Interview with Sara Melaten, San Diego Dog Walker

I had an opportunity to interview Sara Melaten of Sarandipity Pet Care Services, a San Diego dog walking company that operates in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. Hope you enjoy the interview!

DogWalker.com: What do you like best about your job?

Sara: One of the things I like best about my job is knowing that I have all different kinds of dogs and cats with all different kinds of personalities.  Each pet client has his or her own unique personality trait– which makes things interesting and fun and keeps me looking forward to the next pet visit or dog walk!

DogWalker.com How did you start your business and why?

Sara: I started my business because pets are my one passion that I knew I could make a career out of.  I was growing tired of the corporate life I had been living for many years, and was ready to put my passion to work.  Having grown up with dogs and other animals all my life, I always knew that somehow, some way I would have to work with animals.  The first steps included getting a San Diego Tax License, Pet First Aid Certification, insurance, and a website for my business.  Once these and other basic steps were accomplished, I attracted local pet-owner clients through networking, flyers, and internet marketing.

DogWalker.com: What’s your favorite dog park in San Diego/La Jolla and why?

Sara: My favorite dog park in San Diego is actually a dog beach.  It’s nicknamed “dog beach” and is located in Ocean Beach.  I love this dog-designated beach area because I love playing with dogs by the ocean and you really get to see how happy and excited the dogs are to be there.

DogWalker.com: If you could offer advice to someone looking to start a dog walking business, what would it be?

Sara: For someone looking to start their own business in dog walking, I would recommend buying Patti Moran’s book “Pet Sitting For Profit”.  This book helped me a lot in getting started.  Other than that, it’s important for the potential new business owner to know that building you’re clientele will take a lot of persistence and patience.  Be ready to be creatvie in how you attract your clients…and don’t forget– customer service is everything!!! Not only will you need to treat the pets like royalty, you will also need to make sure to provide the pet owners with the best customer service possible!  This is what has helped me get tons of repeat business.

DogWalker.com: Please share a funny dog walking story with us!

Sara: Funny dog story: this one Great Dane client I have, the dog was so happy to see me (and she’s still technically a puppy but FULL GROWN), she jumped on me unexpectely, and I fell down with my fist landing in her pile of poo in the back yard.  Being that she is also deaf, I couldn’t really calm her down quickly. I was okay after the fall, and it wasn’t until cleaning myself up that I was able to really laugh hard about it!

Piedmont Pet

At Piedmont Pet we specialize in off-leash group trail hikes, cage free home boarding and daycare for dogs.

We’re out in the beautiful East Bay Regional Parks in Oakland & Berkeley everyday Monday through Friday, rain or shine. Both Karen & Matt Kenney are Certified Dog Walkers through dogTEC’s Dog Walking Academy. We upload pictures to Flickr so you can see your dog having a great time.

We also offer Reiki for all animals. Karen is a Certified Reiki II Practitioner and student animal communicator. You can feel confident knowing your pet is in our care because we’ll will treat your pet like part of our family. We show all animals love and respect.

We are trained in Pet CPR and First Aid, Insured, Bonded & Permitted. We’re Voted the East Bay’s Best Dog Walker by the East Bay Express. We are LGBT friendly.

Members of East Bay Pet Sitters Association (EBPSA) & dogTEC. Online payments accepted through our PayPal shopping cart.

Dog Walks and More

Dog Walks and More has been providing dog walking, cozy in-home boarding, day care and pet sitting services for over 10 years. All of our pet care providers are experienced and caring individuals willing to follow every last detail of your pet’s care to ensure a happy & healthy pet.

We are insured and bonded for your peace of mind and protection. We offer an initial FREE in-home consultation to meet each other and assess your needs. Once that is done, services are simply a phone call away. Call today and find out why we are the Bay Area’s choice in pet care.

Green Apple Dog

We are a green dog care business providing dog walking & boarding services in Washington Heights, New York. Fully bonded and insured, pet first aid certified.

Protecting Max – Your Pet Sitting Partners

Dog walking and in home pet sitting services. Bonded and Insured, Accredited PSI Pet Sitters. Pet First Aid Certified. Serving the Mid-Cities since 2003. Happy, Healthy Pets … No Worries. Call us for a free in home consultation.

*** DogWalker.com special offer: Save $5.00 on your first walk if you mention this listing ***

Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services

Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services is a high quality service-oriented company providing dog walking and pet sitting services in Mission Valley and surrounding areas. Whether your dog/s need to be walked once, twice or three times a day or just once a week, I can assist you. I am licenced, insured, bonded and certified in Pet First Aid. I am also accredited with Pet Sitters International and am a Certified Humane Education Specialist. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Pet Services and Products Association. I am a long time volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society and also a volunteer with PAWS San Diego and SNAP.

