At Paula’s Pet Sitting, we proudly serve the Midland community by providing professional, in-home pet care tailored to meet the unique needs of pets and their families. Since 2015, our compassionate and highly trained team has been dedicated to ensuring pets’ happiness, health, and comfort in their own homes. Our services, including personalized home visits, overnight house sitting, pet taxi, and backyard clean-up, are designed to provide peace of mind to busy professionals, families on vacation, and individuals with pets that require specialized care.
As a veteran-owned business, we are committed to supporting our community, offering a 10% discount to active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. We believe that every pet deserves exceptional care, and we strive to be a trusted partner to pet owners throughout Midland.

How Long Have You Been Involved? What Brought You Into This Line of Work?

“I started Paula’s Pet Sitting in May 2015 as a homeschooling project with my two middle school children, who were studying entrepreneurship. Together, we created a business plan for ‘Dog Walking,’ teaching them valuable lessons in accounting, marketing, customer service, and the pet care industry. When they moved on from the project, I took over the few customers they had, and the business has flourished ever since. Now, after 10 years, Paula’s Pet Sitting has grown to serve over 350 clients and more than 670 registered pets, including dogs, cats, pocket pets, exotic birds, rodents, and amphibians.”

Philosophy Behind the Business:

Our philosophy at Paula’s Pet Sitting is simple: treat every pet as if they were our own. We believe pets are beloved members of the family and deserve the same love, respect, and attention in our care. We’re dedicated to building trust with both pets and their owners by providing personalized, compassionate, and professional services. Whether it’s a Mid-Day Dog Walk, a litter box clean-up, a Pet Taxi ride, or Overnight Care, we aim to ensure pets feel comfortable, happy, and loved while their humans are away.

We also understand the importance of peace of mind for pet owners, which is why we prioritize transparency, communication, and reliability in every aspect of our service. By fostering a deep connection with pets and people alike, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Biggest Inspiration & What You Enjoy Most:

My biggest inspiration has always been my children. Family comes first for me, and I’ve always chosen work that allows me to be present in my children’s lives, especially during the short, precious time I have with them at home. Some of my children have faced challenging circumstances before coming into my life, and being there for them, through both the joyful and the difficult moments, has been my greatest calling.

What I enjoy most about my job is how it connects me to the Midland community in deeply meaningful ways. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients during some of their hardest days, whether they’re navigating health challenges or traveling to care for a loved one. Knowing that our team provides peace of mind by ensuring their homes and pets are in good hands feels like fulfilling a greater mission.

I’m also incredibly proud of how our staff supports one another and steps up when needed. Their compassion and teamwork reflect the values we strive to bring to every client’s home. It’s an honor to be part of a business that’s not just about pet care, but about making life a little easier for the people in our community.

Message to the Community:

As someone who built a business right here in Midland, I want to remind others that big dreams can grow in small towns. This community has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me, and I hope we can be the same for others. Whether it’s pursuing your passion, starting a new venture, or simply finding balance in your life, know that you have a community here cheering you on.

A Funny or Interesting Story:

Pet sitting might sound like a dream job, but let me tell you—it’s full of surprises. Imagine being tasked with walking a dog for an hour, only to find that the dog in question has perfected the art of playing dead – 3 blocks away from home…and it’s always the 50-pounders with noodle legs, never the tiny 12-pound fluff balls.

Then there’s the moment when you find yourself flat on your back on an icy sidewalk, one arm still tethered to the leash of an overexcited pup, while you desperately hope the poop bag beneath you survived the impact unscathed.

Back at the house, you might be hunting for a missing cat who’s decided that hiding among Christmas decorations in the basement is their new hobby. Meanwhile, a fellow pet sitter is sending out an SOS because they can’t open a frozen lockbox, and then you’re navigating a maze of detours from road construction to make your next visit on time.

And let’s not forget the ultimate pet sitter scavenger hunt: finding the elusive cat litter scoop, dog food scoop, or poop scooper. (Why are they always MIA?)

Despite the challenges, we wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. They keep us laughing, learning, and constantly improving. Each visit is an adventure, and at the end of the day, knowing we’ve cared for these beloved pets makes it all worth it.

About Paula & Her Family:

I grew up in a small farming community in Michigan’s Thumb, where life revolved around family and the land. My earliest memories are of helping my parents care for the cows, pigs, ponies, ducks, geese, and chickens on our farm, surrounded by the love and guidance of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Alongside my three brothers, I attended a one-room country schoolhouse through eighth grade, which instilled in me a strong sense of community and resilience.

