By Sue Baldani
Growing up, Chelsea Chan always had pets, so when it came time to choose a career, she knew she wanted one that involved animals. For almost 10 years, she worked for PetMinders, Inc. in every capacity, from office work to tending to their furry clients. When the owner decided to sell last August, it was only natural for Chelsea to take over the business, which she rebranded PetMinders NJ.
“I've always loved animals,” she says. “When I first found this job opportunity, it was right up my alley.”
There are many advantages to having pets taken care of in their own homes, she explains. “They're in their own environment, and they're familiar with the smells and everything around them. Especially once they get older, it becomes more challenging to board them. It's definitely safer and less stressful to be home.”
Chelsea and her team also follow pets’ natural routines. “If they're used to going in the backyard or if they're used to going for walks, we do everything they normally do with their owners,” she says. Visits normally take place three times a day (but can be more or less) and a standard visit usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. In addition to walking, feeding and playing with pets, or just sitting with them to keep them company, she and her team can give medications and transport them for grooming or a veterinarian visit, if necessary.
Most of the animals they care for are dogs and cats, but they also often handle guinea pigs, rabbits and birds. They get requests to care for reptiles and fish, and even chickens and goats, depending on the location, as well. Based in Warren, PetMinders NJ covers towns within a 10-mile radius including Watchung, Green Brook, Middlesex, Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights and more.
When owners are away from home for longer periods of time, Chelsea and her staff will also bring in packages, water plants, and turn lights on and off so it appears someone is home. “Sometimes people call us just for house visits; they might not even need animal care,” she says.
Everyone on her staff, she says, loves animals. “They are fully vetted before being hired, but the other main things we're looking at are how they treat animals and if they have experience with animals. They're also trained before they go out on their own.”
If one team member is not available, another member will take his or her place. “We have a full staff, and work 365 days a year, including all holidays,” says Chelsea. “Everyone is an actual employee and has been with us for many years.”
Today, Chelsea continues to have a menagerie of pets at home. She and her husband, Larry, live in Warren and have two dachshunds, one cat, two guinea pigs, and two aquariums. And the family is about to expand. “We're actually expecting our first baby girl in March!” she says.
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