At Hands N Paws, our team members are the heartbeat of our success. Today, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Megan Brady, a dynamic and dedicated dog walker and pet sitter in Columbus, Ohio. Megan’s journey and achievements are nothing short of inspiring, and we are excited to share her story.
Meet Megan Brady!
Megan’s journey into the pet care industry began in 2022 after she spent three years as a high school math teacher. Despite her dedication to teaching, Megan wanted to seek a more fulfilling and appreciated role. Recognizing the unconditional love and joy that dogs bring, she decided to pursue a career dedicated to their well-being. “I believe every dog deserves the world,” Megan shares. As a dog walker and pet sitter, she claims, “My #1 goal is to provide them love and happiness while their families are away from home.”
A Day in the Life at Hands N Paws
Megan starts each day at Hands N Paws with careful preparation, reviewing her schedule and reading through each pet’s profile and previous journals from other team members. When she arrives at a client’s home, she greets the pets warmly and embarks on their walk (if the service includes dog walking), enjoying time outdoors. “Witnessing the sheer joy and excitement that dogs express when I first arrive brings me immense happiness,” Megan says.
Megan attends to any pet care tasks requested by pet parents, infusing all she does with love and affection. She’s also sure to capture these moments with photos, so she can send them to pet parents post-service. Often, her photos are cute selfies with the pets!
In closing out pet visits, Megan carefully takes the time to construct intentional and well-thought-out journal entries to keep pet parents informed and connected to their pets’ experiences.
Overcoming Challenges
Balancing her schedule and managing her time effectively are some of the challenges Megan faces. She always aims to see as many pets as possible, but with her dedication and the high demand for her care, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to see every single one on our company’s master schedule.
Another area of (slight) stress is saying goodbye to the pets at the end of visits. “It can be really hard to say goodbye after my work’s complete on a service because of the bond formed during visits,” Megan explains. Writing concise yet detailed journals for pet parents after the service can also be quite time-consuming, though Megan understands its importance. “It’s necessary to ensure they (pet parents) feel informed and connected to their pet’s experience during my visits, which is why I value putting time and thought into my post-service communication.”
The Power of Love & Dedication
Megan believes that a genuine love for animals is the most crucial quality for a successful career in dog walking and pet sitting. “Pets can sense your energy, so being upbeat, warm, calm, and enthusiastic goes a long way in helping to create a positive environment for them,” she says. Patience, reliability, the ability to read body language, effective communication with pet parents, flexibility, and problem-solving skills are also essential pet-sitter traits and best practices that Megan embodies and advocates for.
Memorable Moments
Reflecting on her time at Hands N Paws, Megan shares several memorable experiences. “I have a lot of fond memories of cuddling with pups, running around and playing with them, and just having fun,” she recalls. One particularly rewarding moment was helping an anxious dog with separation anxiety feel more comfortable. She also felt proud when she helped train a dog to learn new tricks like “stay” and “leave it,” and improved their leash walking skills. “These moments highlight the joy and value of intentionally bonding with the pets and demonstrates the impact of patience and dedication in caring for them,” she says.
Growing in Knowledge
Megan claims that her experience at Hands N Paws has significantly shaped her understanding of pet care and behavior. Building consistent relationships with the same dogs on a weekly basis has deepened her bond with them, enabling her to interpret their body language and effectively communicate their needs. “This role has provided me with increased knowledge in animal health and wellness, contributing to my overall growth in this field,” she shares.
Advice for Aspiring Pet Care Professionals
For those considering a career in in-home pet care, Megan offers very valuable advice. “Don’t overload your schedule, that way you are not worried about being rushed on services and can fully enjoy each moment with the pets,” she advises. Including buffer time between visits for unexpected delays and keeping your car stocked with dog walking essentials are also practical tips. “Good and open communication with pet parents is also super crucial. If on a team with other pet sitters and dog walkers, consider collaborating for additional support and expertise. This will ensure the best care for the pets,” Megan adds.
Megan’s Stellar Accomplishments
In just the nine months Megan’s been at Hands N Paws (10/2023 – 07/2024), she has achieved remarkable milestones that usually take team members over a year (at minimum) to accomplish:
- Nearly 1,000 pet visits completed.
- 225+ five-star service ratings achieved.
- Hundreds of pets made happy and nearly 100 pet parents made happy in return.
We’re Not Crying, You’re Crying!
The most amazing thing about Megan and her story is that if she hadn’t left teaching, we likely wouldn’t have had the privilege of her joining our team. Her journey is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that come from following your heart and pursuing what truly makes you happy in life. With this, we’re reminded of the famous quote, “Life isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself,” as this perfectly encapsulates what Megan embodies. She is a powerhouse, a genuine animal lover, and a blessing to the team at Hands N Paws. We are incredibly grateful to have Megan as such a pivotal part of our company’s journey and look forward to continuing to watch her shine on all her adventures with the pets.
