While working part-time for a pet-sitting business, Susan Gary discovered herself in a love-hate relationship. She liked her job, however she was horrified by how the business was run.
“Their visits were 12 minutes each; that’s not enough time to get a dog out to potty. … They left doors unlocked,” Susan said. “I’d come home every day and say to Erick, ‘I can’t believe people are paying for this horrible service. Pet parents in McKinney deserve better; pets deserve better.’”
Her other half, Erick Gary, concurred with Susan, and they created a business prepare for a family pet sitting business that would provide “exceptional” animal care services in McKinney.
The couple has actually resided in McKinney given that 1997 and opened Top Dog Pet Sitters in 2015. They said they share some duties, such as talking to animal caretakers and fulfilling brand-new customers; nevertheless, some responsibilities are divided based upon strengths.
“I like interacting with people, so I do all our scheduling, oversee our employees, work with clients, attend all of our networking events and do our social media,” Susan said. “Erick interfaces with the [certified public accountant]Texas Workforce Commission, insurance company and QuickBooks.”
During brand-new customer conferences, their love of animals is observed.
“There are a lot of times a client will say to us, ‘Our dog is going to totally ignore you’ or, ‘You won’t see our cat,’ and they are in our laps,” Susan said. “I’m busy taking notes, and Erick is playing with the dog or cat. The client loves it.”
After the fulfill and welcome, they thoroughly pick the animal caretaker they feel best matches the customer’s character. All their animal caretakers have actually had a background check and go through continuing education.
“We’re all pet CPR trained. We do that every two years,” Susan said. “Alternating years, we pay someone to train us more on how to handle dog aggression, … how to understand dog or cat body language. Training is what sets us apart from a hobby sitter. That and insurance.”
Top Dog Pet Sitters looks after all domestic animals. In addition to ask for dog and cat sitting, they have actually included snakes, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens and rats to the list.
Regarding modifications they have actually observed over their 8 years in business, they said more customers have electronic cameras throughout their homes, and the variety of recommendations they receive through social networks has actually grown.
“One thing that has stayed the same: People always want exceptional service,” Susan said. “And they want us to love their pets as much as they do.”
Top-asked for services
All services consist of having fun with the animal, walking, feeding, providing medication as required, generating whatever is on the patio and more.
- 25-minute drop-in sees are $30.
- Overnight care is $135.
- 24-hour care is $450.
Top Dog Pet Sitters
214-244-1629
Hours: services available 24/7 by appointment
