This article is part of ServiSeek’s featured interview series, where Ben speaks to local service providers available through the app.
This featured interview looks at how Faye from Connected Companions built a pet care business around dog walking, pet sitting and a genuine enjoyment of working with animals.
Watch Ben’s interview with Faye from Connected Companions
The full interview is available on YouTube. Faye explains, in her own words, how she got started, how she built up clients and what matters when someone trusts you with their pets.
Pet owners need someone who understands that every animal is different
One of the clearest points from Faye’s interview was that pet care is not a simple tick-box service. Different animals have different routines, personalities and levels of confidence.
“I’ve dealt with a variety of different situations and a variety of massive dogs to really, really small dogs and in age as well.”
That matters for customers because they are not just booking a time slot. They are trusting someone to understand the animal in front of them, whether that is a puppy, an older dog or a pet that needs a calmer approach.
Meet Faye from Connected Companions
Connected Companions is a pet care business in Bournemouth. In the interview, Faye explained that she provides pet sitting as well as dog walking.
“So I run Connected Companions, which is a pet care business here in Bournemouth. I do pet sitting as well as dog walking.”
The business came from a simple starting point: Faye wanted to do something long term that she would love and that would keep her busy. She had been spending more time with dogs, joined Rover to get early experience, and was encouraged by people she worked with to start doing it independently.
“I was thinking about what could I do in the long term that I would love and something that would keep me busy.”
That is a useful part of the story because it shows how a local service business can start from a real interest, then grow through experience, repeat clients and local word of mouth.
How the business has grown
Faye said she currently has around 20 to 30 clients, mostly for walks. She also explained that she works full time on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and walks around nine dogs on those days.
“I currently probably have around 20 to 30 clients which are currently walks and that’s mostly what I do every day.”
That is a strong signal that the business is not just an idea. It is active local work, with regular demand and a schedule that has become busy.
Faye also offers pet sitting. In the interview she said she can sit for up to three dogs at once and that sitting was getting fully booked soon.
“I also sit so I can sit for up to like three dogs at once, which I’ve done quite a few times.”
For customers, that range is useful. Some people need regular walks during the working week. Others need sitting while they are away or while their normal routine changes.
What stood out from the interview?
The strongest part of Faye’s interview was her energy and the way she talks about bonding with pets properly. She did not describe pet care as simply turning up and completing a task. She talked about getting down to the animal’s level and building a connection.
“I can get on the floor with your animals and your pets. I really like bonding on their level.”
That line matters because it is exactly what many pet owners want to hear. They want to know their pet will not be treated as just another booking.
“I genuinely care about dogs and pets.”
It is a short quote, but it is the centre of the story. For pet care, trust often comes from small human details: patience, energy, consistency and whether the person seems to really enjoy being around animals.
Useful customer advice from this interview
If you are looking for dog walking or pet sitting, the interview points to a few practical things worth including when you contact a provider.
- What type of pet you have and their age.
- Whether they are confident with other animals.
- Any routines, medication or special care needs.
- The days, times and location you need help with.
- Whether you need regular walking, one-off sitting or both.
The clearer the request, the easier it is for a provider to decide whether they can help and reply with something useful.
Available on ServiSeek
Connected Companions is available on the ServiSeek app.
If you need help with pet sitting, dog walking or pet care in Bournemouth, you can post your request on ServiSeek and let relevant local providers respond if they are interested and available.
ServiSeek is also open to local service providers who want another way to find local opportunities. If you run a local business, or you are thinking of starting one, you can join ServiSeek as a provider, choose your service categories and respond to requests that fit your work.
For local businesses
This interview also shows how a small service business can start with a few early jobs, build confidence, and grow through local demand. Faye’s route included using an app, posting in Facebook groups and listening when people encouraged her to work independently.
If you run a local service business, ServiSeek gives you a way to see relevant local requests and choose which opportunities are worth responding to. It does not guarantee work, but it can become another route to finding customers who already have a job in mind.
Thinking of starting or growing a local service business?
Faye’s story is a good reminder that not every service business starts with a large plan. Sometimes it starts with a skill, a genuine interest and a few early customers who help prove there is demand.
For anyone thinking about pet care, the message from this interview is clear: the work can be rewarding, but it also takes energy, reliability and the ability to adapt to different animals and owners.
Final thought
The best part of this interview is how simple the customer promise feels. Pet owners want someone who is reliable, caring and comfortable with different animals. Faye’s interview gives a good sense of why Connected Companions has grown locally.
For ServiSeek, this is exactly the sort of local story worth sharing: a real service need, a local provider, and a practical way for customers to ask for help without contacting lots of people separately.
Source note
This article is based on Ben’s interview with Faye from Connected Companions and the information provided for ServiSeek’s featured interview series.