Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Mangiatordi.
Hi Gina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began working with a local pet sitting company while my kids were in school and quickly fell in love with the job. In 2015, my soul sister and I decided to turn our passion into a business. We ran it successfully until 2019 when we paused to move to Massachusetts and care for my mother until her passing in 2021. After relocating to Minneola, Florida, my soul sister, unhappy with her job, revived the business while I worked full-time at a local mobile vet clinic. In 2022, I joined full-time, and together, we’ve been growing our business ever since.
In a world that often feels chaotic and draining, caring for pets gives us energy and purpose. I truly believe it’s the best job in the world, and I tell everyone just that. What I love most is the freedom of being in control of my own income while giving pet owners peace of mind as they step away from their own hectic lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business comes with its challenges, and a pet sitting business is no exception. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was restarting the business after our move to Massachusetts in 2019 and our return in 2021. While rebuilding from scratch was difficult, the new location turned out to be even more lucrative, with a diverse range of pet owners in the area.
Another major challenge has been navigating the ins and outs of running a business. Fortunately, we’ve had the opportunity to attend professional pet sitter summits and connect with other pet sitters across Florida, as well as local business owners in the Clermont area. These experiences have been invaluable in helping us grow and refine our business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our company is proud to be a Fear Free Certified Professional, dedicated to alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Fear Free’s mission aligns with our commitment to ensuring pets feel safe and comfortable in our care. To learn more, visit fearfreepets.com.
With a strong foundation in veterinary medical knowledge, we can recognize early signs of illness before they become emergencies. I personally gained hands-on experience working in two veterinary clinics, where I received extensive education in pet health. We prioritize hiring team members who are also knowledgeable in pet health, especially when it comes to the specialized care required for our pet sitting clients versus our dog walking clients.
We also specialize in cat care. As proud owners of nine cats ourselves, we truly understand feline behavior and consider ourselves cat whisperers. Cats are not like dogs—they require unique handling and care, and our specialized skills set us apart from standard dog sitters and walkers.
Additionally, I am certified in Cold Laser Therapy and am actively working toward certifications in other areas of pet bodywork, including Reiki and Myofascial Release. Our passion for pet wellness is reflected in our brand’s motto: Your pets, our priority. We may not own the pets we care for, but we treat each one as if they were our own.
At Pawsitively Pink Pet Services, we offer a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of our clients. Our dog walking and pet sitting services are available in 20, 30, 45, and 60-minute increments. We also provide overnight stays and “almost overnight” stays, which include an hour-long morning visit and a two-hour evening tuck-in. Clients can mix and match our midday visits as needed.
In addition to pet sitting and walking, we offer Cold Laser Therapy sessions in the comfort of the pet owner’s home. Recently, we’ve expanded our services to include bathing and nail trimming, ensuring comprehensive care for pets beyond just walks and visits. For a complete list of our services, visit our website at https://www.pawsitivelypink.com/services.
Any big plans?
Our future plans focus on expanding our reach and strengthening connections within the pet community. One of our key initiatives is partnering with pet-friendly apartment complexes to provide added value to their pet-owning residents. We also aim to collaborate with other pet service providers to offer more comprehensive care and increase awareness of local pet-related businesses.
Currently, we are developing a Purr-fur-ed Paw-tner’s page, showcasing local pet-friendly businesses. We’ve heard from veterinary clinics and apartment complexes that pet owners frequently seek recommendations for reliable pet services, and we want to become a trusted resource for the pet-owning community.
Additionally, we plan to participate in more pet-friendly events and are currently preparing for Pups in the Park and a Yappy Hour at Skyline at Westfall Apartments. As we continue to grow, we hope to expand our service area to include more rural locations such as Leesburg, Howey-in-the-Hills, Groveland, and Tavares—areas that often lack dedicated pet sitting services.
Pricing:
- 20 min visit = $25
- 30 min visit = $30
- 45 min visit = $45
- 60 min visit = $60
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pawsitivelypink.com
- Instagram: @PawsitivelyPink
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PawsitivelyPink
Image Credits
Patricia Weber and Gina Mangiatordi took all the photos.