My services include dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, overnight stays at your home, pet taxi service, emergency visits etc.

I offer a 10% courtesy discount to Seniors and the Military. I also offer a special rate to regular weekly dog walking clients. First time respondants to dogwalking.com will also receive a 10% courtesy discount on all services.

If you are seeking a true professional dog walker/ pet sitter to take care of your “best friend”, you can count on me to keep your pet safe, healthy, happy, well-behaved and loved.

Wuffy Walks

Whether your pet needs at-home care while you are out of town or a midday potty break I can help.
Give me a call or drop me an email, your pet will thank you for it.

Certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Insured and Bonded.

4-Legged Kids, Inc

Personalized pet sitting since 1995. We offer vacation visits up to 4 times per day, lunch time dog walking, in-home medical care and overnight pet sitting. We service all of West St. Louis County…not just the above zip codes. We offer our services in: 63005, 63011, 63017, 63021, 63025, 63026 (N. of Hwy 30), 63038, 63040, 63069 (partial), 63088, 63122 (partial), 63131, 63141, 63146.

JAX Pet Sitting

JAX Pet Sitting is an established American Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking company. Whether you are away for just a few hours while you are at work, or if you are going on vacation for days, weeks or longer, we have the perfect solution for all your pet sitting needs. We really take the time to bond with your pet – our visits are not just ‘walk, feed, water and leave’ type visits; we spend quality time with your pets so that they feel genuinely loved and happy when you are at work, out of town or on vacation and we have a file full of wonderful client testimonials to qualify this and reassure you.

We are proud members in good standing of the Jacksonville Professional Pet Sitters Network and also of PSI (Pet Sitters International) and we are VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED. We will look after most pets including Pitbulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans (depending on temperament) and we can assist with the ongoing training of your pets if required. We offer between 1 and 4 visits per day with 30, 45, 60 and 90 minute Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services for your pets and we do NOT charge per pet, we charge for time only regardless of how many pets you have. If you have 2 or more dogs for instance our services will be far more economical (and way more personal) than kennels… 3 or more and your dollar savings keep on racking up!

We know that you will have a first class experience with JAX Pet Sitting and you will just love how relaxed and happy your pets are when you return home again! Our pet care professionals really take the time to bond with your pet so that they look forward to our visits. We spoil them just like you do… with lots of cuddles, strokes and of course the odd treat or toy here and there too!

Our rates are very competitive and our service is absiolutely second to none – I personally guarantee it! As well as daily walks and vacation pet sitting we also offer a unique ‘out of hours’ walking service for your dogs at short notice (before 7.30am or after 9.30pm). This service will incur an unsocial hours additional fee but it is an ‘on demand’ service and if you find yourself far from home unexpectedly then it is a valuable service that no other Pet Sitting company in Jacksonville offers.

Give us a call 8am thru 8pm 7 days a week and we will be happy to set you up with a FREE consultation* where you will learn about our services and you can see how we begin the bonding process with your pet right there at the very first meeting!

Queen City Petsitting

WE LOVE PETS OF ANY KIND! Pets removed from their familiar environment are often subject to emotional trauma and the diseases of other animals. Let QUEEN CITY CHARLOTTE PET SITTING provide your pets with the love and care they need while giving your home a more lived in look while you’re away.

During our visits we feed your pets exactly per your instructions and provide fresh water with every visit, ‘patrol for accidents’, bring in mail and newspapers, and check to insure that your home is safe from obvious hazards. Most importantly, we spend time during every visit loving your pets as much as you do. To satisfy your every need, we’ll provide additional services to satisfy your every need.

Queen City Pet Sitting is eco-friendly! From ‘Mid-Day’ walking to ‘Waste Removal’ and ‘While Your Away Home Visits’, our sitters ensure that your pets keep their daily routines while using eco-friendly products that are safe for all pets, neighborhoods & the environment.

CERTIFIED Professional Pet Site LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED, A member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) & Pet Sitters International (PS) Member of American Pet Cross.

