It all began in 2004 with our sweet Golden Retriever named Duncan. My husband, Patric, and I were both recruiting managers in the fast-paced world of corporate America. Our beloved "fur-child" Duncan was left home far too long between long work hours and grueling rush-hour commutes. Back then, reliable pet care options like dog walking or pet sitting services were virtually nonexistent. Leaving Duncan each day was heartbreaking—and it was during one of those stressful moments of saying goodbye to Duncan the idea struck: What if we could help pet parents like us, who needed dependable care for their beloved pets when they couldn't be there?

The Early Days

That spark of inspiration became The Peaks Pet Nanny. I drafted a simple business plan and created a modest website. From our home in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, a neighborhood known as The Peaks, I officially launched my journey to care for pets and bring peace of mind to their owners. Since then, we've grown from a solo operation to a team of 55 dedicated Pet Nannies, serving six counties across Northern New Jersey.

Growing the Team

In the early days, I poured my heart into The Peaks Pet Nanny, personally providing dog walking and in-home pet sitting services around the clock. I drove all over Morris and Sussex County, ensuring each pet received the love and attention they deserved. As word spread, the demand for high-quality, personalized pet care grew, leading me to expand our team. I was fortunate to join forces with Renee, a former colleague from my corporate days in 2005, and Leslie, a fellow dog trainer in 2006—both of whom are still integral to our family today. I also welcomed and trained trusted pet parents to join our team, all sharing a common focus: the safety and well-being of the pets we care for. Many of our Pet Nannies have been with us for years - if not decades! Our mission has always been to ensure that every pet receives the love and attention they deserve, and this commitment continues to guide us as we grow.

From Handwritten Notes to Texts and Portals

It's unbelievable how things worked when I started The Peaks Pet Nanny. Clients would call my home phone or email me back then to request service. After each visit, I'd leave a handwritten report card at their house to let them know how their pet was doing. If I had a question or needed to follow up, it meant picking up the phone! It feels so old-school now, but those simple, personal touches set the tone for the care we've always been proud to provide.

A Family Transition

In 2014, Patric took a leap of faith, leaving behind his corporate recruiting career to help run my company. Now, he works closely with our team of 55 Pet Nannies and clients, managing the day-to-day schedules, coordinating care, and ensuring every detail runs smoothly. His transition was a game-changer, allowing The Peaks Pet Nanny to expand and meet the growing needs of our community to most of Northern New Jersey. From our humble beginnings in Lake Hopatcong, we have grown to serve six counties and over 3,000 discerning pet parents.

Innovating with Technology

As the business grew, we implemented a basic scheduling software to help us stay organized. However, in 2023, when our original software went out of business, we faced a stressful but pivotal moment that led us to explore better solutions. Out of necessity, we teamed up with Easy Busy Pets, a platform that revolutionized communication and scheduling operations.

Modern Solutions for Pet Care

Today, our user-friendly website allows clients to schedule appointments online and access a personalized portal. Customers can update their information and pets' details anytime through the portal, ensuring everything stays current. For our Pet Nannies, the system enables seamless communication, allowing them to send automatic notes, pictures, and videos after each visit. We know that communication is imperative, and these innovations have helped us strengthen the trust and connection with our clients.

There in Emergencies

While many of our clients call on us for planned vacations, we've also become a trusted partner during life's unexpected moments. Emergencies happen—a family member who planned to help out might suddenly fall ill, a teenager hired to watch the pets might cancel at the last minute, or a client might face a medical procedure that makes walking their dog impossible. That's where we come in. We're proud to offer a reliable solution for pet parents when they need us most, no matter the circumstances.

Giving Back

Giving back is at the heart of who we are. For over 20 years, we've supported various philanthropic causes, animal rescues, youth sports, and educational programs. We take pride in fostering strong relationships and participating in events that positively impact our community. Our commitment to these causes is a testament to our belief in the power of community and our dedication to making a difference.

Supporting The Seeing Eye: A Heartwarming Connection

We are incredibly proud to support The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ, an organization whose mission enhances the independence and dignity of blind individuals by pairing them with expertly trained Seeing Eye® dogs. In Morristown, the service dogs train with their handlers, walking around the historic Green, navigating the bustling streets, and learning to guide carefully and confidently. To see these beautiful and intelligent dogs in training is always heartwarming and inspiring. Their dedication and the bond they form with their handlers is a testament to the life-changing impact of this organization. The Seeing Eye holds a special in our hearts, and we are honored to support their incredible work.

Giving Back to Our Community

Additionally, we contribute to rescue organizations like Save The Animals Rescue Team in Little Falls, Eleventh Hour Rescue in Morris County, St. Hubert's in Madison, and national organizations like The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, and BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Education and Youth Sports

We also champion youth sports, supporting teams such as Jefferson Township T-Ball, basketball, and travel baseball, as well as other athletic programs in the communities we serve. In education, we've proudly donated to local schools, colleges, and community initiatives, including food pantries and church-led efforts, helping create a brighter future for kids and families.

Sharing Knowledge and Expertise

Over the years, I've also had the privilege of giving back to the industry that has given me so much. I've taught a course at Middlesex County College on how to start and operate a pet-sitting business, empowering aspiring business owners with the knowledge to succeed. In addition, I offer one-on-one business coaching for fellow pet care entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges like hiring, creating effective policies, and integrating technology for scheduling or financial operations.

Celebrating 20 Years of Fur and Gratitude

In November 2024, we proudly celebrated 20 incredible years! Looking back, I'm so thankful for the journey—from those early days of handwritten notes and home phone calls to now managing a team of incredible Pet Nannies serving Northern New Jersey. I'm deeply grateful for our client's trust in us, welcoming us into their lives, and letting us care for their beloved pets. It's been a journey full of love, laughter, and plenty of fur, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead!

Family Affair in the Making

Today, Patric and I are the proud parents of two amazing boys, James (16) and Jonathan (14). They're growing up so fast and already taking business and finance classes in high school—a clear sign they're serious about their future. Both have a passion for animals and are starting to express interest in helping run the family business after college. While I'm not entirely sure how I feel about being my sons' boss (that could get interesting!), I love the idea of them contributing to something close to our hearts. The Peaks Pet Nanny has always been about family, and I couldn't be prouder to see them dreaming of being part of this journey.

Our Mission Remains the Same

For us, it's always been about more than just pets—it's about people, too. We've built a team of kind, caring, and compassionate Pet Nannies who genuinely love spending time with our furry clients and supporting the families who adore them. Whether stepping in during an emergency or ensuring vacations are stress-free, we're here to provide peace of mind and a helping hand when pet parents need it most. Knowing we can make life a little easier for pets and their people makes this work so special.