Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Manning.
Angela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Houston from Pinellas county Florida in 2015 and immediately started working in loss prevention at large bedding retailer which was pretty interesting but something was still missing. I started asking some of my animal loving co-workers about the animal rescue community in Houston and how I can get more involved. Just a few days later, I began to volunteer with a few local rescues and as I started to meet people I started to pet sit for some of the fosters and volunteers in the groups.
A few short months later, my journey with corporate ended and I was blessed with a job full time in animal rescue. I couldn’t believe the opportunity before me, I was honored, it was life-changing. For the last three years, I was a Foster coordinator and Rescue coordinator for a transport rescue while continuing to petsit as I could. I am honored to have been a part of that life-saving mission and grateful for the roles I played in saving thousands of animals in the process. In addition to all the canine and feline lives we saved I met an incredible group of people. Many of who are still my support and my backbone today. While being an animal rescue, I learned so many valuable tools. In addition, I am a foster mom with a specialty in Medical cases and I continue to volunteer which has played an intricate role in my job today. Fast forward to August 2019, I left animal rescue and decided to pet sit full-time and here we are! So far, my business is about 98% referral based and growing! My goal is to provide peace of mind that your pets are in great hands while you are away.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say that the road has been smooth but there isn’t a step of it I would take back. Everyday is different. Every animal is different every schedule is different every routine is different every personality is different. Adaptability is key. Some of the bigger financial challenges are that you’re not working with a regular paycheck. Things happen schedules change and if you’re going to be successful, you have to be willing to roll with the punches and hustle when your bookings are low.
Some advice that I’ve taken away from some of my most respected colleagues:
1. you must schedule time for yourself and your family.make sure that you’re making time to say yes to yourself.
2 Pick an area and stick to it as much as you’re going to want to help literally everybody you can but sometimes the logistics just don’t make sense. That’ll make your job a lot harder.
Please tell us about Best Pet Connection.
We love what we do and I’m confident that it shows. So many people worry about what they’re going to do with their animals while they are not home. Some animals just aren’t the best fit for a boarding atmosphere which can make going away stressful. Worry no more!
What we offer:
* Sleepovers in your home where your pets are safe and comfortable
* Walks for your dogs
* Drop in and feed/ let your animals out
* Baths
* Nail trims
* Rides to the vet or groomers
* Playtime
* Basic puppy training
* Cuddle time
* Bottle-feeding help available for rescue fosters
* Experience administering meds/ injections
**Coming soon- In home pet photography
We’d be happy to come and walk your dog. Love on your cat or Let your animals out in the backyard for playtime. Whatever they need. We customize your package specifically for your animals. Whether it’s 30 minutes an hour or an entire day. Drop ins, walks, rides or sleepovers. We are excited to care for any age size or breed. Dogs, cats, pigs, guinea pigs, ferrets you name it I’m sure we can help and we make sure to text you photos of our visit so you can see how much your babies enjoyed it! At Best Pet Connection, we specialize in senior and medical needs but are well-versed in puppies needs as well. Experience with rescue and Foster animals. Experience with minor behavior problems. All personalities welcome! Only a call, text or email away!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Don’t give up! Stay focused, stay humble and keep hustlin. Try your best not to get swallowed by anyone else’s toxicity. Run your business with integrity. Mostly don’t forget to show your employees, co-workers and customers that they matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bestpetconnection.com
- Phone: 727-729-0081
- Email: Angela@bestpetconnection.com
Image Credit:
Photos taken by Angela Manning
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