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By Rachel Sokol

When you think of what veterinarians and pet sitters have in common, a mutual love of animals probably comes to mind. However, veterinarians and pet sitters are also both entrepreneurs—aiming to generate some “buzz” in their communities about the numerous services they offer local pet owners.

As both businesspeople and pet-care providers, it’s mutually beneficial for veterinarians and pet sitters to work together. In this feature, PSI members share the ways they linked up with local veterinarians, and veterinarians from around the U.S. explain why they enjoy interacting with pet sitters.

The personal veterinarian bond

 “I cultivated a close relationship with my personal veterinarian early on,” says PSI member Cynthia Johnson of Lebanon, Ohio. “Once he got to know me and learned about the services I provide, he offered to put my business cards promoting Copy Cat & Dog Care Pet Sitting out front in the reception area.”

Pet sitter Caroline Schkade’s personal veterinarian, Pine Grove Animal Hospital, only offers daytime boarding in the event of a medial situation. Thus, they’ll refer Schkade, owner of Sparky’s Pet Sit & Walk, to clients whose pets need round-the-clock medical care, as well as basic care. “Many clients gave my veterinarian positive feedback about my services, so the office keeps referring me,” she explains; more than 40% of her clients are Pine Grove referrals.

In return, Schkade always carries Pine Grove Animal Hospital business card magnets for new client meet and greets. “My area of Colorado, the city of Englewood, is growing like crazy with people from out of state seeking recommendations for pet care and grooming.”

Teamwork makes the dream work

When Gail Wunderlin of Liberty Township, Ohio, decided to open Princess Gentle Paws Pet Sitting and Care, she let Lakota Hills Animal Clinic—her own personal veterinarian—know in advance. “They were thrilled that I was pursuing my dream and that they would have a trusted referral partner.  Six years later, they remain my largest source of referrals. They even call me when they are running low on my marketing materials!”

Wunderlin and Lakota Hills Animal Clinic often co-sponsor events. Their unity not only bonds them on a professional level, but as a bonus, together they find shelter pets new homes and raise funds for pet food.

“We collaborate on in-clinic rescue events to promote adoption,” says Wunderlin. “And each year, Lakota Hills Animal Clinic and Princess Gentle Paws run the largest small-business pet food and litter drive to benefit the Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry. We are known in the community for this annual event, and it really solidifies our commitment to pets and to pet owners in need.”

Be aggressive (but not too pushy)

If you’re hesitant to ‘cold-call’ veterinary clinics and offices to advertise your pet-sitting services, don’t be shy!

Dr. Jeff Werber, a Los Angeles, Calif.-based veterinarian, wants reliable pet sitters to stop by his office. “In fact, we encourage it, since good ones are difficult to find.”

When sitters leave their brochures, Dr. Werber’s office team does ask them for referrals in return, especially if their clients either do not have a veterinarian, or happen to comment in conversation that they’re not totally satisfied with their current veterinarian. 

“We’ve received new clients based on recommendations from some of the pet sitters we’ve recommended,” says Dr. Werber.

Over in Houston, Texas, Animal Planet star Dr. Diarra Blue, and his colleagues at Cy-Fair Animal Hospital, are also eager to meet local pet sitters.

“We have not had the pleasure of speaking with any pet sitters. If the opportunity presents itself, Cy-Fair Animal Hospital would jump right on it,” he says. “Discussions about their businesses would determine how we could be of help to each other moving forward.”

Veterinary offices (understandably) can be quite busy, so if you’re aiming to advertise at a new place, it’s best to make an appointment if you want to meet the veterinarians and their core staff.

“Definitely make an appointment in advance,” advises veterinarian Dr. Danielle Palatt. “My office in Brooklyn, New York, gets very busy and if pet sitters were to just stop by, it’s unlikely there would be time to talk.

Marketing with food—yay or nay?

How pet sitters choose to promote themselves is a personal preference. Some just leave business cards on counters and bulletin boards, while others like to supply a veterinarian’s office with some sweets along with their marketing materials.

PSI member Caroline Schkade recommends bringing the veterinarian’s office bagels, donuts, or something of the like. “Include your business cards and offer to recommend their services via business cards or magnets to your new clients. This really works well for new offices that are opening up.”

