Today we’d like to introduce you to Savanna Westwood
Savanna , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Savvy Sitter is your reliable, professional, in-home pet sitting and dog walking service for Winter Garden, Windermere, and parts of the Metro West area. Founded in 2016, we are fully insured and bonded, with a team of experienced pet care professionals skilled in handling everything from tiny fish guppies to Grand Prix show horses—and every pet in between.
At The Savvy Sitter, we know that every pet is unique, which is why we offer fully customizable care tailored to their needs. Whether it’s daily check-ins, walks while you’re at work, vacation visits, or overnight stays in your home, we are here to provide the best care for your furry, feathered, or scaly family members—because they deserve nothing less.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any industry, professional pet care comes with its own unique challenges, and building The Savvy Sitter into a trusted, professional pet care service hasn’t always been a smooth road. When I started in 2015, pet sitting and dog walking were often viewed as side gigs rather than a specialized profession. One of the biggest struggles was educating pet owners on the difference between a hobby sitter and a trained, experienced, and insured professional who understands animal behavior, emergency protocols, and the nuances of high-quality pet care.
A major turning point came with the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unexpected challenges to the entire pet care industry. As travel came to a halt and more people worked from home, demand for pet sitting and dog walking dropped overnight. It was an uncertain time—balancing business sustainability with the responsibility of keeping both our team and clients safe. Adapting meant implementing strict health protocols, modifying services, and navigating ever-changing regulations.
Yet, COVID-19 also reinforced the value of professional pet care. As people returned to work, they realized their pets had grown accustomed to having companionship all day. The need for reliable, experienced pet care professionals increased, and we worked hard to rebuild, ensuring we met the new needs of pet parents while maintaining our high standards.
Another hurdle has been expanding while maintaining professionalism. Training a team that aligns with The Savvy Sitter’s philosophy—where every pet is treated with expert-level care—requires careful planning, ongoing education, and strong leadership. Managing schedules, maintaining consistency in service, and ensuring that every sitter upholds our high standards have been continuous areas of focus.
Despite the challenges, I’ve remained committed to raising the standard of professional pet care. The trust our clients place in us, the relationships we’ve built with local veterinarians, and the recognition of pet sitting as a true profession—not just a side job—have made every struggle worth it. Seeing The Savvy Sitter grow and evolve has been incredibly rewarding, and I am always looking for new ways to provide the highest level of service to our clients and their pets.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The Savvy Sitter, we specialize in professional, in-home pet sitting and dog walking for pets of all shapes and sizes, from tiny fish guppies to Grand Prix show horses—and everything in between. Our focus is on providing reliable, high-quality pet care that goes beyond the basics. We aren’t just pet lovers; we’re trained professionals who understand animal behavior, pet first aid, and how to tailor care to each pet’s individual needs.
We are proud to be celebrating 10 years in business as a locally owned and operated small business serving Winter Garden, Windermere, and parts of MetroWest. Since 2015, The Savvy Sitter has built a reputation as a trusted name in pet care, earning over 120+ five-star Google reviews and multiple awards, including:
🏆 Nextdoor Favorite Award – Voted by our local community
🏆 Runner-Up for The Best of the Best in the Local Magazine
🏆 Best Dog Walker in Horizon West for 2024 – The Quality Business Awards
Leadership in the Pet Care Industry
Beyond The Savvy Sitter, I am also the Founder and President of the Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA), an organization dedicated to raising industry standards, providing education, and fostering a community for professional pet care providers. FPSA was created to support and connect pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, and other pet professionals across Florida, ensuring that our industry continues to grow with integrity and professionalism.
What Sets The Savvy Sitter Apart?
🐾 A Decade of Professional, Local Service – As a locally owned and operated small business, we take pride in serving our community with personalized, high-quality pet care that national franchises simply can’t match.
🐾 Professionalism & Expertise – We are fully insured, bonded, and certified, with extensive experience in handling animals of all temperaments and needs. As both a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International and a leader in the pet care industry, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards in pet care.
🐾 Reliability & Trust – Pet parents know they can count on us. We show up when we say we will, communicate proactively, and treat every pet as if they were our own.
🐾 Customizable Care – No two pets are the same, which is why we tailor our services to fit their unique routines, energy levels, and special needs. Whether it’s administering medication, reinforcing training, or simply providing companionship, we go the extra mile.
🐾 Commitment to Excellence – We are always learning and evolving to provide the best care possible. From staying up to date on pet care trends to working closely with local veterinarians like Dr. Santiago at Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital, we believe in offering top-tier pet care services.
As we celebrate 10 years in business, we are incredibly grateful for our amazing clients who have trusted us with their pets. The Savvy Sitter isn’t just a pet care company—it’s a dedicated, professional, and locally rooted small business built on a passion for animals and a commitment to excellence.
Here’s to another decade of exceptional pet care! 🐾🎉
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely! As a professional pet care provider and small business owner, staying informed, organized, and continuously learning is essential. Over the years, I’ve relied on a mix of apps, books, podcasts, industry associations, and the support of fellow pet care professionals to help me run The Savvy Sitter effectively and continue growing as both a business owner and pet care professional.
Apps & Tools
📅 Time to Pet – A game-changer for scheduling, client communication, and keeping detailed pet care notes. It streamlines bookings and ensures seamless service for both clients and my team.
📍 Weather & Safety Apps (MyRadar, FEMA, Pet First Aid by Red Cross) – Since pet care often involves being outdoors, these apps help me prepare for weather conditions and emergencies while keeping pets safe.
Industry Associations & Resources
🐾 Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA) – As Founder and President, I created FPSA to support pet professionals across Florida, providing education, networking, and advocacy to raise industry standards. Collaborating with fellow business owners has been invaluable in fostering a strong pet care community.
🐾 Pet Sitters International (PSI) & National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) – These leading pet care associations offer certifications, continuing education, best practices, and resources for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. Staying connected with these organizations ensures I’m always up to date on industry standards.
Colleagues & Professional Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of being in this industry is building relationships with fellow pet care professionals. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside and learn from dedicated pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, and veterinarians who are equally passionate about animal care.
🐾 Fellow Pet Sitters & Industry Experts – Through FPSA, PSI, NAPPS, and industry events, I’ve connected with experienced pet sitters across Florida and beyond. Sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices has helped shape how I run my business and continue improving services for my clients.
🐾 Professional Partnerships – Working alongside other pet care providers like trainers, groomers, and veterinary professionals has helped create a well-rounded approach to pet care, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier service in all aspects of their pets’ well-being.
Podcasts & Blogs
🎧 Pet Sitter Confessionals Podcast – A must-listen for professional pet sitters, featuring real-life experiences, business insights, and interviews with industry experts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesavvysitter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavvysitter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSavvySitter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesavvysitterdogwalkingandpetsittingllc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@peacefulpetmusic
Image Credits
AStyles Photography
