Foundation story August 2022 - DeinHannoverRudel
Rebecca Pletschmüllers is a passionate travel agent and runs a travel agency in Pattensen. During the coronavirus pandemic, she used the time to train as a dog tourism manager and founded her own company, DeinHannoverRudel, in 2021. The 39-year-old now offers great tours for dogs and people in the Hanover region, where everyone gets their money's worth.
From walks to "lost places" to cooking courses, everything is included. And of course the four-legged friends are the focus of all activities, just like Rebecca's dog Lucy. With the active support of her wife Jacqui, Rebecca now offers an average of three "pack events" a month. After extensive walks, the program either includes a meal together in a dog-friendly restaurant or the group visits other start-ups that have something special to offer. For example, there are tips from dog professionals, mobility tours for dogs or even photo shoots.
Rebecca, what makes a dog tourism manager?
More and more people who want to go on vacation with their dogs are coming to my travel agency. As a dog tourism manager, you know what requirements a hotel, campsite or even a ship must meet so that guests and pets feel at home.
Is there enough exercise in the area with and without a lead? How do you get to the vacation spot in a "dog-friendly" way? I'm now putting everything I've learned into practice on a small scale at DeinHannoverRudel. I talk to locations about "how much dog" they can tolerate and always choose something different for my customers. For example, I'm currently planning a group trip to Swedish Lapland with DeinHannoverRudel for 2023 with all the trimmings.
How do you describe your target group?
All people with and without dogs are welcome. It is important that a four-legged friend gets along with other dogs, that the animals are vaccinated and insured and that the bitches are not in heat. We have limited the group sizes so that it is a nice tour for people and animals. I like bringing people together, showing them the beauty of nature in the Hanover region, making it possible to experience paths that you wouldn't necessarily go on your own, and I usually always have a treat for both sides. Many tours are now booked out quickly. This shows me that I'm on the right track with my ideas.
What are your tips for other founders?
If you don't try anything, you can't find out how your idea is received. And: learning by doing - on every tour, I learn what my target group wants and then implement it. It's fun and automatically expands my range. Networking is important, sharing ideas promotes creativity. In the beginning, the focus is on what we have in common and not on profit. Making your own mistakes and learning from them and from the mistakes of others is also part of it.
Contact details:
Rebecca Pletschmüllers
Im Haspelfelde 42
30173 Hanover
Tel: 017622858840
E-Mail:pletschmuellers@gmx.de
www.deinhannoverrudel.com
Rebecca on the collaboration with hannoverimpuls:
I took part in the last Startup-Impuls start-up competition. Just by working on the application documents and taking part in the coaching sessions and workshops, I raised my profile. Even though I didn't win, the discussions were important and helpful for me. I can only recommend all founders to take part. It's worth having your own idea evaluated by outsiders.
Björn Höhne, Project Manager Start-up and Entrepreneurship at hannoverimpuls, on the collaboration with Rebecca:
Rebecca's idea is well received. It brings people together who share common interests. We were able to help her further refine her concept and are delighted with her success.