Meet Rachael Rae Robertson | Animal Caretaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachael Rae Robertson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael Rae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been around animals of all shapes and sizes since I was born, and so I see them like family, and think they should be treated as such. My first job in college was at a doggy daycare, and I remember watching the owners tell their customers exaggerations like “your dog was in the play yard all day!” or “your dog had a great time” when they, in fact, did not. It pushed me to starting my own animal care business where I could ensure transparency and safety went hand-in-hand with your pet having fun. My clients always receive an honest and detailed report of their pet’s time with me, and I’ve found this gives them the peace of mind that every pet owner deserves when they trust someone to care for their furry family member.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There are certainly lots of people out there who can watch or walk your pet – yet I think most see it as a side hustle. I view it as a passion. By combining a deep understanding of animal behavior, wellness, and psychology with an expert attention to detail and a devotion to transparency, I’m able to provide clients with a true sense of ease that can be hard to come by when hiring someone to look after your pet. This combination also allows me to specialize in giving care to animals that may struggle to find a caretaker. Reactive, shy, and aggressive animals still deserve quality care – and so do animals that have special needs, like specific medical routines. Their owners should be able to go to work, or on vacation, and know their pet’s paws are in safe hands.

In nearly 8 years of running my own business, I’ve never received anything less than a five-star review. I take deep pride in that, and I have been very fortunate to run my business off of word of mouth because of this. My clients bring me more clients and I am beyond thankful for them.

I’ve followed in my father’s footsteps by becoming an entrepreneur. From both of our businesses, I’ve learned that the road to success is paved by having an ethical standard. When clients know you truly listen to, care for, and value them, everything falls into place. My father lived by the golden rule – “treat people how you want to be treated” – and I apply that saying to all aspects of my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Moving here from NYC made me immediately appreciate all the options LA has to offer – you could see the snow in the mountains, go on a hike, take a trip to the beach, or head into the city all in one day, pending traffic cooperates. LA is a cluster of different areas with a variety of things to offer.

Moving from NYC also made me grateful for the weather. It’s cliche, but it really can’t be beat. The first thing I show my friends and family when they come out to visit always centers around nature and the weather – like a hike or a trip to the beach. Exploring Venice and Santa Monica are a must, and so is catching the sunset in Malibu.

My work has me out walking or going to parks often, and I love to share my favorite spots with friends – like Silver Lake, Griffith Park, or La Brea. I think the Tar Pits are one-of-a-kind and so fascinating. Packing a picnic or stopping at a taco truck beforehand pairs perfectly with the parks. Speaking of parks – having Disneyland and Universal at our fingertips is not an opportunity I think people should pass on! While I understand Anaheim can be a bit of a drive, Universal is right around the corner. And it’s so much fun, especially if you’ve never gone before!

My favorite spot for dinner, drinks and music has to be Verse. The food is incredible and the atmosphere can’t be beat. This is a place that I always take my friends to when they come to town and it’s never a let down. If you haven’t been, I can’t recommend it enough!

A trip to LA isn’t complete though without a scenic drive. With the top down in my old Volkswagen Beetle, I love to play some feel-good music and take a drive up the Los Angeles Crest, down the PCH, or go on Mulholland Drive. That feels like the heart of Los Angeles to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have three generations of women in my family to thank for my love, knowledge, and appreciation of animals. My aunt rehabilitated wildlife, my grandma helped farm animals, my mom aided domestic animals, and my twin sister educates people on insects and spiders. I am surrounded by a deep connection to the creatures we humans are lucky to share this earth with – something I would never have without the incredible women in my family.

Website: In the works, but I can be found on Rover: https://r.rover.com/SrbcVx

Instagram: @rachaelraerobertson

Other: Tiktok: @rachaelraerobertson