Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Schmitt.
Hi Colleen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
People always ask how I got into pet care, and honestly, it all started long before I ever owned a dog.
I was born and raised in Connecticut with two older sisters, and growing up, our lives revolved around sports. Between practices, games, and traveling for competitions, there never seemed to be enough time for a dog. As much as I wanted one, it just wasn’t in the cards for our family. Instead, I became the girl who was completely obsessed with everyone else’s dogs. Whether it was a friend’s dog or a pup I happened to meet while out and about, I wanted to love on every single one.
I went on to play Division I soccer at High Point University in North Carolina, where I learned the discipline, commitment, teamwork, and dedication that come with giving your all to something. When my soccer career came to an end, I knew I wanted to find something else that I could pour that same energy and passion into—and naturally, I found my way back to animals.
I started Coll Unleashed as a side job, fitting dog walks and pet care around my schedule simply because I genuinely loved spending time with dogs. After college, I moved back to Charlotte, where life took an unexpected—and pretty funny—turn. I met my now-husband through Rover.com, and along the way, I also found my soul dog, Bubba. He quickly became the face of Coll Unleashed and, more importantly, the heart behind everything I do.
What started as a simple passion project soon grew into a business that brought me incredible clients, unforgettable adventures, and lifelong friendships. But it was actually my own wedding that changed the direction of Coll Unleashed. While planning the big day, I found myself facing a problem I never expected: I needed someone I completely trusted to care for Bubba and help him be part of such an important moment in our lives.
As I started looking into my options, I discovered the world of wedding pet attendants. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked. I realized I could combine my two greatest passions—celebrating love and caring for pets. That moment changed the direction of my business and ultimately led me to where I am today.
Now, I have the privilege of helping couples include their beloved dogs in one of the biggest moments of their lives while making sure their pets are loved, safe, and cared for every step of the way.
Looking back, it’s funny how everything came full circle. The little girl who wasn’t allowed to have a dog has built a career centered around loving other people’s pets—and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Like many small business owners, the journey has come with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest has been balancing entrepreneurship with my full-time career. In addition to running Coll Unleashed, I work full-time as a paralegal at Knox Law Center. Building a business while working a traditional 9-to-5, especially one that often requires evenings, weekends, and holidays, hasn’t always been easy. It’s taught me a lot about time management, commitment, and knowing when I can’t do everything myself.
As Coll Unleashed has evolved into specializing in wedding pet attendant services, I’ve faced a whole new set of challenges. Every wedding, event, couple, and pup is different, and there are countless moving pieces behind the scenes. I’m not just caring for a dog; I’m working within wedding timelines, coordinating with couples and vendors, navigating venues, and making sure their pup can be part of the celebration without adding stress to the day.
I’ve also learned that growth means trusting others. Building a team I can rely on has allowed Coll Unleashed to take on more weddings while still providing the personal attention and level of care that are so important to me. Learning to trust others with something I’ve built from the ground up has been a big step, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding parts of growing the business.
Transitioning into such a niche industry has meant taking a leap of faith, investing in my business, and trusting the direction I’m taking. Looking back, every challenge has taught me something and made me even more confident that this is exactly where Coll Unleashed is meant to be.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, Coll Unleashed specializes exclusively in wedding pet care and events, helping couples include their beloved dogs in some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. From transportation and aisle assistance to behind-the-scenes care, photo coordination, rehearsal events, and overnight services, we take care of the details so couples can focus on celebrating while knowing their pets are safe, comfortable, and part of the experience.
What sets Coll Unleashed apart is the level of personalization and genuine care we bring to every event. Every dog has their own personality, routine, and comfort level, and I take the time to understand those individual needs. I’m more than just someone holding the leash—I’m there to be a calm, dependable presence and an advocate for the pup throughout the celebration.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Caring for someone’s dog during such an important milestone is a huge responsibility, and I never take that lightly. My goal is to give couples the freedom to be fully present and enjoy their celebration while knowing their dog is in capable, caring hands.
That mission is deeply personal to me because I’ve been in their shoes. When I was planning my own wedding, I experienced firsthand how difficult it was to find reliable, professional care for my dog, Bubba. That experience inspired me to create the kind of service I wish I had found—a company dedicated to making it easier for couples to include their dogs without adding another thing to their plate.
At the end of the day, I’m not simply providing pet care. I’m helping couples create meaningful memories with their dogs while ensuring their four-legged family members are cared for, comfortable, and included every step of the way.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As a small business owner, I’m always looking for ways to learn, stay organized, and continue improving how I run my business.
Two of the biggest tools that have helped me along the way are Time To Pet and HoneyBook. They help me streamline everything from communication and scheduling to client management and workflows, giving me more time to focus on what matters most.
When it comes to learning and inspiration, one of my favorite resources is The Pet Sitter Confessional podcast with Megan and Colin. It’s my go-to listen during my morning drive. I love hearing real conversations about the pet care industry, learning from other professionals, and taking away ideas that help me grow both personally and professionally.
I truly believe there’s always something new to learn, and I enjoy surrounding myself with tools, people, and resources that challenge me to become a better business owner and create an even better experience for my clients.
Pricing:
- Our wedding pet care services are completely customized, so there are no one-size-fits-all packages. Every couple’s wedding day—and every dog—is unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collunleashed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coll_unleashed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551102137903
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@collunleashed
