Moving is a lot. There’s the logistics, the boxes, the learning a whole new city. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you’re also trying to figure out who is going to take care of your dog or cat.
It’s not a small thing. Your pet doesn’t know you moved. They just know the smells are different, the routine is off, and the person who usually walks them hasn’t shown up yet. Finding someone reliable, quickly, matters more than most moving checklists acknowledge.
Here’s what actually helps.
Don’t Start with the Apps
Rover and Wag have their place, but if you’re moving somewhere new and building a long-term life there, starting with a local provider tends to go better. You get consistency (the same people, not whoever’s available that day), real accountability, and someone who actually knows the city. They know which parks are good, which routes work in July heat, and the areas in your neighborhood that your dog will love.
Local providers also tend to communicate differently. When something comes up with your pet, you want someone who treats your animal like a client, not a gig.
What to Actually Look for
Consistency. The same people who know your pet, know their quirks, and show up reliably. Not a rotating cast.
Communication. Do they send updates? Photos? Are they specific (“she didn’t finish her food today and seemed a little tired”) or vague (“great visit!”)? The specifics are what tell you someone is paying attention.
Experience with your pet’s particular needs. A reactive dog needs a different walker than an easy-going golden. An anxious cat needs a sitter who actually understands cat body language, not someone who tops off the bowl and leaves. Ask directly. How do they handle a dog who pulls? What do they do if a cat hides the entire visit?
A real meet and greet. Any provider worth hiring will want to meet your pet before the first booking. If they’re willing to skip that step, that tells you something.
Questions Worth Asking
A few that tend to surface the most useful information:
- How do you handle a pet emergency?
- How many clients do you take on at once?
- What does a typical visit look like for a dog like mine?
- Do you have backup coverage if you’re sick?
- Can I see recent reviews or client references?
Pay attention to how they answer, not just what they say. Confidence, specificity, and genuine interest in your pet are all good signs.
Indianapolis Specifically
Indy is a genuinely good city for pets. There are excellent parks (Eagle Creek, Broad Ripple, White River State Park), a lot of dog-friendly patios and neighborhoods, and a real community of people who take their animals seriously.
That also means the good pet care providers here tend to be in demand. If you find someone you like, book early. The best ones fill up, especially around holidays and summer travel season.
We’d Love to Meet You (and Your Pet)
Frisky Business Pet Care serves Indianapolis pet owners who want consistent, premium care from someone who genuinely loves animals. We work with dogs, cats, small animals, and exotic pets, and we keep our client list intentional so every pet gets the attention they deserve.
If you’re new to Indy and want to find out if we’re a good fit, reach out here or take a look at what we offer. A meet and greet is always the right first step.
Welcome to Indianapolis! Your pet is going to love it here.