What’s it like running a business dedicated to cat care specifically? Zara Willmott, owner of Cat Sitter Toronto, shares her journey from cat sitter to business owner, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of her niche. She discusses how the pandemic accelerated her transition and led to innovative operational changes that ensured both client and staff safety. With a deep passion for feline well-being, Zara emphasizes the importance of specialized care and open communication with clients. Her insights into team management and growth reveal the dedication required to provide exceptional cat care.

Main topics:

• Transition to Business Ownership
• Pandemic-Induced Operational Changes
• Specialized Cat Care Focus
• Team Management and Growth
• Client Communication and Education

Main takeaway: Open communication with our clients is crucial. It’s important to share our observations about their cats’ health and behavior.

About our guest:

I have always been an animal lover, growing up on a farm instilled this love from an early age. We always had cats at home growing up, I’ve even assisted during some difficult kitten births. My grade school graduation gift was picking my own kitten from my aunt’s litter. He was a handsome grey kitty named Charlie; this was my first of many. Currently, I have 2 fur babies and 3 human babies, I’ve even managed to corrupt my husband into a cat lover!

I’ve had many different careers in my years from Canadian Armed forces Reservist to Early Childhood Educator to secretary and now owner of Cat Sitter Toronto Inc. When I was given the chance to become owner of CST Inc., how could I possibly say no? This is the perfect job and business for me. I truly have a passion for cats and strive to bring more recognition to being a professional pet sitter.

Links:

catsitter@catsittertoronto.ca

zara@catsittertoronto.ca

https://www.catsittertoronto.ca

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com

Full show notes and transcript

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Peaceful Pet Music - Calm Music for Pets

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What fears do you have about hiring employees? Many business owners find themselves needing to hire to achieve a better balance, grow their business, or both. However, several fears can prevent them from moving forward. Today, we share the three biggest fears and challenges associated with hiring employees and how to overcome them. It all comes down to having a process that isn't just about getting the right people in the door but also about training and managing the right people well to maintain high standards.

Main topics:

• Overcoming hiring cost fears

• Maintaining control with employees

• Training for quality standards

• Client communication and trust

• Effective hiring strategies

Main takeaway: If you hire the right people, you can train them to do what you do.

Links:

Check out our Starter Packs for our hiring series

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored by:

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Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

Does hospitality translate from restaurants to pet care? Ken Botts, owner of Creekside Critters Pet Sitters, shares his journey into the world of pet care. He discusses the importance of community engagement, effective hiring practices, and the parallels between providing excellent service in restaurants and pet sitting. Ken emphasizes the role of heart-driven hospitality in building trust with both human clients and their furry companions.

Main topics:

• Transition from food service
• Importance of hiring practices
• Community engagement strategies
• Marketing and brand presence
• Leadership and team management

Main takeaway: Every interaction counts, from the smallest pet to the largest, it's all about heart-driven service.

About our guest:

My life's mission has always been to help make the world a better place. For the first 35 years of my life, I did that working in the food service industry. Like many in the food service business, I got my start washing dishes - the most important job in the kitchen. Over the years I worked my way up the ranks by managing restaurants, developing training programs, designing concepts, creating process improvement programs, leading marketing and sustainability initiatives, and owning two world famous cafes.

Little did I know, my career in food service would allow me to make an impact on such a large scale. As the Special Projects Manager for Dining Services at The University of North Texas, I helped open the Nation’s first vegan dining hall on a university campus. With national attention on the success of the vegan dining hall, I was recruited by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). There I created an international culinary training program and helped institutional food service operators develop menus, design concepts, and create training programs focused on plant-based menus and taking animals off the plate.

During my time with HSUS, I became very interested in animal welfare issues. I traveled internationally and often spoke at conferences about the connection between our food choices and animal welfare issues. In 2020 I decided to leave the food service and give my full attention to caring for animals and started Creekside Critters Pet Sitters. My business allows me to give pet parents peace-of-mind, and bring happiness to their pets while their parents are away. It also allows me to create fun and meaningful jobs in the communities that we serve.

When I am not taking care of animals or developing an awesome team of pet sitters, I enjoy spending time at home with my beautiful wife, Saundra, being involved with my church, volunteering in the community, and hanging out with my three orange cats. You will often find me on my bike going the distance with hopes of someday riding across America or relaxing on the back porch with a cup of my favorite coffee.

Links:

Website: creeksidecritters.com

One Minute Manager: https://amzn.to/4cHxPiU

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creekside-critters-pet-sitters/

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Time to Pet
Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional
Code: 50% off first 3 months

Pet Perennials
Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account
Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days