We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebecca Van Dyne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Peace & Paws wasn’t just built on a love for animals—it was built on a deep understanding of what peace of mind truly means. Like my business motto says, “Have peace of mind while you’re away”… I do just that! When pet parents leave their homes, they’re not just handing over a set of keys. They’re entrusting someone with their furry family members, their routines, their safe space. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

This mission is personal. I’ve always been the person who steps up, who pays attention to the small details, who goes above and beyond when others might settle for “good enough.” I created Peace & Paws because I saw a gap in the pet care industry back in 2010 and far too many sitters treat this as a side hustle, but for me, it’s a calling. I’m here to redefine what professional pet care should be.

My clients know that when they book with me, they’re not just getting a sitter—they’re getting a trusted partner, someone who cares as deeply as they do. That’s why I do this. To give people the freedom to travel, work, and live their lives without a second thought about their pets’ well-being. Because when you love what you do, it shows—and for me, this is more than a job. It’s my purpose.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I didn’t just stumble into pet sitting—I built Peace & Paws from the ground up because I saw a need for next-level pet care. I’m not just a pet sitter; I’m a trusted partner for pet parents who want exceptional care, not just someone who fills the food bowl and calls it a day.

My journey started with an undeniable passion for animals, but it grew into something bigger—a mission to create a service where pet parents could leave town without a single worry. From overnight stays to daily walks, I handle it all, making sure pets are safe, loved, and thriving while their owners are away.

What sets Peace & Paws apart? It’s the relentless dedication to both the pets and the people. I don’t cut corners, I don’t do “bare minimum,” and I certainly don’t see this as just a job. I treat every pet like my own and every client like family. Whether it’s remembering the exact way their dog likes to be tucked in at night or ensuring their cat gets that extra chin scratch before breakfast, I make pet parents feel like they’ve never left home.

What am I most proud of? The trust I’ve built. The repeat clients. The word-of-mouth referrals that keep my schedule full. The fact that people don’t just hire me—they rely on me. That’s not something I take for granted, and it’s why I pour my heart into every single visit.

If you want a pet sitter who is all in, who shows up fully committed, and who treats your pets like the VIPs they are, then welcome to Peace & Paws. You won’t find another service quite like this.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Reputation isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up consistently with excellence, passion, and a personality that leaves a lasting impression. What built my reputation in the pet care industry? Trust, expertise, hard work, and an unapologetic commitment to being the best at what I do.

First and foremost, I’m a people person as much as I’m an animal person. My energy is contagious, and I bring a level of enthusiasm, optimism, and genuine connection that makes my clients feel instantly at ease. I let my personality shine—I’m not afraid to speak up, offer my opinion, and advocate for what’s best for the pets in my care. I keep evolving, always learning more about pet behavior, training techniques, and best practices so that I’m not just offering a service—I’m offering expertise.

But make no mistake—I mean business. I take what I do seriously, and my clients know it. I work hard, and they see the effort I put into every detail. I don’t just watch pets—I build relationships. I tailor my care to each pet’s unique needs, making every experience personal for both the pet and their owner. If I notice something—a change in behavior, a potential health issue, or an opportunity to improve a pet’s routine—I say something. That’s the kind of professional I am.

And while I set the bar high, I have fun doing it. That joy, that passion—it shows in every interaction. My clients don’t just leave reviews—they rave. They don’t just rebook—they refer me to everyone they know. Because when people experience truly exceptional service, they talk about it.

At the end of the day, my reputation was built on one thing: doing the job so well that people can’t help but tell others. I’m here to set a new standard in pet care—one where pet parents don’t just hope their sitter does a good job… they know they’ve got the best.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Absolutely—and not by accident. I worked in corporate America from the age of 15, sharpening my skills in customer service, sales, management, organization and communication. I built a rock-solid foundation in how to show up, how to deliver, and how to make people feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. But deep down, I always knew I wanted more than just climbing a corporate ladder—I wanted to build something that was mine. Something rooted in passion, purpose, and impact.

Pet sitting was never just a side hustle—it was a strategic pivot. A bold step toward creating the brand I knew I was destined to build. I didn’t wait for the “perfect time.” I just started. I said yes to opportunities, I built trust, I let my work speak for itself, and I stayed locked in on the vision.

And then—I moved to Charleston in 2021. That’s when everything aligned. The moment I arrived, it all clicked. I brought my experience, my energy, and my vision into this city—and it took off. Clients came fast through word-of-mouth, and the demand grew because what I offer is rare: exceptional care that’s rooted in relationships.

Everything about Peace & Paws is intentional. I keep booking simple and every service personal. There’s no automated system or middleman—everything goes through me. That means my clients always know exactly who they’re talking to, who’s showing up, and who’s caring for their pets. That level of trust, transparency, and connection is what makes my business stand out.

Some key milestones? Being voted Best Pet Sitter in Charleston, expanding my service offerings while keeping my standards high, earning unwavering client loyalty, and becoming the go-to name when people ask, “Who do you trust with your pets?”

I didn’t just turn a side hustle into a full-time business—I built a brand that people believe in. And I’m just getting started

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peaceandpawspetsitting.com
• Instagram: Peace_PawsPetSitting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceandPawsPetSitting