Inspiring Conversations with Rachel Semrau of Rachel’s Cozy Critter Care, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Semrau.

Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve lived in Southwest Michigan my whole life! During my childhood, I had a variety of animals: dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, skinks, parakeets, hermit crabs, and chickens.

I currently have one dog, three cats, and chickens! One of my cats is a special needs rescue from Kzoo Cat Cafe and Rescue, where I volunteer! My grandmother, Sharon Speck, was a rescuer of “throw away” pets, which inspired me from a young age to have a bleeding heart for animals that others may not always find the cutest.

Thanks to them, I have a strong passion and love for animals, which led to the establishmentof my pet sitting business in May 2023.

Ongoing encouragment and support from my family continues my journey that strengthens my desire to serve my community while also enjoying the company of a variety of pets (without bringing more home!)

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I have been thoroughly impressed with the ease of owning my small business. At times, it can be quite demanding and time consuming: navigating taxes, keeping track of all expenses ranging from on-the-go meals to fuel to car repairs, communicating with new and exisiting clients, planning and maintaining my schedule…all while working full time for county government, taking care of my own pets, volunteering, and having a social life. It can be physically exhausting as I have traveled up to 2 hours for a client during the work week which interrupts a “normal” sleep schedule, working all hours of the day and seasons of the year, etc. It can also pose some emotional and mental stresses: never really having an “off” day, as requests come in for meet and greets, last minute requests, sometimes quadruple booking myself in a day or weekend with different clients, trying to meet the requests of clients while trying to maintain boundaries, and worst of all – not having time for myself. Last July, I had my own kitty, Tuxedo, develop FIP at 8 years old. After a four and a half day struggle, I had to say goodbye to him. Three weeks later, my grandmother, Sharon Speck, passed away. Less than a year later, I had to say goodbye to another one of my kitties, Thor. It was a struggle grieving while caring for client’s pets without cancelations. I am truly grateful for my clients because they all support me in various ways. Each year poses its own challenges, but God will always help me through. I am blessed to have this opportunity in life.

As you know, we’re big fans of Rachel’s Cozy Critter Care, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a traveling pet sitting business. I offer a variety of services for all life stages of any pet. I provide loving and reliable care, while you’re not there! Whether you need Fido walked once a day or a week of overnights in your home, I am happy to help. I attempt to stick to established routines where my schedule allows all from the comfort of my client’s home. Life can be stressful for your pet while you’re gone, so I prevent the stress by being the only thing to change in a daily life. Having multiple pets of my own, it can be hard to find a trusted and affordable sitter. I am most proud of providing reliable care at an affordable price while treating my client’s pet(s) and their home like my own.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have paid attention to social media posts where there are similar services in my area. I have befriended a few of those professionals and we will compare practices and ideas, I think it is a great idea to network to strengthen your business while also making friendships along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rachelscozycrittercarellc.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelscozycrittercarellc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rachels-Cozy-Critter-Care-LLC-100091087031015/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-semrau-40402a16a