Today’s Client Spotlight is shining very brightly on iCare4Pets and their owner/operator, Carrie Simon. iCare4Pets provides fantastic pet services in the Wekiva area of Longwood and Apopka Florida (just next door to Orlando). Carrie has built her business on a dedication to keeping her four-legged clients less anxious, loved and cared for while her two-legged clients are away. She also provides regular dog walking services too! Be sure to check out iCare4Pets online and like them on Facebook!
What caused you to get into pet sitting?
I was a teacher for many years and wanted a change. After going on vacation and having a hard time locating a qualified pet sitter to care for my 5 dogs in a way I found acceptable, I decided that since I knew quite a bit about animal care, and had a lot of animal experience I would start a business providing the type of care I would expect from someone taking care of my own pets.
What is the most fulfilling part of owning a pet sitting business?
From a young age I knew I wanted to have an animal related business and this has been the perfect match for what I had always wanted to do. Being able to spend everyday enjoying such a variety of different pets makes what I do so rewarding! I also love being my own boss. Making decisions day in and day out that directly effect every aspect of what I do. I love being outside and being active.
What is the most challenging?
Not being able to leave with my family for holidays. While I was teaching I always had holidays and summers off. It was great to be able to always travel and be able to enjoy the holidays with my family. Now that I am pet sitting this is obviously my busiest time, so I am often home alone for the holidays (labor day and thanksgiving).
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to have a minimum of 2–3 employees, and being more active in the community in regards to animal related fundraisers, expanding our 4H dog training group, taking at least one vacation a year along with being able to enjoy one major holiday off to spend time with the family.
What has Time To Pet changed the most about how you run your business?
With TTP I have been able to more effectively and efficiently schedule clients while on the go. Since I spend a lot of time away from my computer, the mobile friendly website has allowed me to update my schedule, send and update invoices and make sure I stay on schedule by using the timer. It has also been an enormous benefit being able to sync with my ical calendar. This allows me to be able to compare my personal calendars with my pet sit calendar to make sure there are no double bookings or overlaps. Another great benefit is the ability to schedule a trip. In previous software I have had to add each time frame visit separately or each day separately, with the “trip” feature I am able to put all the days in the trip and select or deselect that visits time frames that aren’t needed on particular days. This reduces frustration and time when setting up a trip.
