Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Stafford.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Neighborhood Sitter to 901Petsitting
When I was just thirteen, I started petsitting for friends and neighbors and quickly became known as “The Neighborhood Sitter.” I loved meeting new furry faces and being the one they looked forward to seeing. What started as a fun way to help out soon became something more — a genuine paw-ssion.
In college, I found myself missing the joyful chaos of caring for pets. One day, while scrolling Facebook, I saw a family from my church looking for a sitter. I reached out, shared my experience and references — and that simple message changed everything.
I’ll never forget standing there, chatting with her, sharing my dream of becoming a professional pet sitter. At the time, I had no idea that in just a few short years, I’d be running a business that pet parents across the 901 would come to trust and love.
I had found my pack — and my purpose.
As demand grew, I knew it was time to take the leap. I launched 901Petsitting LLC, and what began as a passion project has now blossomed into a full-service, thriving pet care company serving Memphis and beyond.
Today, we’re more than just pet sitters.
We offer grooming (with our brand new brick-and-mortar grooming salon!), cater to pet-friendly weddings, and even create custom bandanas and irresistible treats to spoil your fur babies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Petsitting has been a smooth road for me, but it can be a very lonely job.
Missing important functions and holidays to care for pets, getting up really early to do drop ins, and sleeping in other people’s beds can really take a toll on your body and mental health sometimes.
I remember one summer I didn’t even sleep in my bed. When one Petsitting gig ended, I would pack my things and move to the next client’s home. That was the same summer I decided to officially start my LLC and begin to create my amazing team.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 901Petsitting LLC ?
At 901Petsitting LLC, we provide personalized, in-home and off-site pet care services throughout the 901 area — Memphis, Arlington, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, East Memphis and beyond. We’re known for offering everything from drop-in visits and cage-free boarding to dog walking, litter box deep cleaning, pet waste removal, pet taxi services, and our signature Adventure Hikes at places like Shelby Farms.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to professionalism. We are constantly attending webinars and trainings to expand our knowledge and we are a part of Petsitter’s International Association. Each petsitter on my team has passed a background check, they have their Petsitter/Dog Walker Certification as well as Pet First Aid and CPR certifications. Each of my sitters has also been thoroughly trained on our SOP’s so no matter who comes to the home, the quality is the same.
One thing we’re especially excited about is our upcoming expansion — we’re opening a grooming salon on the Historic Depot Square in Arlington on May 1st! It’s a huge milestone for our brand and a chance to offer even more to the pet community we love. We will be on the Historic town square as 901Grooming.
We’re also proud to serve many clients in the medical and education fields — people who work long, demanding hours and need a trusted partner to love their pets like they would. The trust our clients place in us is something we never take for granted.
At the end of the day, 901Petsitting is all about love, reliability, and building relationships — both with pets and the people who adore them.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
TAKE CHANCES! MAKE MISTAKES! GET MESSY!
Or whatever it was Ms. Frizzle used to always say. The first step is putting yourself out there and asking questions. At some point you will begin to learn what questions to ask to get where you need to and where your people are.
Facebook groups, businesses, schools, etc.
For me its vet clinics and other groomers, as well as shelters and pet events!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://901petsitting.com
- Instagram: 901petsitting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/901petsitting
