ANGELA LAWS: PET SITTER SUCCESS INSIDER
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Angela Laws talks about her pet sitting experiences and how the TrustedHousesitters.com platform works to connect pet parents with pet loving travelers. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on PodBean.
After leaving retirement at the age of 63, Angela joined TrustedHousesitters as the social media manager. As a founding member of the platform and a full-time house and pet sitter herself, Angela not only brings extensive product knowledge, but she encompasses the warmth and spirit that lies at the heart of the pet-loving community. Having previously held positions at L’oreal, Helen Rubenstein, and Avon, Angela is an expert at driving brand awareness and leveraging community spirit. Angela is also one of the platform’s most prolific house and pet sitters. The majority of TrustedHousesitters members are active retirees and digital nomads, so Angela’s age and experience are beneficial when it comes to representing and championing the community to the wider business.
TrustedHousesitters is the pet care solution keeping pets happy at home and helping people to travel. How does it work? Made up of both owners and sitters, members pay just once a year to connect and exchange home and pet care for the chance to stay with pets in unique places. As neither member charges money, it’s a special exchange that helps owners travel with true peace of mind while pet-loving sitters get to experience life somewhere new. With members in over 130 countries and more five-star Trustpilot reviews than any other house and pet-sitting platform, TrustedHousesitters is officially the world’s largest and most trusted community of its kind.
More at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
So, what does it take to be successful in the world of pet sitting and pet care? Check out Angela’s answers to our 10 Pet Sitter Expert Insider Questions about her caregiving experience, including the challenges she faces, as well as her inspirations.
1. What led you to become a pet sitter?
The loss of my beloved Springer Holly, the heartbreak of pet bereavement, the decision not to bring another pet family member into my life, and the need for animal joy and connection.
2. What attributes do you have that make you a good fit to be a pet sitter?
An animal lover, empathetic, kind, a great communicator, open, friendly with a desire to help, practical, reliable, respectful, professional, committed, and totally trustworthy.
3. Who or what inspires you?
Changemakers are those who passionately believe in making a difference. One person can make a difference but together we can change the lives of animals and humans for the better. David Attenborough, Maya Angelou, Joy Adamson, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” MA
4. Describe your ideal pet-sitting experience.
When I truly connect with like-minded pet parents who fully understand THS that the arrangement is a mutually beneficial relationship, a “win-win-win.” And the third win? The pets are the true winners, nothing in their life changes … Oh, and a warm, welcoming, and “prepared for visitors” home .. That’s my ideal sit.
5. What is your biggest pet peeve in the world of pet care?
Not thinking enough before committing to an animal, not caring for them as a true family member with feelings, needs, and who deserve to live their best life … being left alone for hours is not living the best life!!
6. What personal changes have you had to make to be a successful pet sitter while also Head Of Community for TrustedHousesitters?
I work remotely while pet sitting, the pets help with my work-life balance, especially doggies. They need walkies and the pets always come first. From a professional point of view, I came from a traditional working background, transitioning to the digital space has been challenging at times, but having a “brain” in both camps is a life experience companies cannot buy.
7. What do you consider your biggest challenge?
Two challenges … Balancing work and downtime. I am a workaholic and working from home presents a real danger of not walking away from devices that are not good for my physical or mental well-being. And, saying goodbye to the pets I care for, the tears flow “Every time we say goodbye…”
8. If you could invite any three people (alive or passed on) to invite to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
Sidney Poitier, Actor Katherine Graham (Washington Post) Ruth Bader Ginsberg Supreme Court Justice …. Three influential public figures who each stood up for what they believed in and made a difference in so many lives but how far do they believe we have come, where are we going, and have we really learned from the past?
9. If you could switch careers for a day, what would you choose?
Drummer and backing singer with Diana Krall for an appearance at Carnegie Hall!
10. What is the most important tip you would pass on to another person just getting started in the world of pet sitting or pet care?
Be More Pet!! Know yourself, don’t take rejection personally, test drive the lifestyle first, and start locally. You can have the greatest sits in your own neighborhood … and remember it’s not about the location, it’s the whole experience. Craft a great profile, add references, be professional but most of all, be yourself.
