Meet Paige Cassara

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Cassara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
First and foremost: I love animals. That was the driving thought behind it. When I started pet sitting professionally I had worked at a veterinary clinic previously and missed working with animals. It was the perfect way to earn extra money while I finished college. I pet sat for about 4 years before I started working at another clinic. When I re-entered the field of veterinary medicine it became about much more than just loving animals and making extra money. I saw a need for a pet sitter who is knowledgeable about various pet illnesses and age-related disease and disabilities. Not all pets are good candidates for boarding facilities for various reasons, and some people would just prefer their animals to stay in their own home while they’re away.

I love animals and I love helping people. This business allows me to do both.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Not all pets are good candidates for boarding facilities for various reasons, and some people would just prefer their animals to stay in their own home while they’re away. After being in business for a while I found an additional need for people who required help with home health related services for their pets. Some animals require home health services such as administering subcutaneous fluids or medications, which the owner might not feel comfortable doing. That’s where I come in. If they don’t want to stress their pet out by taking them to a vet for fluids or for a nail trim, I can come to their house and perform certain services. (I am not a veterinarian and I do not provide in-home veterinary care). What sets me apart from other pet sitters is my background as a veterinary assistant. I don’t think there’s any other sitters in Macon who have my credentials.

I got to where I am today by never giving up. I started from the bottom and took every single booking that I could in the beginning. I’ve learned a lot about work-life balance since starting my business. I still work full time in clinical veterinary medicine and run my business outside of those hours. This sometimes means 16 hour days where I’m doing drop-in visits before work, on my lunch, and after my 10 hour shift. All while maintaining my home and relationships, and caring for my own two cats. During my last busy season I hit burnout, and the constant running around became too much. I was spread too thin between work, Paige & Pals, hobbies, and maintaining relationships. It was the perfect opportunity to bring on an independent contractor to help with some of my client list. Shannon is also a veterinary assistant and has the highest standard of animal care of anyone I’ve ever met. She’s the perfect fit for the Paige & Pals team and has allowed us to expand and take on more clients while keeping the same high standard of care. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help, and that receiving help can create opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.

I want the world to know that I’m just a person who cares deeply about other people and their animals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love getting to show people around Macon! It’s such a cool little city. This time of year I would have to take them to the Cherry Blossom Festival to ride fair rides and eat fair food. We’d have to visit downtown for all the festival attractions like the dog dock diving competition and the wiener dog race. I would take them for burgers and shakes at The Rookery, then next door to Fresh Produce Records to shop for music. We would have to visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, and Rose Hill Cemetary. No trip to Macon is complete without visiting The Big House Museum. We would have to catch a show at one of the historic local venues such as The Capitol Theater, The Grand Opera House, or Grants Lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family, especially those who became clients and supported my business.

Website: paigeandpals.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14bG35sMz5H/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Jessica Whitley Photography