Business & Tech

Tinley Park Woman's Career Goes to the Dogs

Shortly before the housing market crash, Linda Stevens traded in high heels for sneakers and a leash.

resident Linda Stevens left her career in the construction business just in time—before the housing market crashed.

After 20 years in the business, the wife and mother found herself in 2005 on new, shaky ground. She had just quit her job. Stevens was looking to live her dream of having a career without sacrificing time with her family. She had always loved animals, and when an opportunity arose to start her own franchise of a national pet sitting and dog-walking business, she was intrigued.

"My son was younger, I wanted to spend time with my family," Stevens said. "I had to change my lifestyle."

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Six years later, she manages a team of dog-walkers and pet-sitters across seven locations in the Chicago area. Since opening in 2005, she's expanded her franchise of Fetch! Pet Care to seven territories, including Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, and Homer Glen.

Fetch! is a national company with localized franchises that offer pet-sitting and dog-walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents across the country. 

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Stevens and her team offer dog walking for owners who work long hours, or pet sitting for owners who travel. She works from home, managing her team and serving customers. Stevens and her employees visit owners' homes to care for animals in-house.

"People want to leave their animals in their own home environment ... where they're safe," Stevens said.

Each employee is carefully vetted before Stevens takes them on, she said. Sitters are background checked, bonded and insured pet lovers. With the holidays approaching, Stevens is looking for some extra hands.

Sitters and dog walkers also care for other pets, including cats (if not allergic) and other small creatures. Employees also provide security checks on customers' homes if they're away. Interested pet lovers can apply through the Fetch! website.

"I won't hire anyone that I wouldn't want taking care of my own animals," Stevens said. "I'm very particular about who I have aboard."

After years of managing her own business and home life, Stevens is still satisfied with her decision to leave her previous career.

"I couldn't be happier," Stevens said. "It's the best decision I ever made."

For more information, call Stevens at 815-600-2575 or e-mail her at chicagosouth@fetchpetcare.com.


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