Services Available Upon Request

Home sweet home package: Don’t worry about those tedious tasks you forgot to complete
before you left! Our petsitters will tidy up your home for your return: light cleaning, purchase groceries, water plants, dusting, mail…

Errand Service: Queen City petsitters are here to assist you with any minor errands that need to be taken care of: dry cleaning, video rentals, mail, and so on…

Daily Dog Visit Package: 1 visit/walk every day – 5 days a week = $65 ($75/week for 2 dogs)

Daily Cat Visit Package: 1 visit every day – 5 days a week = $60 ($65/week for 2 cats)

A Doggy Day at the Park: Give your dog a chance to run free while enjoying a day at the park!
Queen City Petsitting is committed to instilling happiness and healthy activities for all dogs – so if your
pet loves the outdoors, let them spend a day at the park with us.

Pampering Paws
A little dirty behind the ears? Contact Queen City Petsitting today to schedule a grooming appointment for that grubby pet of yours! Special stipulations apply for individual animals.

Pet Taxi:
Veterinarian’s Office, Groomer, or Day Care!
• $14 – One Way
• $20 – Round Trip

NOTE: Depending on the volume of visits per day, sitters will try their best to arrive by the scheduled time.

Errand Service: We will take care of those little tasks you are unable to finish before you leave town (drop-off/pick-up dry cleaning, return video rentals, mail packages)

House Sitting Services (Provided for individuals without pets) : $15 per visit or $40 overnight

Pet Care Service Area
We are a growing business, but we currently serve the Charlotte area. Visits outside that radius are subject to a higher rate to help cover gasoline expenses.

Free Pre-Service Meeting
Before caring takes place, Queen City Petsitting will come to your home to meet you and your pet. It is important for your pet to meet one of our sitters, giving them both an opportunity to become familiar with one another. Pertinent information and your pet’s needs and routine will be discussed, along with an initial ‘walk-through’.

As Charlotte Petsitters, we strive to give you peace of mind while you are away from your beloved pet and home. Our in-home pet care service is filled with love and security. With years of professional pet sitting experience, Queen City Petsitting is here to steer you away from those crowded and unhealthy kennels and boarding services! Our petsitters provide each pet with the tender love and care they need while you are away.

From dogs to cats and pigs to rabbits – Charlotte’s premiere petsitting business does it all. Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, our pet care sitters promise to get it done!

With your pets being a big part of your life, it’s more than necessary to make sure they’re taken care of properly when their in our hands.

Owned and operated by Stacey Marrs, Queen City Petsitting is only one call away from delivering you with invaluable pet care solution. Contact us today to secure one of our professional pet care sitters for your precious animal.

As Charlotte Petsitters, we strive to give you peace of mind while you are away from your beloved pet and home. Our in-home pet care service is filled with love and security. With years of professional pet sitting experience, Queen City Petsitting is here to steer you away from those crowded and unhealthy kennels and boarding services! Our petsitters provide each pet with the tender love and care they

Fetch! Pet Care of McHenry County

Fetch! Pet Care is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services. All of our pet sitters are highly trained professionals that undergo background checks, extensive pet care training and will provide nothing but loving care for your pets while you are away. Our services include: dog walking, private boarding, puppy care, cat/small pet visits, in-home pet sitting, horse care, pet taxi, and much more. 10% off first service for all new clients. Call us today to set up a FREE in-home consultation.

FETCH! Pet Care of Birmingham

Fetch! Pet Care of Birmingham, locally owned by Jay Barrett, a long-time resident of Birmingham, is your friendly neighborhood pet care specialist. Whether you are going on vacation, a business trip, or just spending too much time at the office, Fetch! Pet Care is for you. We provide a variety of attentive services for ANY pet, including dog walks, pet taxi services, private boarding and in-home sitting.

Jay staffs professional, reliable, and caring pet lovers who are expertly trained in handling animals but also in pet first aid to give your pets the extra TLC and safety they deserve. All sitters are fully bonded and insured for your protection. We offer an initial free in-home consultation to meet each other and assess your needs. We guarantee your complete satisfaction. Contact us today and ask about our discount for first-time customers!

Alone At Home Pet Care

Alone At Home Pet Care is a fully bonded and insured company servicing Chicago’s West Loop since 2005. Our goal is treat your special family member as if they are one of our own. We offer the following services at affordable rates:

Daily Dog Walking
In-Home Cate Care
Email Updates of your pet
Vacation & Holiday Care
Fish, Birds, & Other Pet Care
Free Mail Pick-Up & Plant Watering
Special Requests

Please visit aloneathomepetcare.com or call 312-559-2869 for more info and to schedule a no, obligation get acquainted interview. We hope to hear from you soon!

Fetch Pet Care Metro St. Louis

Fetch Pet Care Metro St. Louis is your friendly neighborhood dog walking and pet sitting service. We offer mid-day walks for people stuck at the office all day. We also offer travel-related services when you are out of town such as private boarding, overnights in your home as well as regular pet visits.

