LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Retiring from her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Yolanda Bennett wanted to offer an affordable alternative to pet sitting in Las Vegas. Her old duty to serve the community is still the same, but now with some new tricks.
The beginning of Veteran’s Day weekend meant an uptick in vacationing clients with home alone pets for Bennett. Her business has come a long way since starting in Dec. 2022 after working as a vendor at the Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet.
“I was going through some financial difficulties at the time and my girlfriend gave me the idea,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’ I was meant to do this.”
Now up to 70 customers hire Bennett to take of their dogs, cats and soon birds, her business offering a more personal experience compared to pet kennels.
“I’ve had so many great people that I have had the experience of them trusting me with their fur babies. I mean, they’re just like family,” Bennett said. “I wanted to do something to give back to the community, but also I wanted to provide cheaper prices.”
The going rate for Bennett’s business is $20 a day, and $30 a night but she said she offers a special discount for veterans— like her.
“I served 20 years in the Air Force,” she said. “I was an inspector. People could not stand to see me, they’d say, ‘Oh, here she comes.’ But basically, I was keeping them safe on their jobs. I loved it and it was amazing.”
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Retiring from her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Yolanda Bennett wanted to offer an affordable alternative to pet sitting in Las Vegas. Her old duty to serve the community still the same, but now with some new tricks. (Yolanda Bennett) -
Retiring from her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Yolanda Bennett wanted to offer an affordable alternative to pet sitting in Las Vegas. Her old duty to serve the community still the same, but now with some new tricks. (Yolanda Bennett)
During her time in the military, Bennett worked from Japan to Nellis Air Force Base completing water and radiation sampling before meeting her husband of 19 years, a partner she said has encouraged her as the business has grown.
“Him allowing me to do this pet sitting business,” Bennett said. “I can’t complain.”
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Retiring from her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Yolanda Bennett wanted to offer an affordable alternative to pet sitting in Las Vegas. Her old duty to serve the community still the same, but now with some new tricks. (KLAS) -
Retiring from her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Yolanda Bennett wanted to offer an affordable alternative to pet sitting in Las Vegas. Her old duty to serve the community still the same, but now with some new tricks. (KLAS)
Bennett, who is also CPR certified, said her business is pet insured and recognized by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Her website even offers tips and tricks for owners seeking to learn more about how best to take care of their pets.
“I don’t have any children so it’s like my motherly instincts kick in to take care of these fur babies,” Bennett said.
