We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Drae Solberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Drae below.

Drae, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

For two years, I received a stream of emails wishing me the best in my future endeavors. After some thought, I decided to accept a part-time job caring for beyond-human companions to ensure that my bills could be paid. Even though it was not the job I was searching for, it was a constant for me over those two years. 

I confided in my partner about how discouraged and doubtful I felt about getting a full-time job, and he surprised me by asking whether I could imagine myself starting my own pet care business. The thought of caring for local companions full time made me feel confident and happy in a way that no job had before!

As I navigated the first steps as AllCompanion Pet Care, I discovered that there was a gap in the market for pet care services. I wanted to provide more than just pet sitting and dog walking services; I wanted to advocate for companions (“pets”) of all species, specifically those who experience reactivity, disabilities, or have a traumatic past. It also became a priority to make sure that every family of any orientation, family structure, or identity felt comfortable having someone new enter their home. That is when I decided to commit to AllCompanion Pet Care full-time and give families peace of mind knowing that they and their beyond-human family members are treated with the compassion, respect, and dignity they deserve.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Drae and my pronouns are they, them, and theirs. My hometown is Boise, Idaho, and I currently live in the ancestral homelands of the Wahpekute Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples with my partner and two cats. The river of life has taken me to multiple states for multiple roles after a childhood of advocacy and futuristic dreams. Thanks to my passionate young self, I have a history that includes a variety of opportunities, including ones within the fields of animal protection advocacy and wildlife biology. In particular, I was especially passionate about wolves and advocated for them from a young age before assisting with research at the University of Idaho. Once that project turned lethal for many wolves, I shifted my life to care for all species who are exploited for any purpose. Through my work and daily life beyond capitalism, I am dedicated to sharing as much light, love, and joy as possible, and creating an equitable and livable world for all beings.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I grew out of the belief that we are an all-knowing, in-control species. We convince ourselves that our systems and constructs make it possible for us to gain control over everything and everyone, including Mother Earth. Meanwhile, we are always a part of nature, and we will always be animals no matter how disconnected we become. That is why I now realize that humans are far less adapted than other animals. I realized this while working with chickens who stared up at the sky with curiosity, bearded dragons who ducked away from a vulture who was not even in my line of sight until a minute later, and pigs who loved one another as a family even though they each were rescued from different locations and situations. Other species are far more collaborative, thoughtful, and connected to the earth than humans are, and working with many beyond-human individuals let me know that I (and we) have a lot of unlearning to do in general.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I love letting my clients know that they are appreciated as they support my business and trust me with the well-being of their beloved family members. I am invested in each of my clients’ well-being and always do my best to hear them out and keep them in the loop about all pet care services and related resources. By connecting with my clients in a way that respects them as guardians and their companions as beloved family members, many recommend my services to friends, family and colleagues. Most of my clients are sourced from current ones and I am extremely grateful for those new connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: allcompanionpetcare.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/allcompanionpetcare
• Facebook: facebook.com/allcompanion