyers The Pet Loo was born.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your business-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Tobi: Passion, strategy and sheer drive!

Some say I’m cursed with ambition, I think in reality I’m the type of person that is prepared to roll the dice and take a chance (calculated of course) in pursuit of what I’m passionate about.

This “business” is not about making money… it’s all about both Simone and I having an appreciation for our pets and the lifestyle that we lead first and foremost. This ultimately has driven us to want every person around the world to be a pet owner!

We always take care of our customers, export partners and retailers first - without these relationships our business would never have gotten off the ground.

Money has never been a focus we both view it as a bonus to what we do.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Tobi: I’m the type of person that likes to lead the pack, rather than follow!

I like to think inside the square, as everyone thinks “outside the square”. I have tremendous drive and energy but also recognize where I’m at as a professional and surround myself with successors that have been there and done that before my time, asking the questions to improve my skills.

I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and work hard and make it happen by chasing it down rather than just waiting for things to come to me.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

I have grown up with pets, but it was Simone, who is a qualified social worker with “Animal Assisted Therapy” training, who helped me gain an understanding of the benefits of animal companionship.

Her guidance and passion helped me change career paths. My dogs come to the office with me every day and most recently I relocated from Australia to Los Angeles and they made the move with me!

My dogs are not something I have, but rather the lifestyle I lead.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Tobi: I’m doing what I love!

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet product industry going?

Tobi: Like every other industry at the moment it is changing. Many independent retailers are being acquired by major chains.  I also  think we’ll see continued growth in the “green” product sector.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Tobi: Creating green products is what we do. Pup-Pee Solutions is an environmentally-friendly company focused making products that are safe for people, pets and the planet. From The Pet Loo to our No Range cleaning solutions - all of our products are chemical free, biodegradable and environmentally friendly. We plan to stay in the Pet Waste Management sector of the pet industry.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your business?

Tobi:
Our Website: www.thepetloo.com.
Our Blog: www.thepetloo.com/blog.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetLoo.

K9  Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Tobi: There is a video interview with me here, feel free to click here to watch it!

Thank you so much!

Tobi Skovron of Pup-Pee Solutions

Traveling with pets can be stressful. These simple tips can make things smoother for both of you! 

Check airline policies and requirements

Each airline has different policies so always check before you book a ticket. Ask the following questions:

· Does the airline allow you to take small animals in the cabin?

· If not, do they have any restrictions or blackout periods for transporting animal in the cargo cabin?

· Are there any pet health or immunization requirements?

· What type of pet carriers does the airline require?  

Planning your trip

· Choose a less hectic time to travel and choose a nonstop flight

· Book flights during the coolest part of the day

· Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded below the cabin.

· Choose an airline that has “pet friendly” policies – this is a great article rating the best US airlines; http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2009/06/petfindercom-rates-best-airlines-for-pets.html

Preparing your pet

· Have a veterinarian examine your pet - most airlines require health certificates

· Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.

· Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.

· N.B. Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages so are more vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.  

What to do the day you travel

· If animals are traveling below deck use "Live Animal" and "This End Up" stickers, recommended by the American Humane Association

· Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Make sure you have a temporary address and phone number ID for where you’re traveling to.

· Come to the airport armed with the relevant paperwork; health certificates, vaccination records etc.

· Don't feed your pet at least two hours before departure

· Exercise your pet a couple of hours before flight, this will tire them out and help them relax

· When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you and let them know where. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.

· Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's travel case – water will spill!

· Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

· When you arrive at your destination examine your pet for any injuries. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

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PUP-PEE SOLUTIONS Launches NO RANGE
A 100% Natural Solution for Smells and Stains

Australian pet product company, Pup-Pee Solutions has launched No Range, a line of enzyme products designed to naturally treat pet smells and stains.

The enzymes in No Range dissolve organic matter from pet accidents, blood, food and beverages quickly and easily. Their natural, biodegradable formula does not harm or discolor carpets or upholstery or irritate sensitive skin, eyes or noses. “With the No Range in your home you literally have trillions of natural enzymes working for you to break down undesirable organic material safely and effectively; resulting in a healthier pet and home,” says Tobi Skovron, founder of Pup Pee Solutions.

 The No Range consists of three core products; Wee Care, Liquid-ate and Whiff-off.

Wee Care: Developed to create a healthy habitat for your pet and your family; Wee Care eliminates germs from a pet’s waste and toileting area. This product was developed to be used with The Pet Loo, “A back yard in a box” that allows an animal to relieve itself when its owner can’t be there.

Liquid-Ate: Eliminates stains and odors permanently, such as pet stains and accidents, blood stains, food & beverage spillage, feces, urine and vomit. Unlike competing products that mask odors temporarily, Liquid-ate safely combats the root of the problem making the home a cleaner and healthier place to be.

Whiff-Off: A specifically formulated mixture of citrus scents and enzymes that effectively eliminates airborne odors from any pet source, permanently.

 Features of No Range:

· Safe for your pet & the whole family

· 100% natural & biodegradable

· Permanently removes ALL organic odors & stains

· Hypo-allergenic

· Discourages pets from re-soiling in the same area

How do enzymes work?

Enzymes are complex protein molecules that promote the rapid progress of nearly every chemical reaction essential to life. In nature, enzymes decompose organic material by breaking it down to its original components, such as carbon dioxide and water – and this is exactly what they do in the No Range.

The No Range are revolutionary products that are non-toxic, non-irritating, 100% biodegradable and harmless to your pet, family & environment.

About Pup-Pee Solutions:

Pup-Pee Solutions’ philosophy is that animal companionship should be accessible for all and that convenient, user-friendly products eliminate barriers to pet ownership. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team and dog lovers, Tobi and Simone Skovron. Simone is a former veterinary nurse and social worker.The company launched the award-winning Pet Loo in Australia in July 2006. The Pet Loo and The Pet Loo MINI-Wee have been sold in excess of 73 regions of the world. Pup-Pee Solutions has broadened its range to include a host of pet-related products including the Kitty Kat.

Original Article: http://www.dognewsdaily.com/releases/show/1205

www.dognewsdaily.com