We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hillary Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hillary , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
At M & N Pet Services giving back isn’t just something we do, it is who we are. From the moment we started, supporting our community and spreading kindness to our clients, both furry and human has been at the core of our mission. Each month, we find ways to make a difference by offering discounts on our services. Whether it’s a reduced rate for a first time client or a special holiday promotion, we believe that making pet care accessible is one of the best ways to serve the families in our area. And during the holidays? We show out! Gifts are our way of saying thank you to our amazing clients for trusting us with their beloved pets. From festive goodies to thoughtful surprises, the holiday season is our favorite time to go the extra mile. But our love doesn’t stop there, it extends to the shelters and rescue organizations that surround the DFW area. These incredible organizations are at the front lines, giving animals a second chance and we’re proud to support their efforts. Through donations of money, blankets, food, toys, sweaters and more, we aim to provide comfort and joy to the animals who need it most. Our partnerships with shelters are an essential part of what makes M & N Pet Services a community focused business. For us, it’s also about the little things that brighten a pets day. When we visit our furry clients, we always bring treats as a way to say hello. If we come across a toy that we know one of our pets would adore, we grab it because their happiness is what makes this job so rewarding. There’s nothing better than seeing a wagging tail or hearing a joyful bark when we surprise them with something special. Our community has given us so much, whether it’s the trust of our clients, the partnerships we’ve built with shelters or the countless memories made with the pets we care for. Giving back is our way of saying thank you and it’s a promise we’ll continue to keep. At M & N Pet Services, we don’t just care for pets, we care for the whole community.
Hillary , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello,
My name is Hillary Adams and I’m the proud owner of M & N Pet Services based in Dallas, Texas. My journey into the pet care industry started with my lifelong love for animals and a passion for ensuring their well being. Over the years, I’ve worked extensively with rescue organizations and foster programs which taught me the importance of trust, patience and personalized care for each animal. Those experiences inspired me to start M & N Pet Services, where I could combine my skills, love for animals and dedication to their happiness. At M & N Pet Services, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of pets and their owners. These include pet sitting, drop-in visits, dog walking, pet taxi services, dog baths and even additional tasks like watering plants, bringing in mail and taking out the trash. What truly sets us apart is our ability to handle all types of medicines and medical procedures, ensuring that pets with specific health needs receive exceptional care. After every visit, we provide detailed updates with pictures, videos and summaries, giving owners peace of mind no matter where they are. One of the biggest problems we solve for our clients is trust and reliability. We understand how challenging it can be to leave your beloved pet in someone else’s care and we go above and beyond to create a safe and loving environment for every animal. Whether it’s walking a high energy dog, giving snuggles to a senior pet or working with animals who have trust or anxiety issues, our approach is rooted in kindness and understanding. I believe what sets us apart is our genuine love for the pets we care for, coupled with our professionalism and dedication to excellence. Our team is constantly learning whether it’s leash training techniques, behavioral research or new ways to support anxious or aggressive pets. In addition, our community involvement through rescue advocacy and hosting fun events, like our recent Howl-o-ween costume contest reflects our commitment to building meaningful relationships beyond just pet care. I am incredibly proud of the recognition we’ve received, including being awarded Best Pet Sitting Company in Mesquite, Texas and on Nextdoor for 2024. It’s a testament to the love and effort we put into every service we offer. We’ve also had the honor of being featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine, which was a wonderful opportunity to share our story and values with a broader audience.
For those just discovering us, I want you to know that M & N Pet Services isn’t just about taking care of pets, it’s about creating lasting relationships and providing unmatched care. Whether it’s helping pets with specific needs, celebrating their milestones or just being a dependable part of your family’s routine, we’re here to make life easier and happier for both pets and their humans. If you’re looking for a reliable, compassionate and experienced pet care provider, we’d be honored to serve you. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and I hope to welcome you and your furry friends into our M & N family soon!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at M & N Pet Services has been a combination of personalized service, community involvement and word of mouth referrals. We focus on building trust and genuine connections with both pets and their owners, which naturally leads to loyal clients who are excited to recommend us to their friends and family. One of the cornerstones of our strategy is the detailed updates we provide after every visit complete with pictures, videos and summaries. This level of transparency and care reassures clients that their pets are in loving hands, fostering confidence and trust. Happy clients often share their positive experiences with others, which has been an invaluable source of growth for our business.
Another key component has been our active engagement in the local community. We participate in vendor events, host fun activities like our Howl-o-ween costume contest and collaborate with rescue organizations and shelters. These efforts not only showcase our expertise but also demonstrate our commitment to the well being of all pets, not just the ones we directly care for. This has helped us build a strong reputation as a reliable and compassionate pet care provider. Additionally, maintaining an active presence on social media has been incredibly helpful. Sharing behind the scenes glimpses of our services, showcasing the adorable pets we work with, with their owners permission of course and celebrating client testimonials have all contributed to expanding our reach.
Finally, offering a consistently high level of service has been our strongest marketing tool. We prioritize going above and beyond for every client, whether it’s through customizing care plans, helping pets with trust or behavioral issues or simply being available when our clients need us most. This dedication has resulted in repeat business and glowing reviews that attract new clients to our services. In short, by blending personal connections, community engagement and exceptional service, we’ve been able to steadily grow and nurture our clientele.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle absolutely turned into my full time business and career and it’s been one of the most rewarding transitions of my life! M & N Pet Services started as a passion project rooted in my love for animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives. Initially, I provided pet sitting and walking services part-time while working a traditional job. It was something I enjoyed doing but I didn’t realize how quickly it would grow into a full-fledged business.
The journey began with just a few clients, mostly referrals from friends and family. As I built strong relationships with my clients and their pets, word began to spread. My commitment to personalized care, detailed updates and reliability resonated with people who wanted the best for their furry family members. Before long, I found myself balancing more pet care requests than I could manage alongside my day job. The tipping point came when I recognized the growing demand and the potential to turn this side hustle into a career. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the security of a steady paycheck, but my heart was fully in it. I took the leap, dedicating myself to M & N Pet Services full-time and I haven’t looked back. Key milestones along the way solidified this transition are
Community Recognition: Winning the 2024 Best Pet Sitting Company awards in Mesquite, Texas and on Nextdoor gave my business credibility and exposure. It validated the hard work I had put into building a trusted brand.
Expanding Services: I began offering additional services like pet taxi, dog baths and pet photography which made M & N Pet Services a one-stop solution for pet care. This versatility helped attract a broader client base.
Vendor Events and Partnerships: Participating in local events and collaborating with rescue organizations introduced me to like-minded pet owners and opened up new opportunities for growth.
Media Features: Being interviewed by Voyage Dallas Magazine was a proud moment that allowed me to share my story and reach a wider audience.
Social Media Growth: Building a loyal following on platforms like Facebook and Instagram helped me connect with clients and showcase the love and care I pour into my work. Reaching milestones like 300 Facebook followers felt like proof of the community’s support.
Scaling the business wasn’t without challenges, but each step taught me something valuable. From learning how to manage my schedule efficiently to handling unexpected emergencies with grace, the journey has been an incredible learning experience. What started as a side hustle fueled by passion has grown into a thriving, full-time career that lets me wake up every day excited to do what I love. Looking back, taking the risk to follow my passion for animals and their well-being has been one of the best decisions of my life. I’m deeply grateful for the trust my clients place in me and the opportunity to care for their pets as if they were my own.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: MxNPetServices
- Facebook: M & N Pet Services
- Yelp: M & N Pet Services
- Other: Google: M & N Pet Services
Nextdoor: M & N Pet Services
TikTok: MxNPetServices
Image Credits
Hillary Adams