Join
  • Home
  • News
  • Meet Member Christine Kleinsteuber from All De Tails Pet Sitting

Meet Member Christine Kleinsteuber from All De Tails Pet Sitting

08 Jun 2022 10:00 AM | Anonymous


This week, we present you Christine Kleinsteuber from All De Tails. Christine joined as a PEIBWA Member in July 2020 and provides service anywhere on PEI. She is also an alumni of our Accelerate HER PEI Program.

Name of Business: All DeTails Pet Sitting

What kind of work did you do in the past and what inspired you to start your own business?

I started off in retail and retail management, but my passion was always animals and animal care. I left retail to follow my dreams and obtained education in animal care and husbandry. I managed a seasonal mini aquarium and explorer lab on Vancouver Island, where I found enjoyment in teaching others not only about the animals, but also about how to properly handle and care for them.

I also obtained my Animal Welfare Certificate, Pet First Aid and CPR, and was a vet assistant at various clinics in B.C. While at the vet clinics, I found many clients were in need of reliable, knowledgeable and professional pet sitters. All DeTails started in 2017 and was increasingly in demand in the area until we moved to PEI in the Fall of 2018. I'm an entrepreneur at heart and could work in any field that involves animal husbandry, I just love caring for them.


What have your challenges been? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was getting the courage to start my business and put myself out there. I have always been more comfortable around animals than I have been around people. I am a perfectionist, and wanted to make sure that the services I offered were everything that I would personally want in a pet sitter to look after my animals.

I started advertising and going to “meet and greets” with potential clients. The first couple did not result in any bookings, which was discouraging, but with the support of my family and partner I continued on and got my first bookings.

An on-going challenge is explaining to potential clients the difference between a Certified Professional Pet Sitter compared to having family, friends, neighbors and/or students looking after their pets. This can be difficult to overcome, as the cost of services is a key factor for many. I explain the differences, and benefits of hiring a Certified Professional, but I am always prepared for them to decide on another/cheaper alternative. I have learned to accept this, and a key thing to realize is that not everyone is the type of client that would desire my services, and that is okay. 


What have your successes been?

I've been lucky enough to have support from PEIBWA with the Accelerate Her program, and Pet Sitters International. I became a Certified Professional Pet Sitter in 2018, renewed my Pet First Aid and CPR, and I continue my learning of all animals with online training. I also continue to have clients in B.C. contact me for advice and referrals to other pet care services that I know are reputable.


Any unexpected surprises? 

Yes, there always is, but it's my favorite part of being in business. I'm surprised by how many people own exotic animals on PEI; which I find great, because that's my niche. Whether it's snakes, reptiles, bunnies, ferrets, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, parrots, chickens, you name it, I've looked after it.

   

What services does your business provide? 

We offer in your home pet sitting for animals of all kinds and dog/cat walking services. We also provide various consultations, from habitat set-up for your exotic, to how to provide enrichment to your pets so they stay alert, active and healthy. We often find kids with small animals that may not know how to properly care for them, and we help families with that.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

 We not only have the requisite business and liability insurance, but we are insured with care, customer and control that is specific to the pet sitting industry. This provides coverage beyond the standard business and liability insurance that others may carry, which is beneficial for all parties in the event an emergency arises when your pet is in our care.  We are bonded and Certified Professional Pet Sitters, with up-to-date Pet First Aid and CPR.

Our name, All DeTails means exactly that, we not only care for all the animals with tails, but we look after all the details when caring for your pet(s) and home. We don’t just ask where the food and leashes are, we ask lots of questions to better know your pet and how to tailor our care specifically to them. I often hear, "Wow, you've thought of everything" in my meet and greets. I take pride in knowing that I have over 27 years experience caring for people's pets and homes. I've worked in animal rescues, animal clinics, and volunteered in animal disasters.

What areas do you serve?

We are mobile so we can serve anywhere on PEI, but mostly our clients are between Summerside and Charlottetown.

How can people contact you?