by Nancy E. Hassel, American Pet Professionals, Weekly Featured Member
Welcome to our weekly featured member of American Pet Professionals! This week, September 29, 2015 we feature Theresa Cahill of A1 Critter Sitters!

“I am a professional pet sitter who is certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College as well as a trained in Pet CPR and First Aid.  I have been servicing the East End of Long Island starting with Riverhead for over 20 years.”
Check out our fun Q&A interview with Theresa – her witty answers and her experience so far in the Pet Industry:
How long have you been in the Pet Industry?
over 20 years
What drew you to the Pet Industry?
Need and intrigue
The best thing about your experience so far?
Meeting and enjoying the new animals I meet along the way
Are you a solo petrepreneur or do you have employees?
Solo and looking for help
If you could change/add/create ONE thing in the pet industry what would that be?
Respect for the profession
What is the most interesting thing about your business or rescue group?
The different animals and people that I meet
Do you set goals for you business? Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly?
Not yet. I am starting on Monday
Do you remember the last time you had a weekend off?
Sort of
Do you regularly take vacations?
Nope
Your biggest complaint about the industry?
Lack of professionalism
How many pets did you treat last week? Or pet clients did you cater too?
10
What is your advice to a young person joining the pet industry?
Get your training before you start and have reliable support from family and friends
Your favorite thing about your customers (i.e. pet parents).
Their complete trust in me with their pets and home
What is the best thing you have done for your business to help you grow?
Continued education
When did you realize that this industry was more fun/rewarding/compassionate (add your own!) than a previous industry you may have worked in?
When I see the light bulb go off in a dog when it learns a new trick or command
If you weren’t in the pet industry – what other profession would you love to do?
Drive a school bus
What is your favorite cocktail of choice?
Virgin daiquiri
Favorite book/movie/TV show?
Dirty Dancing
Most amazing place you have been to on planet earth?
Birth of my children
Favorite meal?
Grilled cheese with tomato and tomato soup
When you were a kid, and someone asked, what did you want to be when you grow up? What was your answer?
Veterinarian
Favorite color?
Teal
What is your: Dog/horse/cat/bird/lizard/bunny Breed of choice?
Why pick just one?
Hobbies you love that don’t involve pets, if any! 🙂
Reading and Family
Theresa is located in Riverhead, NY (on Long Island), and can be reached by email at a1catail@optonline.net or you can check out her website A1 Critter Sitters.]]>