Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Gary.
Hi Susan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 1989, I was ordained into ministry. I planned to serve congregations until I retired at 65 years old. God had a different plan and “un-called” me from ministry in 2012. I went to work for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition as the D/FW Chapter Manager. I was field staff, so I worked remotely. I would start work at 6 am, when my husband, Erick, left for work. I would be finished with my work by 2 pm. I was bored and lonely, so I applied for a pet-sitting position. The owner agreed to work around my full-time job with NOCC. I LOVED pet sitting, but not the company. Employees would leave homes unlocked or not even show up. This company’s pet visits were only 12 minutes long. Employees were not paid for all work and expected to furnish their supplies. Employees would forget to feed pets or forget to administer medication. Pet and Pet Parents in McKinney deserved better. It was incredibly frustrating, and I would share these stories with Erick. At the end of these conversations, one of us would say, “We could do a better job.” Eventually, we decided we really COULD do a better job.
We created our business plan as we drove to Galveston for a cruise. We struggled with what to name our business and came up with Top Dog Pet Sitters. Why “Top Dog”? Because a “top dog” is the best in their business, and that was/is our goal. Our tagline is “Loving Your Pet, Respecting Your Home, and Exceeding Your Expectations.” We would all want these things from a pet sitter coming into our home. We had our first client the first week we were open, and we’ve never stopped growing. Pet Parents in McKinney were/are hungry for a professional pet sitting/dog walking service that provides exceptional service. TDPS does just that! We’ve been a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for several years. We are ranked in the Top 10 Best Pet Care services in the ENTIRE State of Texas, and we’ve been voted “Best in McKinney” ” numerous times.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Post Covid, we’ve struggled with finding exceptional employees. People want to make thousands of dollars without putting in the work or the quality of work.
Currently, the economy is challenging. People are having to make choices about what is necessary vs what they want. Often, pet care is a luxury and not a “need.”
Because the economy is not robust, there are more people needing to earn extra income. So, another challenge for us has been hobby sitters. Pet parents must understand the difference between a hobby pet sitter and a professional pet sitter. A hobby pet sitter pet sits as a side gig and is not insured, Pet CPR/First Aid certified, or educated in pet care. Yes, they love pets, but it’s a “gig” for them. Oh, the stories I could tell you about TDPS clients who, before using us, used the teenager across the street, a pet sitter found on an app, or the adult who pet sits on the side. I encourage pet parents to do their homework.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Top Dog Pet Sitters provides award-winning, professional pet sitting an dog walking services in McKinney, TX, and Melissa, TX. We offer a variety of services for pet parents who are working or traveling, including drop-in dog walk/pet visits, 12-hour care, overnight care, 24-hour care, and house-sitting (no pets). In addition to caring for pets, we also care for the clients’ homes while they are away. We bring in the mail/packages, water plants, get trash bins in/out on trash day.
TDPS is fully insured, trained (including Pet CPR/first aid), and educated to care for all kinds of pets, including those with special needs. Also, we are pet parents to Sophie, a 2-year-old “tripod,” and Sasha, a 6-year-old blind pup, so special needs pups have a special place in our hearts. We know how to give diabetic shots, SubQ fluids, and how to express a dog’s bladder. Another feature that makes us unique is that many pet care services use Independent Contractors, which cannot be supervised and can “hire out” the job. We do not. TDPS only uses employees.
Top Dog Pet Sitters supports the McKinney and Melissa communities in a number of ways:
- We provide classroom supplies for teachers
- We provide supplies to the Collin County Animal Shelter
- We support the McKinney business community through a membership in the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I also have been a Chamber Ambassador.
- We award the Top Dog Pet Sitters High Education Scholarship every summer. Applicants must have graduated from McKinney or Melissa High School, be pursuing a career in animal care (vet school, vet tech, zoology, etc.), and have completed 24 hours.The amount is from $500-$1,000.
- We support Belle and Sparrows.
- We support other community needs as they come along. For example, during the Byron Nelson, we volunteered for HUGS Café. We helped make chicken salad and ham sandwiches and washed dishes. HUGS Cafe employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also participated in the Heart of Melissa.Last Fall we sponsored a pumpkin decorating event in Trinity Falls for families.
- We provide pet parent education/resources through the Pet Parents of McKinney and Melissa Facebook page.
- Although not in the community, we make a monthly donation to support the mission of St. Jude’s Hospital.
What does success mean to you?
- Providing exceptional service.
- Having a stellar reputation in McKinney and Melissa
- Giving back to the communities that have blessed our family and our business
- Winning awards from the citizens of McKinney
- Financial security
- Providing employment in McKinney and Melissa.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://topdogpetsitters.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topdogpetsitters
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmMS4OYR9M
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021307252163845
Image Credits
FredShots
