Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Humston.
Hi Elizabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Elizabeth’s Pet Sitting really started when I was 10 years old after I made hand drawn flyers to put in my neighbor’s mailboxes advertising pet sitting services in Foxfield, Colorado. The number was our landline and I would sit by the counter all weekend waiting for someone to call. While I wasn’t able to start pet sitting till I was a teenager, I finally was able to turn it into a successful full-time business 16 years later.
I had been a pet sitter part-time while I was a news producer and later when I transitioned into marketing. In early 2025, I was looking for my next career move when I decided to make a new and albeit more professional pet sitting flyer to put up. Elizabeth’s Pet Sitting has since expanded, now serving over 40 clients and more than 55 pets. I have been mostly referral-based and am proud of how much the business has grown. I cannot wait to see what the next year holds as I come up on my one year anniversary of starting it full-time.
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?
When I first started Elizabeth’s Pet Sitting in early 2025, I was still searching for a full-time job. Those first few months were slow, and each week felt uncertain as I waited to see how many bookings would come in. My first few clients were incredibly supportive and believed in me and helped spread the word about my business. Between that and the flyer I put up, things gradually started to build momentum. By April of 2025, bookings really began to take off, and I was finally able to stop applying for traditional 9-to-5 jobs and dedicate myself fully to Elizabeth’s Pet Sitting. I am happy to still work with those first few clients who really believed in me and my business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My most requested service right now is my Overnight In-Home Pet Sitting. I truly care for every pet like they’re my own, and unlike many sitters, I’m able to stay with them for most of the day, giving them my full attention and keeping to their routine. I stay in constant communication with owners while they’re away, sending daily updates and photos so they can relax knowing their pets are happy and cared for. The last thing I want is for anyone to worry while on vacation! I also go above and beyond by tidying up the home, watering plants or gardens, and keeping everything running smoothly while clients are away.
Another popular service that I am known for is my Drop-Ins and Walks. These are perfect for owners who have to head into the office, have pets that need medication during the day, or just want to give their dog a good, long walk. It’s a flexible service designed to fit each owner and pet’s unique needs, and every visit comes with a personalized message and photos of everything we did together.
I regularly ask for feedback, and the three things clients mention most are my communication, flexibility, and genuine care for their pets. As a pet owner myself, I understand how important peace of mind is. I pride myself on staying in close contact, paying attention to details only a fellow pet lover would notice, and being as flexible as possible when life’s plans change. My goal is always to make both pets and their owners feel comfortable, cared for, and completely at ease.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the pet care industry is only going to keep growing over the next 5-10 years, with an increasing demand for seasoned, full-time pet sitters. In Denver alone, about half of residents own a dog, and nearly 70% have at least one pet, according to a 2024 survey by the Colorado Polling Institute. Denver truly is a pet city, and that culture extends throughout the surrounding metro areas.
I am also starting to see a growing need for exotic pet care, from reptiles to freshwater fish. That’s an area I’m personally passionate about, as I have two freshwater tanks of my own and love helping owners who want that same level of attentive care for their more unique pets.
Colorado also ranks among the top states with the most devoted dog owners, according to Forbes, and I see that dedication every day in my work. Pet owners want sitters who are as committed to their pets as they are. Someone who treats their animals like family and provides consistent, reliable care. That level of trust and attention is what keeps clients coming back.
In my experience, the future of this industry belongs to dedicated, full-time sitters who build strong relationships with clients and truly understand the animals they care for. Those who treat pet sitting as just a side gig may not last long, especially in a place like Colorado, where expectations for pet care is and should be high.
Pricing:
- Walks/Drop-ins: $25 per half hour
- Overnight In-Home Pet Sitting: $60 per night for one pet, plus $15 per night for each additional pet
- Day Care: $50 for 4 hours of care
- Wedding Chaperone: $450 for 8 hours of care including round-trip transportation to and from venue, full schedule provided, grooming and attire for pictures
- Pet Portraits: Starting at $200 for 15 edited photos
Contact Info:
