Dayna's Petsitting - Dayna

June 27, 2019 Guest User

Interview: Nikki Gillingham, Blue Whale Communications & Michael Irwin

Photography: Marianne Rothbauer, Rothbauer Studio

Tell us a bit about yourself and how the company got started. 

Dayna’s Pet Sitting started after I left a bad relationship and was really looking for direction in life. A friend of my mom’s had asked if I might consider pet sitting her very scared rescue dog – I have a way with the little scared ones – and it all started there. 

Did you have any pets growing up? Tell us about them! 

I had so many growing up! Over the 18 years that I lived at home we had a husky/shepherd mix, 2 dalmatians, a boxer, a dachshund, a beagle mix, a Brussels Griffon, a pug, a yorkie and a few cats!  

Have you always been an entrepreneur at heart? 

I think so. I’ve always enjoyed building and creating, and I think I’ve always been a leader.  

You’re really a full-service pet service, even offering behaviour modification and vet visits! Why did you want to go beyond the traditional dog-walking service? 

I’ve always had a passion for working with animals who exhibit behaviour issues. With Dayna’s Pet Sitting, the inquiries for more services continued to come in so I worked hard to make sure we had solutions for all of our clients – including getting educated in behaviour modification. 

What’s it like being a part of the Ottawa small business community? 

The Ottawa small business community is amazing and regularly inspiring. I find other business owners to be incredibly encouraging and supportive of each other.  

Charity and giving back to local non-profits is playing a big role in your life, tell us a bit about that and how you are involved. 

Giving back is a huge part of my life. I believe that giving back to the community is a big part of defining success. I’ve been involved in animal rescue for 10+ years and volunteered as a foster home, foster coordinator, board member and most recently I’ve become the board president for SafePet Ottawa. SafePet Ottawa not only helps animals but it also helps people by offering safe foster space for their pets while they seek the safety of an anti-violence shelter.  

What piece of advice would you give to entrepreneurs just starting out on their business journey? 

Seriously, don’t give up, follow your instincts!  

We have to ask: Dogs or Cats? 

I love ALL animals, but dogs are my chosen personal companion. Someday when I move to the country I hope to have a large property where I can have all sorts of animals! 

When you’re not busy working, what do you like to do in your spare time? 

When I’m not busy working I’m usually busy volunteering! But when I’m not doing either my favourite thing to do is curl up with my dogs and my husband and watch a movie.  

Do you have a favourite local cafe? 

I love Café Nero! I’ve had a few meetings there and they make my coffee perfectly every time! I highly recommend their caramel macchiato!