Representing Yorktown at Florida's Pet Business Summit 2024
I recently spent some time in Naples, Florida - representing Hearts at Home Pet Sitting at Florida's Pet Business Summit 2024. The summit, which is organized by the Florida Pet Services Association, is sponsored by Time to Pet - the makers of our online scheduling software and mobile app - and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, The event included workshops led by pet sitting industry and small business experts. We covered many relevant topics and came together to elevate the pet sitting industry in Florida and around the US, including Yorktown and its environs.
The State of the Professional Pet Sitting Industry
Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International, kicked off the conference. In this session, we discussed the results of PSI’s 2024 State of the Industry Survey. In addition to sharing the latest industry data, including the average annual revenue, pet-sitting fees, and more, Beth covered current business best practices and industry standards. We also delved into industry trends and what PSI sees for the industry's near future.
Because we had attendees from around the country including the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, it was great to see others' reactions to the numbers Beth shared.
I was pleased to see how Hearts at Home is performing alongside similar companies and the many ways we stand out from the competition.
Connecting with Other Pet Sitting Professionals
As I've mentioned in previous blogs including this one and this one from earlier this year, I attend several industry conferences annually. I do so because I believe in staying educated and informed. Coming together with other pet sitters from around the country allows me to learn from them, relate to them, and share with them.
One of the strong themes discussed in the Florida Pet Business Summit this year was the importance of building bonds and networking. Both as part of my industry and as part of the Hampton Roads community, I prioritize connection and coming together. I believe that working together with my peers, our clients, shelters, and rescues, as well as the community creates a symbiotic relationship that elevates pet care in our area and beyond.
Learning & Improving
Small business ownership is challenging. And, the pet sitting industry adds a layer of responsibility and commitment that cannot be denied. Hearts at Home operates seven days per week. Our team is committed to caring for pets 24/7, during weather emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. We don't run an ice cream shop or boutique - we serve living, breathing creatures and their dedicated families.
Because our work can be markedly demanding, many pet sitter conferences include discussions about the importance of self-care. In addition to learning how to best manage expenses during high inflation, mastering hiring trends that work, and facing our fears and doubts, we learned how to differentiate our business in our markets while building businesses that allow us to thrive both personally and professionally.
As Founder of Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, I take my role as our business' leader very seriously. I work hard to make time for learning and education because I bring knowledge back to my business and our employees. I believe that, in order to be the best, we have to invest in knowing our industry, learning the trends, listening to our clients, and reacting to changes in pet care standards. I am committed to being the best in Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton, and Newport News and every day we establish ourselves as such. I couldn't be more proud of the team we've built.
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting offers in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more. We look forward to caring for your pets while you enjoy your time away!
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