Family background aids pet sitter and dog walker in opening her own business

Prior to opening her own dog-walking and pet-sitting business, Lui also worked for another dog walker for two years.

Lui became a pet sitter and dog walker for the love of animals, she says.

“They were a big part of my everyday life and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” Lui says. “It was an easy decision and I had a business degree and my family had their own business, so I had the background to run my own business.”

Pet sitting is huge in Toronto, where almost everyone has a pet, Lui says. Her business services downtown and midtown Toronto.

From the family business to her own business

Lui had many roles in the 10 years she worked for her family. The company shipped used clothing to Africa and had used clothing stores throughout Ontario. Lui started off picking the clothes for the stores and went on to work in the stores. In the last four years there, she worked in the office, answering phone calls, bookkeeping, banking and more.

But Lui says she always knew that she could be a dog walker, and while she was working for her family she wrote up a business plan. She eventually left the family business and moved to Toronto, where she got experience working with a dog walker. After two years, she knew it was the job for her.

“It was a great experience for me, learning about the clients’ needs, knowing what it’s like to care for other people’s pets,” Lui explains. “It was hard work and long days on my feet, but I really enjoyed every minute.”

Lui says the experience of her family owning its own business helped her, and working for another dog-walking company also gave her the tools she needed, such as knowledge of prices, forms and scheduling programs.

“Obviously the industry has changed and I have had to stay as current as possible, but it was nice to have the experience before starting my own (business),” Lui says.

Why PSI?

Lui has other credentials, as well. She has a business diploma and a travel and tourism certificate, and she finished the Karen Pryor Academy with a certificate in dog training. Lui says she also completed dog training and veterinarian assistant training through ABC, and she continues to take small courses in Toronto to better understand dog behavior.

The benefit of selecting a professional pet sitter is the guarantee that this person is providing a service that the client needs, and they have the expertise, Lui says.

“If you get a good pet sitter, the client can go away and feel secure that their pet is getting the love and attention they deserve and (the pet sitter knows) something is wrong with the animal and can take the necessary steps to ensure the animal is taken care of,” Lui says.

Business booms in Toronto

Most of Lui’s clients live in condos or apartments, so it is easy for her walkers to get to them on foot. Each walker covers a small area of three to five blocks so they can walk dogs on leash and wander the neighborhoods, head to parks and walk along the lake.

Lui’s company has 13 full-time contractors, five part-time contractors and one administrator. They serve about 200 clients—dogs, cats, and occasionally, rabbits. They offer dog walking, cat visits, puppy visits, dog boarding and daycare.

“I love seeing a happy dog,” Lui says. “There is nothing better than walking into a client’s home and the dog runs to you as if you’re the only one in the world.”

Lui says her business has grown a lot since she opened. Her first major growth was after she decided to change her website and use a developer. She also believes her business has grown due to her reputation, and it continues to grow.

“I will continue to run this business for the foreseeable future,” Lui says. “I love what I do, both the business side and caring for my clients’ animals.”

Read more pet-sitting success stories.

Photos provided by Rebecca Lui, Barks 'n' Purrs Pet Services.