Meet Kayla Ricks of Wolf Pack Planet

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Ricks

Hi Kayla, 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?
My journey in pet care began at 18, simply walking dogs between college classes to earn extra money. What started as a casual side gig quickly turned into a successful endeavor, enabling me to pay for my first year of college through pet sitting alone. This initial success inspired me to transform my passion into a profession, leading to the birth of Wolf Pack Planet in 2019.

Since then, my business has evolved significantly, moving with me to Denver in 2022. Here, I’ve embraced a holistic approach, intertwining structured training, adventure, and wellness to support the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the dogs I care for. I’ve invested in extensive education, earning certifications in dog training, canine behavior, and canine nutrition. These qualifications have allowed me to craft seasonal programs like Wolf Pack Academy during the Enrichment Season and Camp Wolf Pack in the Adventure Season, each designed to nurture dogs in a balanced, thoughtful way.

Wolf Pack Planet has grown from a simple dog-walking service into a holistic pet care community. We now cater to proactive, health-conscious pet parents who want to be active participants in their dog’s journey. With a focus on adventure, growth, and connection, my mission is to ensure that every dog can thrive and every pet owner feels empowered and informed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of building Wolf Pack Planet has definitely not been smooth. As a young entrepreneur who started in my teens, I faced significant obstacles, particularly the challenge of launching and growing a business without external funding or a support network. Balancing my college education alongside my rapidly expanding business often felt impossible, leading to academic setbacks and a constant struggle to manage my time effectively. The emotional toll of juggling both responsibilities was enormous, especially during moments when I felt like I had to choose between my future career and my education.

Being a Black woman in the pet care industry also presented unique challenges. I’ve encountered racism and prejudice, and it can feel incredibly isolating to navigate those experiences while trying to establish credibility in a field that doesn’t always feel inclusive. Yet, those struggles have also fueled my determination to make Wolf Pack Planet a space where diversity and equity are celebrated, not just for the pet parents we serve but also within our broader pet care community. Despite the obstacles, these experiences have shaped me into a more resilient and driven leader, pushing me to elevate both myself and my business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wolf Pack Planet?
Wolf Pack Planet is a holistic, eco-friendly pet care company that prioritizes the complete well-being of dogs while remaining deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Our services are thoughtfully designed to minimize our ecological footprint, from the practices we implement during outings to the way we consider the impact of our driving routes. We extend this holistic approach to the choices we make for our dogs, ensuring that everything they consume—from medicine to supplements and nutrition—supports both their health and the planet.

Our year is divided into two seasonal programs tailored to meet the needs of dogs based on the climate. The Adventure Season, running from May 1st through October 31st, focuses on warm-weather activities like hiking and outdoor exploration to promote physical and mental stimulation. The Enrichment Season, from November 1st to April 30th, embraces the colder months with structured indoor training and emotional development, helping dogs stay engaged and balanced year-round.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a lifestyle for dogs that seamlessly integrates structured training, eco-conscious wellness practices, and adventure-based exploration. At Wolf Pack Planet, we’re more than just a pet care provider; we’re a community that uplifts and empowers pet parents to be active participants in their dogs’ holistic growth while working together to protect our planet.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the quality that has been most essential to my success is my genuine passion for what I do. It goes beyond simply caring—I have always been deeply driven by a love for animals, nature, and the universe around us. From dreaming of becoming a marine biologist as a child to imagining a future as an astronaut conducting botanical research in space, I’ve always been fascinated by how everything in our world is connected.

Wolf Pack Planet embodies all the things that make me who I am: a love for space, an appreciation for the beauty of nature, and an unwavering commitment to animals’ well-being. This passion keeps me inspired and continuously learning, whether it’s about the best holistic nutrition for dogs or eco-friendly practices that make a difference.

I think it’s crucial to pursue work that aligns with what you love. When you’re not passionate about your job, it’s easy to lose motivation and, ultimately, to fail. For me, waking up every day to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the lives of dogs and my community is a privilege. It’s that love and excitement that drive me to put in the effort and constantly improve, making Wolf Pack Planet a reflection of my deepest passions.

Pricing:

• Neighborhood Walks – $35
• Drop-In Visits – $25
• Overnight Boarding – $65
• Overnight House Sitting – $85
• Pet Grooming – $55

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liinks.co/wolfpackplanet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfpackplanetclub/profilecard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089229139376
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wolfpackplanetclub
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/szaV5cxXUYLqFFbY9

Image Credits
Image Credits: Wolf Pack Planet