Dr. Blue welcomes “lunch and learns” for anyone scheduled to meet with him, including pet sitters.

To show his appreciation for their referrals, pet sitter Scott Black of Personal Touch Pet Sitting, based in Kingwood, Texas, “shows up twice a year at local veterinarian’s offices with some goodies thanking the veterinarians and their staff for supporting my professional pet-care business.”

Pet Sitter Cynthia Johnson says introducing yourself to the front desk staff is crucial.  “Connecting with them is important as they are on the front lines, so to speak.”

Also, meet with mobile vets

Pet sitter Jessica Frale of Spoiled Rotten Pooches in Mokena, Ill., has a cooperative referral relationship with Dr. John Rimkunas, who solely provides veterinary visits at the client’s home. 

“Referrals are key to my Mobile Veterinary Service, as I’m sure they are for pet sitters, so I refer my clients to the two pet sitters that work in my area every chance I get,” says Rimkunas, who services the South suburbs of Chicago.

Adds Frale: “Dr. Rimkunas and I both share the same philosophy; that pets are in more of a ‘stress- free’ environment when pet services can be provided in the comfort of their own homes.”

Dr. Jeff Levy of Manhattan also has a mobile veterinary business; like Dr. Rimkunas he only makes house calls. To him, meeting pet sitters in such a large city makes it feel smaller, and he encourages pet sitters to reach out.

“I'm always open to meeting my fellow animal-care professionals,” says Dr. Levy. “Knowing more skilled and experienced support people would be helpful because I'm often asked for referrals.”

Competition in boarding

Dr. Weber, whose California office boards pets, doesn’t view pet sitters as competition.

“People who board pets at a veterinary hospital either have pets that need specialized attention or medications, have pets that don’t do well with strangers, need their pets to be observed regularly, or have pets with a history of escaping or being very destructive when left alone,” he explains.

Dr. Diarra Blue also boards pets, but if his clients prefer a pet sitter, he’s fine with that.

“Several of my clients prefer to have their pets cared for at home or a friend’s house versus boarding them at my facility, he explains. “For these clients it helps to have a good relationship with pet sitters to allow for a confident referral.”

Discuss emergency scenarios

In case of emergency, professional pet sitters should arrange a protocol in advance with clients by asking: What if your pet is injured or sick and needs immediate medical attention? Do I have your permission to bring them to the veterinarian?

PSI member Scott Black keeps on file a signed authorization for medical treatment for each client and their pet(s).

“Many clients travel outside the U.S., and with time differences or those that choose to disconnect totally on a cruise or vacation, I want to know what their wishes are for medical care,” he says. “Sadly, this also includes what their wishes are should one of their pets pass while they are away.”

Dr. Palatt has treated many animals who were brought in by a pet sitter. “Oftentimes, the owners leave them our information and the ‘go-ahead,’ to ‘bring in’ if something is wrong.  When this happens, I always try to talk to the owner over the phone while I have the patient in the clinic, that way there is no misunderstanding and they can approve any care or treatments that may be recommended for the pet.”

Advice from a pro

Pet sitter Scott Black imparts his career advice for those new to professional pet sitting.

“You’re a business owner, not just a pet sitter,” he says. “I wear two hats all day, every day. When I’m with animals, I am a professional pet care provider. When I am not with animals, I am the face and owner of a professional pet care business. There is a big difference.”

As professionals, reminds Black, “we have to advocate for the animals in our care and provide the best quality care when their fur parents can’t be there.”

When caring for a pet, he says, don’t be afraid to ask your clients questions.

“I love to learn and I always ask, why did this happen, or what causes something like this? I ask the same exact questions as if I were asking my own veterinarian about one of my fur kids.”

PSI member Jessica Frale says the time invested in nurturing business relationships is one of the fundamental building blocks of growing a successful pet sitting business. “It pays off so much more than any advertising dollars ever could!”

Adds Dr. Rimunkas: “Collaboration among all of us who are lucky enough to work in the pet industry helps everyone involved. It’s to our mutual benefit as veterinarians, pet sitters, and groomers that we all know each other.”

Rachel Sokol is a Manhattan-based writer, editor and animal lover. She's been published on Univsion.com, Reader's Digest online, Redbook, CountryLiving.com, LiveHappy.com and more.