Local Pet Sitters Network Delivers the Very Best
Care For Your Pets

Pet Sitters Network Delivers the Very Best Care For Your Pets

Some people might wonder why a group of business competitors would participate in a network to share ideas, strategies, business contacts and other information; however, that is exactly what happens once a month when Pet Sitters Network North members meet. Nationally, pet sitters have only 10% if the market with family, friends and kennels making up the vast majority.

Suzanne Weiler of In Home Hugs says, "Pet sitting is a growing profession, so there is much to learn regarding pet care as well as the business of caring for pets." She explains the benefits of being in the network which include continuing their learning and sharing experiences. Members share techniques, trends, resources, and successes; they also review problematic situations encountered by membership to draw on the experiences of other members. You couldn’t find a group of people more sincerely dedicated to taking the best possible care of your furry and feathered loved ones. 

Pet sitters want to maximize the quality of services available to their customers so they identify how they can help each other. So, for example, if a particular pet sitter can provide all services for a customer except injections for a diabetic pet, perhaps another pet sitter can assist. Members act as an emergency back up for one another and can help out if there are scheduling overlaps. Network members also discuss how they operate their businesses, what works, insurance resources, business cards, websites and other issues typical of a small business.

Each pet sitter has their own story, but they share on thing in common – they love animals. They want to provide the best possible care of pets in the animal's own home, where they are most comfortable. The pet sitter wants to be a friend to your pet in your absence augmenting the care you provide for them, giving additional care when you are not able to. 

Pet sitters try to minimize their driving time by working within a specific geographical area; limiting driving time also maximizes time available for pet care. When they learn of a customer need in an area that they don't cover or if there is a scheduling conflict, that is when being in a network allows them to help a pet owner even when they can't participate directly. If a pet sitter living in Traverse City gets a call from a pet owner in Lake Ann, they can give a network referral to a pet sitter who lives closer to the client, which benefits everyone.

Why do most people hire pet sitters? There are a wide variety of reasons why someone choses to hire a pet sitter. Many pet sitters are hired to augment the care that a family provides. There are times when daily lives are very busy, but the pets need time too; in cases like this, the human family can tackle their routines with the comfort of knowing their pets are getting the care that they need.

Some people decide their pet needs a daily visit, such as a walk during the day while they're at work. Pet sitters are sometimes hired to take a pet to the vet, groomer or other appointments. Pet sitters can also be a valuable resource when an owner is hospitalized or has to travel and is unable to take their pet with them. 

A pet sitter is also a good idea if your pet is uncomfortable in a kennel setting; in-home care is particularly helpful for older pets or pets with special needs, or there are multiple pets. Using a pet sitter for in-home care allows your pets to follow their day-to-day routine very similar to what they're used to – and they get lots of hugs and special time too! Additionally, most pet sitters provide “crime deterrent” services such as turning lights off/on, picking up mail, etc.

Pet Sitters Network North currently consists of eight professional pet sitters. If you'd like to contact a pet sitter, please contact one of the businesses below:

Dog Mom at Your Service
Traverse City and
East Grand Traverse area
Marsha Wheaton
231/922-1760
www.dogmomatyourservice.com

Furry Godmother
West/SW Grand Traverse area and
Long Lake/Silver Lake/Interlochen
Sara Smith
231/947-2848
www.furrygodmothertc.com

In Home Hugs
Traverse City & surrounding areas
Suzanne Weiler
231/933-0417

Pals 4 Paws
Old Mission Peninsula
Christine Kurtz
231/223-7260
Frank Bonk
231/223-7176

Tails-A-Wag’n
Traverse City/Suttons Bay/
Lake Leelanau
Sherry McAdams
231/883-1849
www.tails-a-wagn.com

Olive Tree Services
Cares for pets in her own home
(small dogs).
Jennifer Sepell
231/933-6675

Pet Sitters of Torch Lake
Torch Lake, Kewadin and vicinity
Mary Hayes
231/632-5246

Creature Comforts Pet and Home Care
West/SW Grand Traverse area
Michelle Beckstrom
231/929-2544
231/499-3957

Special thanks to Suzanne Weiler for helping with this article.

His five light red Siberian Huskies, similar to the color of his first Husky, Natasha, are named Timber (6), Danni (5), Ginger (4), Tess (3) and Tasha (5 months). In the summer, they spend most mornings exercising and training with King around Traverse City while he rides on a four-wheeled coaster modified for dog lines. They usually follow a human on a bike so that the dogs keep in better alignment as they pass others on the trail. They also love to take a dip in the water and love to kayak as well.