Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Brock.
Hi Tess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was the one bringing home stray animals and injured wildlife, determined to help however I could. That instinct naturally grew into pet sitting for neighbors while I was still in elementary school, and it never really left me.
As an adult, I deepened that passion by working in animal hospitals for several years, where I gained hands-on experience caring for animals with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and emotional needs. Alongside that work, I continued rescuing stray animals—having them treated, spayed or neutered, and thoughtfully placed into loving homes.
That work eventually expanded into formal rescue efforts when I began volunteering and fostering with One Love Animal Rescue, collaborating with other dedicated animal advocates who shared the same commitment to compassionate, responsible care.
In 2008, I founded Blissful Buddha Pet Services to bring that same level of attention, reliability, and heart into professional pet care. As demand grew, so did the business, and by 2012 I had built a trusted team of pet sitters who shared my values. Today, Blissful Buddha Pet Services reflects a lifetime of experience, deep respect for animals, and a commitment to giving pet parents true peace of mind when they’re away.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most small businesses built from the ground up, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Growing a pet care company comes with a lot of responsibility. Pets are family, and earning that level of trust takes time and consistency.
One of the biggest challenges was growing the business without compromising the quality of care. As demand increased, I learned how important it is to have strong systems in place, from clear communication with clients to careful vetting and training of sitters, as well as detailed safety and emergency protocols.
There were also moments that required slowing down and reassessing growth to make sure it remained sustainable and aligned with my values. Each challenge helped refine how the business operates and reinforced the importance of reliability, accountability, and preparation.
Those experiences shaped Blissful Buddha Pet Services into what it is today, a company focused on dependable care and giving pet parents real peace of mind.
We’ve been impressed with Blissful Buddha Pet Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Blissful Buddha Pet Services provides professional, in-home pet care for people who want their animals cared for as individuals, not just checked in on. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, overnight care, and support for pets with medical, behavioral, or special needs. Our focus has always been on consistency, reliability, and minimizing stress for both pets and their people.
What sets us apart is the depth of experience behind the care. With a background in animal hospitals and rescue work, I built the business around careful observation, clear communication, and preparedness. Our sitters are thoroughly vetted and trained, and we operate with detailed protocols for safety, emergencies, and daily routines. Clients know exactly who is caring for their pets and can trust that nothing is being left to chance.
We are especially known for working with pets that need a little extra attention, whether that means medication administration, senior care, shy or anxious animals, or households with multiple pets. Many of our clients come to us after feeling unsure about traditional boarding environments or impersonal services, and they stay because they see how calm and comfortable their pets are at home.
What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is the trust we have built over time. Much of our business comes from long-term clients and referrals, and that means everything to me. Blissful Buddha Pet Services is not about volume or quick turnover. It is about thoughtful care, strong relationships, and giving pet parents genuine peace of mind when they are away.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, it started by reaching out to people I admired and asking thoughtful questions. I volunteered and connected with others in the pet care and rescue communities. Those relationships taught me so much about animal care, running a business, and handling challenges I hadn’t faced before.
What has worked best is being genuinely curious and open. Networking is not just about asking for help, it’s about listening, learning, and offering support in return. Mentors often come from unexpected places, and being visible in your community and consistent in your work can create opportunities naturally.
I also recommend connecting with different people in your industry because each person brings a unique perspective. Over time, those insights can guide your growth in ways you might not anticipate.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.blissfulbuddhapetservices.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissful_buddha_pets/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannahpetsitting
