Six years ago Tess Ross found herself in between jobs after the veterinarian she worked for retired. The longtime animal lover and vet tech turned her passion and knowledge for animals into a business.
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Tess and her husband Rick Ross are longtime Levittown residents and run The Pet Nanny and Dog Walker, a successful business that has focused on taking care of Bucks County pets while their owners are away or at work.
Tess, who also is an advocate for animal rights, saw the need while working at a vet’s office that people preferred to have their pets remain in their homes while away rather than upsetting the routine and having them placed in a boarding facility. Canines of all ages and special needs, felines and avian care are services provided as part of the Ross’s business. Tess added that there are not many services that offer Avian care.
The Ross’s business is a family affair. Her husband Rick recently joined the business although he says “he has always been there in spirit”. Tess’ sister, Linda, and another caregiver, Jana, have worked with the business part time for several years.
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Clients, if they prefer, will receive a pet report card on a daily basis or as requested. Rick has learned how that communication plays such a vital role in giving the pet parent(s) peace of mind that their pet is doing well in their absence. The team also sends pictures of their pet to the pet parent(s). Rick recently sat overnight for a pair of Bichons which slept with him all night showing how safe they felt in his care.
Tess spoke about a timid dog when she did her initial Meet and Greet, however, as the dog became more familiar with her and gained trust, the dog no longer would hide when she came to visit. Tess also cares for small animals. Guinea pigs, house bunnies, chinchillas and other small pets are also part of the pet sitting family.
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The Ross’s pet sitting and dog walking services cover the areas of Bristol, Levittown, Falls, Fairless Hills, Langhorne, Yardley, Morrisville and Lower Makefield. Tess tells people “the more notice the better but we do accommodate emergencies. In addition, Tess and Rick assist families that are new to the area and do not always have a relative or friend to rely on to care for their pets while they are away.
Tess said, “I have a vet tech background and am able to help with special needs, seniors, and insulin injections, we can do all of that”. She also worked for seven years in wildlife rehabilitation.
The Ross’s also offer to their clients customized pet care packages.
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At their Levittown home, Tess and Rick own rescues Whisper, a Chinese crested dog; Sarah, a cockapoo dog, Dexter, a shih tzu dog, Ozzie, a timneh African grey parrot; and Morgaine, a domestic shorthair cat and her sisters Pea Pod and Gwen who were all rescued from the same litter at 10 days old.
When clients leave their pets care to The Pet Nanny and Dog Walker, Tess, whose love of animals started volunteering with rescued pets as a child, wants them to know their pets are in good hands.