Some of my happiest childhood moments were spent playing with our many barn cats, riding my pony, Bucky, and dreaming of becoming a Horse Jockey down in Kentucky. As a teenager, I worked after school and on weekends at a neighboring dairy farm, milking a herd of 350 cows, a job that taught me discipline and responsibility. I also jumped at every opportunity to ride horses owned by friends and neighbors, even trying my hand at a rodeo. These experiences not only shaped my love for animals but also laid the foundation for the passion and dedication I bring to my work today.

One of my most important lessons in respecting animals came at the age of 17, when I approached a friend’s horse in a paddock without reading its body language and ended up with nine cracked ribs from a swift kick. That experience taught me to be attuned to the body signs that animals use to communicate, a skill I use every day in the pet-sitting business.

After high school, I joined the United States Army as a Military Police Customs Officer, serving for two years before spending 15 years as a military spouse. My journey took me to Germany, the Panama Canal, Ft McClellan in Alabama, and Ft Bragg in North Carolina. In 1999, I returned to Michigan and eventually settled in Midland in 2008. The military lifestyle has profoundly shaped me: my father, three brothers and two of my children have all served. For anyone considering the military, I wholeheartedly say: go for it! The experience is life-changing, offering invaluable perspective, unbreakable bonds, and personal growth beyond what you could ever imagine.

Additional Information:

I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Paula’s Pet Sitting (PPS). Over the years, we’ve developed a robust system for handling the challenges that come our way. By documenting these experiences and creating a detailed playbook (Standard Operating Procedure), we’ve ensured our ability to navigate difficulties smoothly and effectively.

While I know I won’t be able to do this forever, my hope is that PPS will continue to thrive long after I step away. I envision finding someone who shares our passion for pet care, values our commitment to serving the community, and is eager to carry on and even improve what we’ve built. The central focus of PPS has always been service to our community, care for animals, and doing the right thing, and I want those principles to remain at the heart of our work.

One of the things that sets us apart is the strong camaraderie and teamwork within our team of pet sitters. They genuinely enjoy working together, and their shared commitment is what makes PPS special. If there’s someone out there who feels inspired to learn the business and would like to build on the foundation we’ve created, I’d be open to having that conversation. Together, we can ensure PPS continues to make a difference for years to come.

The post Serving Pets, Supporting Families: The Story Behind the Business appeared first on Paula's Pet Sitting.

If you’re looking for a trusted and reputable pet-sitting service, we highly recommend US!   Why choose Paula’s Pet Sitting?

• Every team member is trained in Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid and participates in ongoing education throughout the year.
• Our easy-to-use online scheduling system and convenient app ensure that each visit is tracked, and no pet is ever missed. Visits are verified by GPS, so you can even view a real-time map of your dog’s walk.
• We offer simple online payment options for your convenience.
• If your regular sitter is unavailable, a dedicated teammate will step in to provide uninterrupted care.
• Each visit includes a thorough “Nose to Tail” pet check, with photos and detailed notes provided for your peace of mind.
• All staff are fully liability insured and bonded, undergo thorough background checks, and participate in random drug testing.
• Pet-friendly, stress-free care. We go the extra mile to create a calm and stress-free experience for your pet, whether it’s a visit, walk, or overnight stay.
• Available 365 days a year, including all holidays.
• Locally owned and proudly operated by a U.S. Army Veteran.

Veterinarians:

1. Animal Hospital of Midland
   2337 W Midland Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 832-8600
   Services: Preventative care, emergency care, diagnostics, and treatment.
2. Animal Medical Center
   5910 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 631-5550
   Services: Comprehensive veterinary services, including wellness exams, surgery, and emergency care.
   eastmananimal.com
3. Eastman Animal Hospital
   5910 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 631-5550
   Services: Full-service animal hospital dedicated to outstanding medical care for small animals.
   eastmananimal.com
4. Midland Animal Clinic
   601 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 631-3584
   Services: Full veterinary services, including exams, vaccinations, dental care, and surgery.
5. River Rock Veterinary Clinic
   6021 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 496-7000
   Services: Comprehensive veterinary services with a focus on preventative care and specialized treatments.
6. Saginaw Valley Veterinary Clinic
   507 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 832-8700
   Services: Comprehensive care for pets of all kinds, including diagnostics, surgery, and vaccines.
7. Town and Country Animal Hospital
   2208 W Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 835-7123
   Services: Preventive care, surgical procedures, emergency services, and wellness exams.

