We're excited this month to introduce you to Layal, the creative force behind Sit 'N Pose, a pet sitting company in Norwood, Massachusetts, that combines a deep compassion for animals and a background in visual content and digital marketing into one seamless business model. Growing up in Dubai surrounded by a variety of pets, Layal has nearly 20 years of experience rescuing stray pets and helping them find their forever homes. When she moved to the U.S., she decided to take a chance and step away from the corporate world to do what she loves most: caring for animals and using her creative skills to capture portraits that capture each pet's unique pawprint.
Dedicated to finding other pet care providers who share her vision and desire to build meaningful bonds with the pets and clients they bring under their care, Layal is looking to expand her business to new service areas with additional services like in-home boarding and collaborate with other pet photographers and content creators to continue telling the story of love and care they have for each pet they see. To learn more about the incredible services they offer, check out their website here!
What caused you to get into pet sitting/dog walking?
Animals have always been at the heart of my life. Growing up surrounded by cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits, caring for animals felt natural from the very beginning. Over the past 18 years, I've also been deeply involved in rescuing stray animals and helping them find their forever homes.
Most of my conversations with friends revolved around them, and even when traveling, feeding stray animals became one of the most fulfilling parts of my trips, often bringing me more joy than excursions or sightseeing. Through these moments, I realized just how much animals were at the center of my life.
When I moved to the U.S. from Dubai, I decided to step away from the corporate world and explore a new path. With a background in visual content and digital marketing, I began pet sitting while using my creative skills to document the pets I cared for.
By capturing their personalities and sharing those moments through engaging visuals and storytelling, I was able to build trust with clients. That's when the idea clicked: why not combine everything I love, animals, photography, and the outdoors?
And that’s how Sit 'N Pose was born: a place where pets are cared for like family, and their beautiful personalities are captured one cuddle, one pawprint, one perfect pose at a time.
What is the most fulfilling part of owning a pet sitting/dog walking business?
The most rewarding part is the trusting relationships you build with both the pet owners and their fur babies. There's nothing better than arriving at a home and being greeted by a dog like you're their best friend or watching a shy cat slowly allowing you in their trusted circle.
No two days are ever the same, each pet has a unique personality, which makes every visit feel like a new little adventure. On top of that, having the flexibility to manage my own schedule, be my own boss, and spend my days outdoors exploring parks, being in nature with animals instead of being behind a desk is truly priceless.
What is the most challenging?
One of the biggest challenges is finding reliable people who share the same passion and dedication for caring for animals. When you entrust someone with a client's beloved pet, they need to treat them with the same level of care and attention as you would.
Another challenge is wearing many hats as a business owner. Beyond managing clients, schedules, and a growing team, I'm also deeply involved in the creative side of the business, photography, social media, and content creation for Sit 'N Pose.
Our slogan is "Every Paw Tells a Story," and being present to capture and share those stories is an important part of what I do. Balancing daily operations while continuing to grow and showcase the brand can be demanding, but it’s also what makes the journey so meaningful and rewarding.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years, I hope Sit 'N Pose is known not only for exceptional pet care but also for the meaningful relationships we build with pets, their owners, and the community. I want to continue growing thoughtfully by expanding our team with people who share the same passion for animals, bringing our services to new neighborhoods, partnering with pet photographers and content creators, and adding in-home boarding as part of what we offer. My goal is to expand our clientele while continuing to combine professional pet care with creative storytelling through photography.
What has Time To Pet changed the most about how you run your business?
Time To Pet has completely transformed how I run Sit 'N Pose. It keeps everything organized, from scheduling walks and visits to tracking each pet’s unique needs and preferences. I love sending clients real-time updates, photos, and notes after every visit, and managing invoices and payments has never been easier.
It's not just about staying organized; it lets me run my business professionally while keeping it personal. Coordinating a growing team and caring for so many pets used to feel overwhelming, but Time To Pet makes it all doable. It’s truly a game changer for my business and peace of mind.
