Share This Page

Tweet

There’s great truth to the statement, “There’s strength in numbers.” Pet sitting can be lonely. And whether you are just starting your pet-sitting business or are a pet-care veteran, you have questions—and there’s no one better to help answer your questions and share in your daily challenges and joys than a fellow pet sitter.

PSI members have a network of nearly 7,000 fellow PSI members and pet-sitting business owners, and PSI is always looking for ways to help our members connect with one another. From PSI’s annual conference to the private Facebook chat group, PSI is seeking out new avenues to allow our members to find support, advice and new ideas from fellow pet sitters.

This new Pet Sitter Spotlight series has that same goal. Each month, we’ll feature a different PSI member and share his or her answers to our pet-sitting survey. The responses will help you get to “know” this pet sitter and provide you with some tips and advice for your own pet-sitting business.

Meet Katie Casell, owner of Dances with Dogs, Inc. in Miami, Florida…

Your Name: Katie Casell

Business Name: Dances with Dogs, Inc.

Location: Miami, FL

Year you started your pet-sitting business: 2002

What was your previous job/profession? sales manager

What is your current business structure? (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.) S-Corporation

Number of current clients (an estimate is fine): 200

How many visits do you typically do per day? 15-20

Is your service area urban, suburban or rural? Suburban

Is your pet-sitting business insured? Yes

Is your pet-sitting business bonded? Yes

Do you provide clients with proof of your clear criminal history (background check)? Yes

Briefly describe any educational opportunities you have taken advantage of since you became a pet sitter. I went back to school and got my degree in management. I am currently studying to become a professional dog trainer because I have more and more clients with reactive dogs and felt that I needed the education in order to help the dogs and the people. I have also read numerous books on dog behavior. In addition, I have my CPPS designation through PSI.

How long did it take you to build up your clientele? 2 years

Do you use staff sitters? Yes, independent contractors (ICs). I decided to use ICs because I wanted sitters with experience. My ICs also have their own clients.

Do you offer any services besides basic in the client's home pet sitting and dog walking? (pet taxi, etc.) Yes, we offer pet taxi as well.

Which advertising methods worked best when you were a new business? community newspapers

Do you still use the same advertising methods? If not, what do you do differently now? I now get most of my clients through Angie's list and referrals.

What's one mistake you've made as a professional pet sitter (when you were just starting out or at any time during your career)? What did you learn/what do you do differently now? [One mistake I made was] giving clients a price break in order to get the job. I learned that I need to value my profession, so I no longer give price breaks.

What advice would you give to new pet sitters? Don't spread yourself too thin (time wise and area wise).

Are there any must-have business tools your business could not do without? Poop bags, treat pouch, good leashes, and a few good pairs of sneakers.

Do you schedule vacation time and/or days off? If so, how often? I do now—usually a four-day vacation every four months.

Are there any tips you would share for establishing a healthy work/life balance? We all want to be successful, but we can lose sight of the other aspects of our lives. Take time for yourself. Learn to say no.

Is there any other information about your business and/or what has helped you create a successful pet-sitting business that you'd like to share? I was willing to work long hours, weekends and holidays in order for my business to be successful.

Update: After posting this member spotlight, we received a media notification about a member in the news. Dances with Dogs, Inc.'s press release on Professional Pet Sitters Week™ was featured in a local Miamia newspaper. Katie, great way to use the PSI press release templates and get exposure for your business!