Last week, I had the pleasure of spending almost a week with exceptional pet sitters from Texas and beyond. As a leader in the pet industry, it’s a pleasure for me to attend industry events and lead important discussions. Today, I’m sharing my experience attending and presenting at the 2025 Texas Pet Sitters conference. It was an excellent event. Not to mention, it took place on a cruise ship, and we had a blast!
The Texas Pet Sitters 10th Annual Conference
The Texas Pet Sitters 10th Annual ConferenceI have attended and spoken at a number of professional pet sitting industry conferences over the years. In fact, this was my third time at the Texas Pet Sitters Conference. This conference started as a grassroots effort to bring pet sitters in and around Texas together. When they couldn’t attend the Pet Sitters International (PSI) or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) conferences, the Texas conference gave them another option. While it started with somewhat humble beginnings and goals, it has blossomed into a pretty fantastic annual event, and this year was no different.
The three-person Board of Directors of the Texas Pet Sitters Conference has been thinking about the 10th annual event for years now. They knew they wanted it to be an epic celebration of what they’ve built but also knew it had to remain in Texas. Enter the Port of Galveston, a beautiful coastal area with excellent seafood and a rich history. Honestly, staying in Galveston would have been a great option, but the BOD took it one step further, planning a two-day learning event aboard a 4 days cruise. Our travel agent, Stormy of The Gallivanting Guru, is a member of the Texas Pet Sitters Association. She is a professional pet sitter, and she orchestrated the whole thing perfectly.
All Aboard for Learning & Connection
All Aboard for Learning & ConnectionOne of the best things about this year’s conference was having the opportunity to speak about pet-care specific topics, which is a deviation from the topics I’ve presented in the past. Because of my background in veterinary care, I spoke on the topics of caring for diabetic cats and pets with kidney failure. Both topics are dear to me because I have experienced them with pets of my own. I also believe these pet care challenges are becoming more common. For this reason, professional pet sitters need to be prepared for these scenarios.
In addition to my vet med sessions, I also walked attendees through creating a positive, seamless client onboarding and nurturing experience. Having created the best client relationship management software in the pet care space, PetBizCRM, I know how to blend automation with exceptionally curated client experiences. Customer service is my specialty and, as I discuss in this blog, elevating the pet care industry is my passion.
A Shared Passion for People and Pets
A Shared Passion for People and PetsOutside of the conference sessions, which took place on our days at sea, I had the pleasure to connect with pet sitters from around the US. From the Connecticut Shoreline and Yorktown, Virginia to San Diego and the Bay Area in California, much of the US was represented, in addition to Texas, of course. When we weren’t in session, many of us were discussing our successes, challenges, and aspirations over rum-based drinks at the pool deck.
We dined together, danced together, and enjoyed each other’s company. Plus, we had a beach day in Cozumel, Mexico, that will not soon be forgotten. A group of 10+ pet sitting business owners and I booked a private beach resort for a day of R&R. We also found our way onto a banana boat, enjoyed a bit of shopping, and shared lots of laughs.
The Best Pet Care in St. Louis, MO
While this conference is headed by a Texas-based group, it was a great opportunity for pet sitters. Despite their location, we all come together to improve our businesses and operations. I was honored to participate as one of three speakers and to connect with others in the industry. My presentations were very well-received. Per the BOD, attendees raved about the new-found knowledge I inspired, particularly in the care of diabetic pets. I enjoyed my short break away from the day-to-day to reconnect with my purpose and passion.
Since 1997, 4-Legged Kids, Inc. has grown into the largest in-home pet care company servicing large areas of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. We personalize our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register.
Existing clients, please request services here.
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.
