The Importance of Mutual Respect in Pet Care and Beyond

Recently, I had an interaction with a potential client that left me feeling frustrated - not because my services were outside their budget, but because they felt it necessary to compare me to a hobby sitter and call my pricing "outrageous." It took every ounce of self-control not to match their passive-aggressive energy, but instead, I stayed professional. That said, the incident got me thinking about one of the key reasons I chose to work for myself.

The Ice Cream Shop

Let me share a story from my early 20s that shaped my perspective on professionalism, boundaries, and respect. Back then, I was an assistant manager at an ice cream shop. Most of the staff I managed were teenagers working summer jobs, including one particularly kind and hardworking employee.  

One day, this employee came to me in the back office and said they needed help. A man at the front, known for being rude during a previous visit, had ordered a banana split. Unfortunately, we were out of bananas, and my employee was nervous about his reaction. I quickly came up with a plan: I’d run next door to Safeway, grab some bananas, and make it happen.

  

When my employee went to relay the plan, the man lost it. He yelled, insulted my staff, banged chairs around the store, and caused a scene. I tried to calm him down, explaining we’d resolve the issue, but he continued his tirade. At that moment, I decided enough was enough. I asked him to leave, making it clear I wouldn’t tolerate his behavior toward me or my staff - especially toward a minor.

  

He refused to leave, claiming he knew the owner, so I called the police to remove him. What shocked me most was when my manager sided with the customer. This incident was a pivotal moment for me. I realized I could no longer work in an environment where disrespect toward employees was tolerated. That experience pushed me to pivot my career into security - a field where I found managers who valued both customer service and employee well-being. 

 

Building Tough Skin in Security and Law Enforcement  

Working in security and later with the RCMP taught me valuable lessons about boundaries and respect. I developed a “customer service first, then security” mentality: I’d be kind and professional at first, but if someone crossed the line, there would be consequences. This mindset served me well and helped me build the resilience needed to handle high-pressure situations, even when it comes to animals.

The Vet Clinic

  

Fast forward to my time working in a veterinary clinic. I quickly realized that front-line staff in vet medicine face some of the harshest emotional and mental challenges. The level of disrespect, emotional manipulation, and outright abuse we endured from clients was unlike anything I’d faced in law enforcement. 

 

I vividly recall one client who was rude on the phone when we couldn’t squeeze them into an already full schedule. When they showed up unannounced later that day, our manager caved and saw them anyway, undermining the staff who had to enforce the schedule. Instances like this were common, and it created an environment where disrespectful behavior was tolerated.

  

Why Mutual Respect Matters  

These experiences are why mutual respect is a non-negotiable value in my business today. I understand that emotions, stress, and life’s challenges can get the best of us, but that doesn’t excuse treating a service provider poorly.

  

When someone compares my services as a licensed, insured, and certified professional to a hobby sitter - or dismisses my pricing as “outrageous” - it’s frustrating. Not because I can’t handle criticism, but because there’s a better way to communicate. A simple, “Thank you, but that’s outside my budget,” would suffice.

  

Setting Boundaries Without Shame  

Running a business has taught me the importance of setting boundaries, especially when it comes to respect. I’m proud to hold my clients to the same standards I hold myself to. After all, what you allow is what will continue.

  

So, to all current and future clients: I value mutual respect and open communication. My priority is to provide exceptional care for your pets, but that care also extends to myself and my team. Disrespect isn’t part of the package - and I’m not ashamed to enforce that boundary.  

I hope this gives you some insight into my journey and why respect is at the core of everything I do. 

Amanda Sharp