Pet Sitters On The Windward Side

Linda Dela Cruz
Wednesday - March 11, 2009
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(from left) Lori Sampiano with Pono and Taj, Zazu, and Keri Gall with Mochi and Tabby

2 Sisters Pet Sitters may be a tongue twister, but the two sisters insist their dog-walking and pet-sitting services are easy to understand.

Keri Gall takes care of the animals, and Lori Sampaio handles administrative duties. If needed, Sampaio pitches in with animal care.

“We offer dog walking on the weekdays in Kailua, Kaneohe and Waimanalo,” says Gall about the 30-minute sessions that can include a second dog. “We walk the dog in their neighborhood privately. We also offer bathing services, if they have a contract with us. And we don’t charge extra if you have a naughty dog.”

Gall offers a free in-home consultation with the owners and their pet to learn what type of experience and training the animal has.

“For a lot of people, their pets are like their children,” says Sampaio. “They don’t want their kids, I mean their pets, to be locked up all day or not have attention. But people have got to work.”

For pet sitting, they visit the customer’s home to care for their dog, cat, bird, fish or other pet.


 

“Dogs are drawn to people that they know really like them,” says Gall. For instance, she says, “I’m just walking in the neighborhood, and one lady sees me. Her Chihuahua who is usually petrified of people just comes right up to me. So she just used me this past week for some pet sitting. She said her dog usually hates other people, and she felt very comfortable with me.”

The sisters advise traveling owners to call to let them know they’ve arrived home safely.

“I’m not going to stop taking care of your pet until I hear from you,” emphasizes Sampaio. “Three or four of our clients have gotten stuck in their travel plans already. “

Other services the sisters offer are pet-supply shopping, light grooming, overnight pet care, medication administration, and transportation. Kailua residents are offered a 15-minute service if they need a cat-litter changing or a pet feeding.

To spread the word about their company, the sisters have found that car magnets, stickers, signs, and word-of-mouth from their large family work best for them.


Gall and Sampaio grew up in Kailua. Both attended St. Anthony of Padua and have been involved with animals since they were little. Their family, which includes brother Kona, had a cat named Fred and a Doberman pincher named Jake.

Prior to joining her sister in the family business last year, Sampaio, a St. Francis School graduate, worked in finance and in the airline industry. She still maintains a part-time job at Whole Foods, and she appreciates the support of her children, Kimo and Miki.

Gall, a Kailua High School graduate, started working as a vet technician at 15 years old. Her career path includes spending nine years as a manager of a 14-acre horse ranch in Waimanalo. In addition to running this business, she also works part time at The Shack. She credits husband Rob and their children Kela and Kilia for their help.

In addition to plans to expand business, someday Gall would like to have a small facility with a big back yard to host animals while their owners are away.

For more information, call 291-4836, or log on to www.2SistersPetSitters.com.

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