You can find more of Jennifer’s furry friends on her MHK Petsitter Facebook page.
Before she opened There’s No Place Like Home Pet Sitting, Jennifer Wege had a long history in pet sitting. It started as a side job while she worked a veterinarian’s office several years ago, but after she started her family, she decided to put her pet care business on pause. After her children were old enough for her to look at starting the business, however, Jennifer noticed she struggled with fears about the risks of entrepreneurship. “Once my kids were old enough for me to be able to restart my business here in Manhattan, I was too concerned that it wouldn’t do well. After all, why leave a steady job when you have guaranteed income and benefits?”
In 2020, the opportunity for Jennifer to begin pet sitting again started slowly . At first, she started “here and there; just a couple of households as my ‘side job’. Then the bug bit me. I knew that pet sitting was what I was supposed to do. In March of 2021, I started advertising, posting on social media, and really trying to get the word out there. I’ve not slowed down a bit. In fact, I haven’t had a day off since October 13, 2021.”
Jennifer said that her pet care services are unique due to her keen attention to detail and ability to connect with animals in a special way. “I get to know each pet on their terms. The owners know it too. I am able to get the shyest of pets to come up for snuggles or to play. “
Her attention goes beyond serving her furry clients and extends to the needs of the pet-owners as well. “I charge a fair price according to what the client wants and the pets need. I also go out of my way to make sure the home is the same as it was when the owners left.” She adds, “A lot of my time is spent hanging out with the animals, so I make use of my time. The owners are happy, and the pets have a friend over.”
The happiness of both her pet and people clients has led to the growth of her business, There’s No Place Like Home Pet Sitting, and Jennifer has already been able to achieve many of her first year goals, which included purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle, increasing advertising, and overall becoming a better-known business. “I have formed my LLC. My advertising is everywhere, and a billboard is next on my to-do. I am a second-year member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, I purchased a Fiat for my in-town driving, and both of my vehicles are wrapped the cutest pets in Manhattan: my own.”
Looking ahead, Jennifer sees the opportunity to hire staff for There’s No Place Like Home and launch another business focused on the pet industry. “Within the next 3-5 years, I would like to expand on my other business venture: Wag Pet Boutique.” She continues, “If I continue to expand the way I have over the past year, I will hire some employees. For now, though, I am just enjoying what I do.”
It’s safe to say the pets are enjoying it too! Learn more about There’s No Place Like Home Pet Sitting here.
