Pet Sitting Services

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Pets are the biggest draw in my line of work. This entails pet sitting, searching for a dog for people looking for a pet, planning fund raising events and hosting my pet fair.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Be honest in describing your pet. Insist on a pre-consultation and ask lots of questions! Watch how your prospective sitter relates to your pet and watch how your pet relates to the prospect. Check insurance and bonding credentials. Ask who will be entering your home. Feel free to do a check and ask for references. Call some of those references!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I wish I knew how frightening it can be to board an animal. Animals will always miss and worry about their owners when away. They need the familiarity of their own homes to soothe them.

I wish that seniors knew that there is an alternative to giving away their beloved pets when it becomes hard to care for them. Pets help you live longer...reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol and more! Keep your pets - you'll live longer!

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Clients need to provide Vet records and proof of shots. If I am administering medication, it should be written out and shown to me at consultation time. If the pet has any nervous habits or bites, make that known! If the pet bolts (runs away when the door is open), make that known...keep nothing secret!

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work is my passion. I love what I do and as such, I pass that on to my workers and my clients.
Also, I offer a large variety of services, so as to be a one-stop shop. Where most offer rotating lights & curtains and taking out trash, I have a full concierge business assisting in areas such as cleaning and grocery shopping ... and more!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Solving problems for people & giving peace of mind. Example ... (Pet Care) "I don't know what I am going to do. I have to travel and don't want to board my pets." (Cleaning, Grocery Shopping & More) "My Mother can't handle the house anymore and she doesn't want to go to an assisted living facility. (Shopping & Provisioning) "I have a party coming up and I just don't have the time to prepare."

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q: How do you care for animals? A: There are a couple of ways. First, I can check on your pet/s multiple times throughout the day, feeding, walking, litter box care and offering play & TLC. Second, I pack my air matress, linens and pillows and can set up residence in your home while you're gone. This way, your pet stays in familiar surrounding and you have a happier, more well behaved pet upon your return.
Q: What is your hourly rate? A: I don't charge an hourly rate. This way, you don't pay more if it takes me a while with your pet or your home.
Q: Can we meet? A: Yes, let's set a time to consult so we can meet and I can meet your cherished pet or see your home.
Q: I travel so much... A: I can help. I offer "Happy Travels" services, transporting you to the doctor, shopping, the airport ... wherever you need to be!
Q: Do you have a place where I can view all of your services? A: Please see my website ... www.LeashOnLifeFLA.com

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I have become very involved with pet charities and rescues since I started my business. I hold an annual pet fair and recently hosted a Charity Dog Wash to raise funds for the fair and charities.
Because of my involvement, people call me for various reasons involving pets. I one week I had a stray at my door and I had a client's pet come up missing. Through social media and hours of research and searching, I found a home for the little stray and found the missing Italian Greyhound! I love my work!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish that customers and prospects knew the difference between a dog walker and a professional, passionate care giver. If I was looking for someone to care for my pet, I would look for someone who does this full time, is involved in the community so they are learning every day, someone bonded & insured and someone who listens to the customized needs of you and your pet!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I have a 28 year sales career. Iw as looking to make a little extra money and thought of walking dogs. As I am an avid animal lover, the business grew quickly. I gave up the sales career and now love my work and my life.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I have a client with two large dogs. One is 3 and the other, 14. The 14 year old is having problems. I took him for his walk and he collapsed. I immediately called on one of my contractors to assist me in getting him home and immediately called the owner. The owner came home and checked on his pet. The pet was fine. He just had a bad night with weak legs. I checked on him again that night and the next morning, first thing. He was doing well. I was thrilled that I was able to care for this wonderful dog and communicate witht he owner and my crew to do what was needed. The owner thanked me and I will continue watching these two beauties!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I am in the process of obtaining my CPR for animals and basic emergency care for animals.
I network daily with professionals in all fields to assist in their needs, as they do for me. In as much, I have met groomers, dog bakeries, Vets, and more regarding animals. I also had the privelege of serving as a personal assistant for a woman from India for a month!

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Our country has become very animal friendly and we love our pets...they are family! There are classes offered by Vets and professionals in many areas of pet service. I am working on a pleas to have dogs scanned yearly to check their info on their microchip. In the 12 years I have had my dog, she has only been scanned once, when I asked for it. If a new patient is scanned at first visit, this will aid the Doctor in knowing if this dog has been stolen and where he/she may belong.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. Charity Dog Wash: I spent a total of $80 to do this. My Head Volunteer got almost everything donated. I advertised. A fellow networker with a auto repair shop offered his lot and a bay. I had 12 volunteers. We washed 25-30 dogs, sold hot dogs, chips and sodas, had raffles and a Vet set up with give-aways. We raised hundreds for pet charities and rescues! We also had a ball!

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing is easy and somewhat customized. As I offer many services, please visit my website at www.LeashOnLifeFLA.com for a range of pricing or call me!

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Looooove animals and looooove people! People ARE good! Care for the customer and strive to do all promised and more! Help the community. Don't count dollars. Just do all you can. People will see your sincerity and the money will come! Do what is right - it will come back to you! Work in or on your business daily! network...get to know your community!

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q: Why did you leave a steady paycheck to do this?
A: I have always dabbled in entrepreneurship. I have always wanted to do my own thing and offer a service to the community. The time was right. I thought about animals and the ideas flooded my brain...it was easy! I feel that I am giving something that is truly needed...solving a serious problem. From cleaning to pet care, I love being a resource to so many good people...and pets!