VetMED Veterinary Clinic
4985 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 832-8030
Services: Cost-effective and compassionate care, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgical procedures, and emergency care.

Pet Supply Stores:

1. Ace Hardware
   309 S Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 832-8597
   Services: Pet supplies, hardware, and outdoor items for your furry friends.
2. Cohoon’s Elevator
   840 W Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 835-5001
   Services: Feed, pet supplies, and farming equipment.
3. Feeders Pet Supply
   4310 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 486-0405
   Services: Pet food, supplies, and grooming.
4. Freeland Feed and Lawn
   1000 N Main St, Freeland, MI 48623
   Phone: (989) 695-5561
   Services: Pet food, supplies, and lawn care products.
5. Gilroy’s Hardware
   2414 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 835-1311
   Services: Pet supplies, home improvement products, and gardening tools.
6. Lucky Dog Grooming & Pet Supply
   5061 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 835-6477
   Services: Grooming products, pet food, treats, and supplies.
7. Michele’s Pet Grooming and Pet Supplies
   1003 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 631-1950
   Services: Pet supplies, pet grooming, and pet-related accessories.
8. Petco
   3940 Bay City Rd, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 837-1824
   Services: Pet supplies, grooming, training, and adoption services.
9. PetSmart
   4532 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 832-3294
   Services: Pet supplies, grooming, and training classes, plus pet adoption services.

The Green Spot Pet Market
1800 W St. Andrews, Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 600-8523
Services: Natural pet foods, toys, treats, and eco-friendly pet products.

Groomers:

1. Canine Cuts
   1234 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 555-1234
   Services: Dog grooming, including cuts, nails, and ear cleaning.
2. Clean Line Pet Design
   1000 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 555-5678
   Services: Specialized grooming and care for your furry friends.
3. Critter Cuts Pet Grooming
   107 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 839-0404
   Services: Dog grooming, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more.
4. Dapper Doggies Mobile Grooming
   Mobile Service in Midland, MI
   Phone: (989) 555-2345
   Services: Mobile grooming services for dogs, including baths, trims, and nail care.
5. Fur Babies
   123 N Main St, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 555-6789
   Services: Grooming for dogs and cats with a focus on comfort and care.
6. Grooming by Missy
   2080 E. Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642
   Phone: (989) 832-9899
   Services: Dog grooming, including basic cuts, specialty trims, and pampering.
7. Grooming Tails Pet Salon
   2800 W. Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 600-7157
   Services: Professional grooming for dogs and cats with extra care and attention.
8. Muddy Pups
   4500 Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 555-8901
   Services: Grooming for dogs, focusing on muddy paws and messy coats.
9. Pawfection Pet Grooming
   3151 W Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48640
   Phone: (989) 832-7297
   Services: Professional grooming services for dogs and cats with individual attention.
10. Paws-A-While Pet Services
    3000 W Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
    Phone: (989) 555-2468
    Services: Grooming and care services for dogs and cats.
11. PetSmart
    4532 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
    Phone: (989) 832-3294
    Services: Pet supplies, grooming, and training classes, plus pet adoption services.
12. Pudgy Puppies
    1600 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48640
    Phone: (989) 555-1357
    Services: Grooming, nail trimming, and all-around pet pampering.
13. ReFurBish
    2000 W Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
    Phone: (989) 555-9876
    Services: Specialized grooming for dogs, cats, and other pets.
14. The Doggie Detailer
    5025 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
    Phone: (989) 488-0552
    Services: Grooming for dogs, including haircuts, baths, nails, and teeth cleaning.

Zach’s Dog Groomery
2201 S Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 555-9087
Services: Grooming, nail trimming, and special care for your dog’s needs.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to care for pets day in and day out? Behind every wagging tail and playful purr is a dedicated pet sitter making sure each pet gets exactly what they need—no matter the weather or challenges! But what does it take to be a pet sitter? This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our sitters and what makes them exceptional. Every day, they head out to care for all kinds of creatures—from walking dogs to feeding fish—ensuring each pet receives everything they need and more. Spending time with so many animals comes with its challenges but every pet sitter enjoys seeing our client’s pets and making sure they are as happy as can be while their owners are away. Come snow or sunshine we will be there and ready for anything the pets have to throw at us.

