Alysha Riel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Alysha, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
As the owner of a Pet Sitting and Dog Walking business serving the southwest suburbs of Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand how often our profession is misunderstood. One of the most common misconceptions is that our work is simply “playing with pets all day,” or that it’s something a child or hobbyist can easily do.
In reality, professional pet care is far more than companionship — it’s about responsibility, safety, and expertise. While many people may get their start in animal care by helping a neighbor with a dog or guinea pig for the weekend, there is a significant difference between casual help and professional service.
A trained pet care professional is equipped to recognize the early signs of medical emergencies, evaluate a pet’s behavior and health over time, and make informed decisions about their well-being. We are physically capable of handling larger or more reactive animals, and we remain dependable even in adverse conditions — including harsh Minnesota weather.
Ask yourself: if your dog were lying unresponsive on the floor, would a child or hobbyist know what to do? Would they be able to lift your pet and transport them to emergency care? Could they tell the difference between reverse sneezing and something truly dangerous?
Yes, there is joy and play in what we do — but even during play, we’re observing. Is the pet alert and engaged? Are they mobile and comfortable? Are they eliminating regularly and safely? Are they avoiding foreign objects or dangerous items?
Beyond pet care, we’re also responsible for the well-being of your home. Professionals know how to handle a leaking kitchen, a failed furnace, a broken A/C, flooding, or access issues caused by weather — all while ensuring your pets are safe and comfortable.
While hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker may seem like a larger upfront investment, the peace of mind and level of care we provide is well worth it. The value of professional expertise matters — and in our industry, it can make all the difference.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alysha Riel, and I’m the owner of Preferred Pet Sitter LLC, a trusted pet sitting and dog walking company based in Savage, Minnesota. Since 2010, we’ve proudly served the communities of Prior Lake, Burnsville, Shakopee, Lakeville, and Credit River, providing in-home care for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets while their families are away — whether for the day or an extended vacation.
With a background in veterinary medicine and dog training, I bring a unique level of expertise to the work we do. Prior to launching Preferred Pet Sitter, I worked as a veterinary technician, which gave me firsthand experience in managing medical needs and understanding the nuances of animal health and behavior. This foundation allows us to confidently care for pets with a variety of medical conditions or behavioral concerns.
In addition to my professional background, I am also actively involved in competitive dog sports. My personal dogs and I compete at the national level across several disciplines, including Flyball, Dock Diving, Agility, Barn Hunt, Lure Coursing, Obedience, and Rally. Together, we’ve earned three National Championships in Dock Diving, and one of my dogs made history as the first small dog to achieve the AKC Fetch Retriever title. Our work has also been recognized in AKC’s national magazine — twice.
At Preferred Pet Sitter LLC, we combine professional knowledge with a passion for animals to deliver reliable, compassionate, and skilled care — giving pet owners peace of mind every time they leave home.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
From a very young age, I was captivated by animals — especially dogs. My passion was so strong that I was often teased in school for being “dog-obsessed,” but that never stopped me. Everything in my world revolved around animals.
I first felt the true magic of working with dogs when I began teaching my own pets simple tricks at home. Commands like sit, shake, and down came naturally — but the moment that changed everything was when I taught my childhood dog, Mags, to balance a treat on her nose and wait patiently for the release command, “take it.”
That moment sparked something deeper: the realization that I could communicate with another species, teach them something new, and guide them toward success. It wasn’t just training — it was connection. I was hooked.
That summer, I went on to teach all three of our family dogs the same trick. Eventually, I had them performing it side by side, in perfect synchronization. It was more than fun — it felt powerful, like unlocking a new language I was always meant to speak.
To this day, nothing makes me feel more connected, inspired, or fulfilled than the magic of working with dogs.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — nearly every day, week, or month brings a moment where giving up feels like an option. Challenges exist in every corner of life, even in the smallest cracks we often overlook.
But in those moments, you learn to pivot. You rebuild. You recognize where growth is needed and embrace it. You take a deep breath, stand tall, brush yourself off, and move forward — not in defeat, but with resolve and self-respect.
Each setback becomes a lesson. Each obstacle, an opportunity to improve.
Acknowledge. Learn. Adapt. Improve.
Four words I live by — and four steps that keep me moving forward, no matter how tough the road gets.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think in the business of pet care, the real you must be the public version. Most of my clientele seek me out for my reputation as a reliable, honest, and professional care taker. It becomes very difficult to separate the two and live a private life. Without knowing me upfront many clients would bypass my company. It’s all the above that guides their purchase and brings value to my service.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I cannot guarantee a staff member’s safety. We’ve had many dogs and cats over the years in our care, thousands at this point. From that number I can remember a small handful of pets I’ve turned away over the years. Dogs that attack the front door as I walked in, ones that snap when you go to leash them, cats that attack your feet along with other extreme behavioral issues. Of course these pets are the EXTREME rarity and likely just need someone with extra time. Unfortunately, I’m here to evaluate safety for BOTH the pet and our staff and I must be able to certify both.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mypreferredpetsitter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferredpetsitter/
- Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/preferredpetsitter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preferredpetsitter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@preferredpetsittermn
Image Credits
Scott Riel at RielVisuals
