I attended the Texas Pet Sitters Conference, hosted by the Texas Pet Sitters Association, this past weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow industry professionals in person. Over the years, I have developed relationships with many of them. We have connected both via social media and industry forums but have yet to meet in real life. The weekend allowed me to connect with passionate pet lovers like myself and access knowledge from leaders in the pet sitting industry.
Conference Speakers
The Texas Pet Sitters Conference speakers included renowned veterinarians like Dr. Madigan, a Texas-based expert on Chagas Disease in cats and dogs. Dr. Julie Liu, a Fear Free cat-friendly vet, discussed how pet sitters can use “fear free” approaches during our pet sitting and dog walking visits. Isabel Alvarez Arata, host of Covered in Pet Hair on Pet Life Radio and YouTube, emceed the event. And, various longtime professional pet sitters shared their profound knowledge with conference attendees. The conference hosted pet sitters from over a dozen different states, including Connecticut.
Janie Budnick, also known as the Pet Sitter Guru, presented twice during the conference. The first topic she covered was about setting business boundaries that make managing a business as operationally complex as ours more manageable. She later led a workshop on pricing and profits to ensure pet sitting business owners are pricing their services in ways that allow them to turn a profit, grow their businesses, and ensure survival in these challenging times. I have followed Janie for a long time and joined her coaching courses in the past, therefore it was exciting to meet her and participate in her sessions.
Speakers also included Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International, who helped attendees envision the pet sitting business of their dreams. She guided us through the steps we’d have to take to make our business dreams a reality. We had a lunch-and-learn about the importance of customized and memorable customer service. Later, a live dog training session with three of the attendees’ dogs. And, finally, we had a very insightful presentation on pet loss and grief. As professional pet sitters, not only do we support our clients through pet loss and grief, but we also experience it ourselves.
Conference Take-Aways
For me, the conference solidified that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I was able to celebrate the trajectory our team has taken to get to where we are today. It made me feel grateful for the opportunity to care for pets as a career. And, it validated that I am properly operating, managing, and growing Shoreline Happy Paws.
Attending this conference, one of the best-attended in the history of pet sitting industry, helped me realize that Shoreline Happy Paws is, and long has been a leader, in pet care. Our attention to detail, commitment to service, and focus on education are unparalleled in the Connecticut Shoreline. As the only Connecticut pet sitter to attend the Texas Pet Sitters Conference, I know that my dedication is making a marked impact in the lives of the clients we serve and their beloved pets.
Conference Benefits
Attending an out-of-state conference is a significant investment for myself and my business. The payoff, however, is tenfold. I am proud to have made the effort to attend this year’s conference. And, I look forward to attending again in the future. I have recommitted to my education and participation in the industry. While I have attained various important certifications and designations over the years, having my finger on the pulse of pet care’s best practices, ever-evolving animal health and behavior science, and connecting with peers makes Shoreline Happy Paws that much better for our team, our customers, and the pets in our care.
To learn more about Shoreline Happy Paws, our history, and our services, please contact us at info@cthappypaws.com or call 860- 964-0464. We look forward to using our skills, passion, and knowledge to exceed your expectations.