The Ups and Downs of Pet Sitting

The life of a pet sitter is a daily adventure that presents unique challenges and excitement. Luckily, here at Paula’s Pet Sitting, we have a team of dedicated sitters who work together to overcome any unexpected issues. We have seen it all, from minor mishaps to unexpected messes. Working together as a team makes it easy to face it all with a smile. When unexpected issues like flat tires occur, our team communicates quickly to ensure coverage, ensuring no pet is left waiting. It’s why being a team player is such a key part of being one of Paula’s sitters.

The joy of walking into a home and being greeted by a wagging tail or a purring cat makes every challenge worth it. Sometimes the dogs try to tackle us with kisses whenever we arrive so it’s important to be ready for their excitement when coming and going through doors. Being able to calm down and contain large dogs is a must when it comes to pet sitting.

Facing Challenges as a Team

One of the best qualities of any of Paula’s sitters is their ability to work together to get through unexpected and difficult situations. From unexpected weather to advice for our picky pets the team steps up to make sure all hands are on deck when needed. Filling in for each other when someone is sick and stepping up to take late-notice visits for clients is one of the many selfless ways the sitters care for each other behind the scenes. Being able to communicate and share experiences with coworkers helps ensure that all the pets get the best care possible.

When new sitters have questions the answers are often found when asking the team. The sitters who have been around Paula’s Pet Sitting the longest provide experience and knowledge to make sure all the sitters are properly equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Being a team also means we never have to go blind. “Whenever a sitter enters a new home, it’s either to meet the owner directly or to accompany an experienced pet sitter who can introduce them to the pets and familiarize them with the environment.” The ability to be a team player is a must for the crew at Paula’s. While pet sitting has its challenges, it also offers incredible rewards for those with the right qualities.

The Pro Sitter Scoop

Talking to some of our long-term pet sitters you will find no end to incredible tales of adventure and fun with the pets we care for. Marcia, a pet sitter with seven years of experience, says her favorite part of each visit is spending time with so many precious pets—whether it’s playing with kittens indoors or taking pups outside for a stroll and some sniffing adventures. Phil who has been a sitter for 5 years says his favorite part of pet visits is seeing how excited the pets get when we arrive. Everyone loves to feel loved and when you open the door there is no better sight than an excited pup who missed seeing you as much as you missed them. From wagging tails to loud meows there are lots of ways pets welcome sitters into the home and they all give you warm fuzzies.

When asked about common challenges, Phil and Marcia couldn’t pinpoint a specific frustration, but they both agree that whenever things go sideways, the team is always ready to offer advice, answer questions, and lend a hand to keep everything running smoothly. The team also enjoys laughing with each other about common misfortunes like getting rained on or covered in loose fur. It brings a light mood to any frustration and reminds us sitters it isn’t the first, and won’t be the last time we find ourselves waking up on the wrong side of the dog door.

To Be a Sitter

Here are some of the important qualities of a pet sitter:

If you’re passionate about animals and want to be part of a supportive team that loves caring for pets, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and start your adventure with Paula’s Pet Sitting.

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Hello Pet People! Have you noticed the increase in invisible fences for dogs? Sometimes you’re walking along and suddenly an adorable dog is pacing the yard next to you. There’s no visible barrier and yet they follow an invisible boundary that keeps them contained and you safe. Well, we want to talk about some of the best pet tech products and the other pet monitoring technology released for our furry friends. From collars to smart litter boxes for cats, pet cameras with two-way audio, and treat machines the pet industry has come up with some unique uses for robotics and technology. With so many new options on the market, finding the best pet tech for busy pet owners can be confusing.

So let’s talk pet care technology! Or more specifically, smart pet gadgets and innovative technology for pet health and safety. There are tons of companies producing their own pet health technology and by far the most common tech on the market is GPS pet trackers. From shock collars to trackers and invisible fences there was a bounty of sizes and styles for Top-rated smart collars for dogs and cats. The ones we will focus on today will be the Halo Collar, the Fi Collar, the Tractive Collar, and the SpotOn Collar, the benefits of wearable pet tech devices as well as taking a small peek at the less wearable technology available for other pets.

Collar Comparisons

All four collars we will be looking at have pros and cons to compare. The collar market has a wide range of collar types for different purposes and lifestyles so finding the right one for you isn’t as easy as it seems. Are you using the collar to train your dog or do you need it so you can find them when out on the trail? Is your pup an escape artist or are you just looking for that last bit of reassurance that they are where you think they are?

