“It’s just playing with animals all day — how hard can it be?”
When I began caring for pets for friends and neighbors back in 2010, the standards of care were markedly different. There were no app updates, no photo updates, no formal contracts, and clients paid whatever they thought was fair. There was definitely no insurance coverage, leaving my clients and me at the mercy of the gods. I was a high school sophomore juggling multiple jobs to support my family, and pet care quickly became a fulfilling side hustle to fill my time. Looking back, there were plenty of cringe-worthy moments that could have gone badly but thankfully didn’t.
When I graduated high school, I never thought pet care could be a career — I was focused on building a career in EMS. It wasn’t until a coworker asked me to watch his dogs while he was on vacation that pet care, beyond caring for my own pets, crossed my mind again.
When I moved back to the Bryan/College Station area in 2018, I knew I didn’t want to continue working in EMS, and I’d decided to pursue a career as a veterinary technician (i.e., a vet tech). That’s when I fell back into the pet care world. I started Lucky Paws BCS small, and it’s evolved into the business it is today.
All of our team members are Pet CPR and First Aid certified through ProTrainings, and trained in animal behavior and body language through a local training company, Buddy’s Place Canine Behavior, along with additional continuing education through FetchFind. The business and our team are bonded and insured through PCI Insurance, and we carry workers’ compensation for our employees. We’re members of the BCS Chamber of Commerce and Pet Sitter’s International and were voted a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
9 Reasons to Hire a Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Pet Care Company — Even If It’s Not Lucky Paws BCS
- Professionalism and Expertise
- Staff trained to handle pet emergencies and provide the appropriate care your pet needs
- Staff trained in different handling methods for different types of pets
- Accountability
- A licensed company is accountable for the services it provides
- They rely on word of mouth and online reviews
- They uphold specific standards of care
- Safety and Security
- Bonded and insured companies provide an added layer of protection
- In the event of any accidents, damages, or incidents, you have recourse for compensation or resolution
- Reliability and Consistency
- They have backup plans for their backup plans in case of their own emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
- This ensures your pets receive care no matter what
- Structure of Care and Services
- They offer flexible service options tailored to your pet’s needs
- They also provide low-to-no-cost add-ons — medication administration, poop-scoop service, specialized diet accommodations, exercise routines, crate-rest routines, and more
- Legal Compliance
- They follow city, county, state, and federal regulations and industry standards of care
- Peace of Mind
- Knowing your pet is in the hands of a licensed, bonded, and insured company lets you relax while you’re away, without worrying about your pet’s well-being
- Professional Equipment and Continuing Education
- Professional pet care companies often have access to resources a typical hobby sitter may not
- This includes investing in continuing education, certifications, and professional equipment that furthers their expertise
- Customer Support and Communication
- Professional pet care companies have support systems in place to address any concerns or questions you may have
