Business Profile: Homewood-Flossmoor Pet Sitters

Do you care too much about your pet to send them off to a kennel while you go on vacation? Homewood-Flossmoor Pet Sitters have you and your pets needs covered! Owner Lisa Nielson talks about her business of pet sitting and the best ways to make your pets comfortable while you're away.

How long have you been in business?

I officially started the pet sitting service in 1995 and the pooper scooper service was started by my husband in 2002

Tell us about why we should use a home-based service like yours as opposed to a kennel?

It really comes down to personal preference. With our service, your pets are able to stay in their own environment and stick to their usual routine. It's funny so many people think we cost a lot more than a kennel but the more pets you have the less expensive it becomes. 

Are there any services you offer that some of us might not know about?

We offer dog walking on a weekly basis or just occasionally; say you are going to be going out for the day or evening and don't want to have to run home to feed or walk you pets. So it's just not for vacations. When you're on vacation we will bring in the mail, turn on/off lights, take out garbage on garbage day and give medication at no extra charge.

What advice would you give those who would like to open a business in the H-F area?

Just to get involved in the community. Listen to what people want and go from there. I can’t tell you how many people said my business would never make it here! It will be 16 years this coming June.

Any tips you can give pet owners for when they go on vacation?

If you’re having a pets sitter come, don’t change the normal routine. An example would be where the litter is kept; don’t move it to a new location. Extra or new toys to play with or bones to chew on are great things to make them happy and make them miss you a bit less. The one thing I always tell owners is to know that your pet is being loved and cared for so when you leave try to forget about home and enjoy your vacation. 

What are your favorite local spots to eat and or shop at?

I  love . Everything is made from scratch from real ingredients (and) that is hard to find nowadays  We love to stop for a drink at  where Robert knows what wine I like. They also know what I’m going to order at .

 for the great service they do on my cars. They are such a nice family and they have helped us so many times we would be lost without them. The owner of Jonathan Kane Salon is a dog lover and a client of mine. My stylist is Alysia and she understands my hair. My husband has been going to for years. I also love Olympia Insurance because Roger Molski is a dog lover too and he’s been there for my family in good and bad times. I almost forgot our late night run for nachos at  They have saved us from starving many a night.

What are your favorite local pet-centric spots? (Vet, food, supplies)

I think Healthy Hounds fills a niche that can’t be found in most towns. I’m always sending clients there when they need advise on changing their pet’s diet or are looking for something special. During the summer there is in Homewood where you can bring your dog for a day of fun.

Where are the best places to take your pet locally for a walk?

For walking, the trail between Flossmoor Road and Vollmer is great. If you want your dog to have a good run off leash, then is the place to go in Homewood.