Well, let’s look at some of the most popular collars and break down how to monitor your pet’s health with the technology best fit for Fido. One thing all the collars prioritize is durability and comfort so that no matter what mess your precious pooch gets into the collar will stay with them. However, the battery life, features, uses, and costs vary drastically from one collar to the next and impact how to choose a pet tracker for your dog. The four collars we are comparing can be broken down into two categories: Fence collars, and Tracking collars.

Common Shortcomings

Something we found in common with all the collars is the reports of GPS inaccuracy, return and refund difficulty, and difficulty repairing and replacing broken units. Considering Halo and SpotOn both shock your pet for crossing the invisible fence and are prone to GPS malfunctions it is no surprise there are also reports of pets being randomly shocked by the devices. Tech support solution to these errors is recommending the user expand the fence… which defeats the purpose of keeping your pet restricted to a specific area. As far as affordable pet tech devices and batteries are concerned the winner in our books is Fi, although Tractive took a close second with its cat tech. However, we encourage all of these companies to continue to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their tech to produce higher quality and safer equipment for our furry friends.

For example, the Better Business Bureau is filled with complaints of incorrect warnings, shocking, and customer service difficulties. One customer states “Specifically, they have begun randomly shocking our dogs, even when they are well within the established boundary. In many instances, this occurs while they are inside our home, causing extreme emotional distress to both our pets and our family.”. Unfortunately, these complaints are often resolved by returning the devices, canceling the subscriptions, and switching to collars like Tractive or Fi that don’t have any shock settings at all. These errors in GPS are often caused by foliage or atmosphere interference, as well as simply because of the program choosing the frequency of position updates. The National Institute of Health did an in-depth comparison of a ton of different GPS collars and compared their time delays. Here is what they had to say about the average Tractive timeframes: “The Tractive TDs, for instance, usually send the pet’s position every 2 to 60 min depending on its physical activity. Moreover, they have a standby mode that sends the position every ten minutes and an emergency mode that sends the position every two to three seconds.” Now obviously if it only updates every 2 to 60 minutes the position is going to be wrong sometimes, but that’s why the programs have emergency modes that reduce the delay and increase the frequency of updates at the expense of battery saving.

Where to go from here?

The future is something we can only speculate about, however, we are hopeful to see some amazing advances in the pet tech industry. Improved safety for the products available and new inventions are sure to arise. Cats and Dogs seem to get all the love when it comes to wearables, although it is no surprise considering you can’t put a collar on your fish or snake. For fish, several companies are making incredible water quality sensors that test continually for oxygen, nitrogen, pH, temperature, and much more. Companies that specialize in collars and accessories are constantly working to improve the quality and accuracy of their trackers and working to expand their uses to other pets and purposes. The Fi collar has already had some success in the conservation industry! The Tahoe Wolf Center uses Fi collars to track the location, activity, and behavior of their wolves to make sure they stay happy, safe, and healthy. There is so much potential for the pet tech industry and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Alternatives

There are tons of alternatives available on the market, and we recommend plenty of preventative and safety measures. Top on the list is microchipping your pet. The microchip can not fall off or get snagged on something because it is implanted inside your pet, and almost every vet, humane society, pound, or pet place has chip readers that are used upon intake to identify microchipped pets. These microchips have been used for years and can be programmed with everything needed to find a pet’s owner when they are found. A cheaper collar option for Apple users would be to use an Apple AirTag with a specialized case to attach the AirTag to your pet’s collar. AirTags are cheap compared to the collars we reviewed, and have a pretty good tracking system and reliability rating. The AirTag can’t set up boundaries and discipline your dog, however, if your dog runs off it would work just fine to help you find them.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has helped open your minds to the possibilities of pet tech as well as the importance of choosing your tech wisely. From shocking pets unnecessarily to irregular GPS signals there are a lot of kinks yet to be worked out even for some of the largest pet tech brands out there. It will be interesting to see how the companies improve their designs in the future and even more exciting to see what pets get the spotlight next when it comes to tech and animal wellness. We have linked all of our research sources below and highly encourage everyone to do their digging if any of these collars catch your fancy. Please let us know your experiences with pet tech and how it has impacted your pet’s health.

Leave any questions about pet tech in the comments below and let us know what topics you would like to see in the future. We hope you all have a perfect day with your pets and tell them all that the team here at Paula’s says hi! 

Links

The post Paws & Ponder: Pet Tech Trends appeared first on Paula's Pet Sitting.