Professional Pet Sitter Judith Bialik Tells Her Story

Spotlight on Professional Pet Sitter, Judith Bialik  

“Believe it or not, I just turned 71 in December and my business is now 10 years old. I was looking for something to do when I retired from my major profession and I spoke to a friend who always used a pet sitter in California. My friend gave me her phone number and I called to find out about this field. This is also the time I contacted Pet Sitters International for a packet of information to start a new business. I also went to the Small Business office and talked to a representative there and she and I laid out a business plan and discussed the prices that sounded reasonable for where I live. I also went to my accountant and we both set up a very easy book keeping plan so I can keep the incoming and the outgoing without too much of a hassle.

"Now the real job started—getting customers. I rationalized that where there are women there are children and animals. So, guess who joined almost all of the women's clubs and luncheons?! I also put a small advertisement in the local paper. The local newspaper prints a column each month called "New Businesses in Town" and I contacted a local reporter about my new business.

"Slowly but surely, I acquired more and more clients due to word of mouth. I advertised in the yellow pages of the phone book under pet sitters and boarding and this also worked. I left cards at vets, groomers and pet stores. Eventually, the veterinarians started recommending me because I took care of pets they don't, such as special birds, rats, fish, parrots, etc. I also learned how to give medicine to animals with special needs and also give insulin injections. I learned that if you want to succeed you must diversify.

"One cannot be too haughty because when one is self-employed, you are walking a tight rope. You have to take care of yourself and if you don't feel good about taking care of an animal I suggest you do not. I have turned down jobs because of an animal or the situation and I have given suggestions to help so I don't leave the pet owner stranded. You have to do what the owner asks and if you want the job you say "yes sir". If you want to keep clients always be punctual, make times and dates and do not play phone tag. Do what you say you are going to do and even if you get angry at the client never take it out on the animal for they are the innocent party in all this.

"Well, at the age of 71, my business is still fully functioning and my clients keep telling me they can see me using a walker while continuing to take care of animals. I say, I hope so. I cannot imagine a business more satisfying than this one. Most of the time I leave client's homes laughing. I wonder what their neighbors think? I wonder if the neighbors think they left crazy people to take care of their animals? If they do, that is ok because the next time they leave home they may remember me and I will then get a new client and that is what it is all about.”

–submitted by Judith Bialik, JB’s Critter Sitters, Abilene, TX