NYC Pet Nanny brings one-on-one dog walking and other pet services to western Queens 48 MARCH 2 0 1 7 DREAMING OF Nisan Queens Master in 2016 HER Born to Copland conducting and degree.traditional in players will GOAL To conductors CUNYcuny.CITY COLLEGE BOROUGH BARUCH CUNY GUTTMAN Meet Alexia Vullis: the Astoria-born business owner whose love for furry friends is what keeps her and her business running (and walking). NYC Pet Nanny is a quality dog walking and cat sitting service based in Astoria. The business offers dog walking in Astoria and parts of Long Island City and cat sitting in Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside. When Vullis started walking dogs as a side job, she appreciated the time she got to spend outdoors with happy dogs in the neighborhood she knows and loves. As business began to pick up due to word of mouth, Vullis noticed the great need for a top-notch dog walking service in her area. Vullis said she started her business for “people who work long hours and need someone like me to come and take their dog for a walk, providing them some piece of mind.” When Vullis founded NYC Pet Nanny in 2008, she offered basic services such as dog walking, in home boarding, cat sitting and pickups from doggy daycare for customers without cars. Since she was the first and only employee of NYC Pet Nanny, Vullis walked about 12 dogs a day and also acted as a cat sitter for clients who were out of town. Since then, Vullis’ business has expanded; she now has a cat sitting partner and employs around 7 to 10 walkers. “Almost all of my employees are Astoria residents,” Vullis said. “It works best with our scheduling and last-minute requests to hire those who live close.” Now, NYC Pet Nanny employees walk about 50 to 60 dogs total each day. The business no longer offers pet boarding but has “amazing boarding partners around Astoria,” Vullis said, so she can refer clients to people she trusts. Vullis’ love for animals does not just stop with her business. “I also dabble in rescue, mostly cat rescue, and this business allows me the time, resources and contacts to help animals in need,” she said. Though she is new to cat rescue, Vullis said that she’s been involved in volunteering with dog rescues for about 10 years. Unlike her competitors, Vullis does not offer any “pack walks,” or walks with groups of dogs. She said that it’s important to her that both the animals and the walkers enjoy their time, and pack walks seem neither safe nor enjoyable. “I understand that pack walks are a money maker, but I’m not about the money,” Vullis said. “We’re about the animals.” If you would like to learn more about services and rates offered by NYC Pet Nanny, visit nycpetnanny. com or call 646-298-5301. By GINA CONTEH @GEENAHC @GEENAHC Photos courtesy of NYC Pet Nanny
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