This month, we’re excited to introduce Justine, the founder of WagtailWalkers in Southwest Sydney, Australia! After years in corporate roles, Justine found their true calling in helping reactive dogs and rescues live their best lives through calm, enriching walks. Since launching in 2010, WagtailWalkers has grown into a trusted pet care service, with a dedicated team of 6 staff and nearly 150 dogs walked each week. With a passion for transparency, professionalism, and client satisfaction, Justine is committed to providing top-notch care, including real-time updates, photos, and videos for peace of mind. Their dream? To franchise Wagtailwalkers and bring this compassionate, high-quality service to more pet parents.
To learn more about Justine and her awesome business, be sure to check out the WagtailWalkers website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
What caused you to get into pet sitting/dog walking?
I had worked in corporate jobs in Sydney for many years but was always unhappy and struggling with mental health. I finally left that environment and got asked to help a friend walk their very reactive dog. Apparently, I was a little bit of a dog whisperer! I displayed a naturally calm ability to navigate walks with these dogs who were suffering from their own struggles and anxieties. That is when "WagtailWalkers" was born in 2010. We are now a proudly recognized and trusted pet care services company in Southwest Sydney, Australia, with six staff members servicing nearly 150 dogs weekly on regular walks!
What is the most fulfilling part of owning a pet sitting/dog walking business?
The most fulfilling part of this work is helping rescues and our specialty in caring for reactive dogs. Seeing these dogs enjoy a relaxed and enriched walk warms my heart! And the paw parents are happier too!
What is the most challenging?
The biggest challenge is the off-lead culture in our area. Despite the legal requirement to have dogs on a leash in a public area, so many people disregard this rule, which brings an unnecessary level of danger to the job.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I would love to franchise this successful business model so that all pet parents can have the transparent, professional and accountable care provided by Wagtailwalkers!
What has Time To Pet changed the most about how you run your business?
Finding Time To Pet and customizing this to my business was an absolute turning point in promoting the core values of Wagtailwalkers. We were finally able to provide real time updates, photos and videos to our clients to ensure their pets are receiving the very best of care!
I would recommend Time To Pet to any pet services business for complete client service and satisfaction.
