Meet Jude McVay | Pet caregiver

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

Hi Jude, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business had more to do with the type of person I am. I am very independent and have never been a fan of being told what to do. I had definitely put in my time with crap jobs and I had always cared for & rescued animals naturally on the side. So when I started working for a petsitting company I saw how it could be a profession. And a way to actually be happy everyday.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe my business as a pet caregiver & rescuer has done well because I love it. When you love something you cannot help but show up 110%. I know I would do what I do even if it wasn’t my job. I have never met an animal I didn’t love. Animals are my heart and have saved me throughout my life as many times as I have saved them. I feel lucky everyday I get to get up and have the privilege of spending time with and caring for them. I think the thing that set me apart starting out is that I gravitated towards caring for difficult and or troubled animals. I have been able to get close to animals that can’t get close to anyone else. This is hugely rewarding. To be the person they can trust and be safe with after whatever they have endured or are currently enduring is the first step in their healing process and I am here for it. I have learned that being in business is all about integrity. If you show up with that it’s hard not to do well. I have recently hit a good work life balance but for a long time it was a struggle. I worked constantly because I was so grateful for the opportunities I was receiving & I couldn’t say no. I felt and feel personally responsible for every animal even before actually meeting them. I will fall in love with them and their situation while speaking to the owner over the phone. It took near burnout to get me to find and delegate to other wonderful people who share my enthusiasm for the job.

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 adore the ocean. I would take my friend on a trip up the California coast starting in Laguna and hit every beach up through Santa Barbara. We’d make the scene at every fun hotel along the way to lounge and eat nothing but seafood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family. They all have worked for the business & with the animals at some point in time & they all have put in massive amounts of love, care & dedication.

Instagram: @tigerfrances @happylionone

Other: Email…@happylionone@gmail.com