Success Story: Donna

Critter Sitter started in PA the 1990s, pet sitting for my parents’ friends as a favor. When these folks went out of town on trips, I stayed in their home and cared for their cats.

Having a sense of independence and seeking the freedom to work for myself, the idea to pursue pet sitting as a career was born.

I enjoy the outdoors and caring for animals, so it makes sense to work in an environment I prefer, using my skills and natural abilities. The environment is friendly and inviting and working with my hands allows me to feel comfortable. Having dogs to walk and pets to cuddle provides immediate feedback and rewards. Critter Sitter works with all types of “critter” in addition to dogs and cats.

It is sometimes difficult to care for pets who need 24 hour attention for medical problems. Getting up in the middle of the night, if there is a question about the pet’s care, is not always easy to reach the client, especially if they are out of the area on vacation.

When I relocated to Easton, MD, from PA, the business had to be restarted in a new location. This is a particularly challenging type of business because trust is required before clients allow you to work in their homes. References from within the community are difficult to obtain when you are a new, unknown resident.

For about 5 years I tried to operate the business without a business plan or help from a job coach. It was difficult to get it growing. Owning a business means you work alone. This can generate loneliness and lack of ideas from others. A personal coach was needed to help me, now that I lived in a new state and needed to begin the business all over again.

It helped to meet weekly with someone to develop a business plan, encourage me to pursue my ideas and give ideas about ways to grow the business. neba has given me direction and hope for success in growing my business.

Critter Sitter Pet Sitting obtained 6 new clients this past year; two referrals from clients, two friends, two referrals from veterinarians. Most clients use the services more than once. In addition, five current clients increased level of service several times for extended away periods. The business has repeat business from several clients. A small number use the services occasionally. There needs to be more face-to-face marketing through group presentations where potential clients can learn about the services and meet the business owner. Daily dog walks provide steady income for the business. Growing the client base, maintaining current “good” clients, contribute to a successful business.

If you’d like to know more, contact me at [email protected]