All pet sitters are bonded and insured with background checks performed. We offer free in-home consultations and a money-back guarantee.

Give us a call today!

Fetch! Pet Care Treasure Valley

We’ve got your tail covered!
We understand how difficult it can be to find just the right pet sitter to care for your pets and home while you’re away. That’s why we started Fetch! Pet Care of Treasure Valley. We take the stress out of finding a sitter and add convenience to your life by doing all of the legwork for you. We match you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. Our reliable, courteous pet sitters ensure your scheduling needs and any special requirements are met with consistent, responsive care. Whether you need a daily dog walker or last-minute pet sitter, we’ve got your tail covered!

Loving care from local, experienced pet professionals.
We feature a large number of pet sitters and dog walkers who are local to your neighborhood (heck, you’ve probably run into them at the pet food store). They are pet owners themselves and intuitively understand what you and your pets need. Fetch! can take care of all kinds of pets, no matter their size or species. We’re dog-, cat-, bird- and even snake- and spider-people. We offer a free in-home consultation to ensure you and your pets are comfortable with your pet sitter. Since “life” happens, we always have backup sitters available so your pets are never left without care. For your additional peace of mind, every Fetch! professional is background-checked, bonded, insured and skilled in caring for pets. Plus they all come with glowing references. You and your pet’s satisfaction is always guaranteed.

When you know pets as well as we do, you know how to take care of them.
At Fetch!, caring for pets is our passion. Nothing makes us happier than making sure all pets are cared for, played with and loved. When you can’t be there for your pets, Fetch! gives you peace of mind and your pets the loving attention they deserve. We’re part of the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and their parents from coast to coast. As a member of our Fetch! family, you and your pets will benefit from unique programs, personal attention and customized services we have established to ensure the ultimate pet care experience. We look forward to meeting you and your furry, scaly or feathered friends!

SPECIAL OFFER: MENTION YOU FOUND US ON DOGWALKER.COM AND RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF SERVICE!

Purrs ‘n Woofs Pet Sitting

Whether your dog just needs a quick lunchtime walk around the block, a longer stroll through the park, or a lively game of fetch in the backyard, Purrs ‘n Woofs Pet Sitting can provide the attention your dog needs while you are away from home. We offer a 15 minute visit for $12 and a 30 minute visit for $16, so you have flexibility in arranging your dog’s daily schedule. We are insured through PSA and trained in CPR and First Aid for pets through the Red Cross for your peace of mind.

Fetch Pet Care

Fetch Pet Care is a professional and trusted name in pet care. Whether it is private boarding, walking or in home visits, we can help. Our sitters are professionally trained and screened pet centered people who will love your pet as much as you do!

Fort Bend Pampered Pets

Dog walking, pet visits, in home overnite sitting, private boarding , pet taxi

Looking to Adopt a Chihuahua in New York?

If you live in New York, and you have been looking to adopt a Chihuahua, your opportunity may soon arrive… err… I mean land! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is helping to fly 15 Chihuahuas from California animal shelters with the hopes of finding them homes in New York and on the east coast. The project, dubbed Operation Chihuahua, will fly the dogs cross country on Virgin America Airlines.

Since many people in New York City need to have smaller dogs for their smaller apartments, and since New York City animal shelters don’t always have many small dogs, this sounds like a great idea. According to the article I read about this effort in the New York Post today, there may be additional flights to bring more shelter dogs to the east coast.

To learn more about Operation Chihuahua, or to find out how you can adopt a Chihuahua (or other pet) visit the ASPCA website for all of the details. You may also call 212-876-7700 ext 3210 for further details.

Fetch Pet Care of North/East Columbus

Professional Pet Services

Fetch! Pet Care of North/East Columbus is your friendly neighborhood pet care specialist! We provide a variety of attentive services for any pet, including private dog walks, pet visits, pet taxi, in-home sitting, day and evening care, pet taxi, and private boarding. We can also provide care for larger animals (horses, etc.) Of course, we’re fully insured and bonded for your peace of mind.

We only staffs caring, attentive pet lovers who are carefully screened and professionally trained so you can be sure your pets are given the extra TLC they need while you’re away. We even offer a free initial in-home consultation for all new clients so we can meet you and your pet(s), and to assess your specific needs.

Just call 614) 360-2427. One call to us is all it takes to line you up with professional pet care. You can also visit us at www.fetchpetcare.com

We’ve Got Your Tail Covered!