This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the passionate pet care professional behind Weather or Not Dog Walkers and Kitten Sittin' of Delaware! After years in corporate customer service and management roles, Lisa McGrath got the inspiration to pivot into pet care from Stark—a playful 9-month-old Labrador Retriever with nowhere to burn off energy after daylight savings ended. What began as a dream of opening an indoor dog park transformed into a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business that prioritizes meaningful relationships, reliable care, and true peace of mind for pet parents.
Since launching, Weather or Not Dog Walkers has grown into a trusted name in pet care—built on passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to both pets and people. From creating a supportive work environment for their team to launching Thorin’s Promise, a nonprofit initiative helping families cover emergency vet bills, their impact goes far beyond walks and visits. Looking ahead, the vision includes expanding both the dog and cat care services, building a retail presence, and continuing to grow a business that runs smoothly without daily oversight—freeing up time to give back even more.
To learn more about Weather or Not Dog Walkers and their inspiring mission, be sure to follow them on social media and check out their websites: Weather or Not Dog Walkers, Kitten Sittin' of Delaware, and Thorin’s Promise.
What caused you to get into pet sitting/dog walking?
It all started with my dog, Stark. In the autumn of 2015, he was a 9-month-old Labrador Retriever with nowhere to play once daylight saving time ended. My original idea was to open an indoor dog park for him, and I spent a year researching and planning, but unfortunately, funding fell through. At the same time, I realized how much I disliked my corporate job and was determined to do something with pets. I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and after years of working in customer service and management, I wanted to build a business that combined my passion with my experience. That’s when I shifted my focus to pet sitting and dog walking, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Starting my pet care companies allowed me to create something meaningful—not just for pets, but for their owners as well. I saw a need for reliable, professional pet care that prioritizes both the pets’ well-being and the owners’ peace of mind.
What is the most fulfilling part of owning a pet sitting/dog walking business?
The relationships I’ve built—both with the animals and their humans—are the most fulfilling part. There’s nothing better than seeing a dog’s excitement when we arrive for a walk or knowing that a client feels completely at ease leaving their pet in our care. It’s also incredibly rewarding to support my team, providing them with a great work environment and opportunities for growth in the pet care industry.
Another deeply fulfilling aspect is Thorin’s Promise. If I didn’t have the support of my amazing clients, I’d have never gotten Thorin’s Promise off the ground. Their trust and loyalty have allowed me to give back in a way that truly makes a difference, helping families in need cover emergency vet care for their beloved pets.
What is the most challenging?
Managing the unpredictability that comes with pet care can be a challenge—whether it’s last-minute schedule changes, emergency situations, or staffing. Pets don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and their needs can be urgent, so balancing quality care with business operations requires constant flexibility and problem-solving. Hiring is also a major challenge. Finding reliable, dedicated team members who truly understand the responsibility of caring for someone’s pet isn’t easy. It takes time to find the right people who align with our standards and values.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years, I see Weather or Not Dog Walkers continuing to grow, with an expanded team and a strong retail component that provides carefully curated pet products. I also envision Kitten Sittin' of Delaware becoming a go-to service for specialized feline care. Most importantly, I want the business to be running smoothly without me overseeing the daily responsibilities, allowing me to focus on big-picture growth and new opportunities—especially expanding Thorin’s Promise and helping even more families with emergency vet care.
What has Time To Pet changed the most about how you run your business?
I started using Time To Pet within 10 months of opening, and I could not have grown the business to the level we have without it. TTP has helped me refine my processes, improve efficiency, and implement strategies that make my business stronger. It’s given me tools and insights to elevate both the client experience and team management, making sure we’re always providing top-tier care while maintaining a well-structured operation.
