Austin’s Top Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Choice

Damita Miller-Shanklin

This Lil’ Dog of Mine is a black-owned business that services pets. Mark Carter is the owner. I wanted to share his story and the how they care of many pets in Austin, Texas.

Ujima: What made you start This Lil’ Dog of Mine Pet Services? How long have you been providing services to the community?

MC: I’ve had a passion for animals ever since I was a child. I was always the kid bringing home stray animals and interesting critters, and constantly begging my mom to visit the pet store or zoo. As I got older, my love for animals only grew stronger. I attended vet summer camps and joined the FFA. After high school, I was determined to attend vet school. I graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a bachelor’s in Animal Science and then earned a Master of Science in Applied Ethology with a focus on animal behavior and well-being from Texas A&M University.

After entering the workforce, I realized I wanted to use my experience and education differently. I wanted to offer a service that people would feel great about using. So, I started This Lil’ Dog of Mine Pet Services. Since then, I’ve gained extensive experience and hold a CPR certification through Austin Pet First Aid. I’m always striving to improve This Lil’ Dog of Mine Pet Services for my clients and their pets.

I’ve been proudly serving the community for over 13 years.

Ujima: What services do you provide? What is the main request from pet parents for you and your team?

MC: At This Lil’ Dog of Mine Pet Services, we offer a variety of services to meet the needs of pet parents. Our services include pet sitting, boarding, doggie daycare, Walk and Train dog walking, pet taxi, and poop scooping.

The most popular request we receive is for pet sitting. Pet parents love the convenience of having someone come to their home to care for their pets. This way, they don’t have to worry about the stress of packing up their pets or disrupting their routines.

Ujima: I notice you do chicken sitting :). I’m curious why chickens and how does sitting with chickens work?

MC: Yes, chicken sitting is one of our unique services! We’re passionate about supporting Austin’s growing backyard chicken movement and understand the unique needs of urban flocks. As this hobby has become increasingly popular in Austin, we wanted to offer our expertise to help. Our chicken sitting service goes beyond just filling feeders. We collect eggs, provide fresh water, clean coops, and offer enrichment activities to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

Ujima: What is your service area? What should new customers expect from you and your team when they request your services?

MC: Right now, we service everything within a 10-mile radius of 78752.

We ensure your loved ones enjoy personalized TLC, from snuggles and playtime to routines maintained and anxieties soothed. We want our clients to leave the guilt behind – there pets are family, and they deserve the best! We offer complete peace of mind with experienced, insured professionals, regular updates via our app system, and stress-free comfort. They are able book a customized plan that fits their budget and pet’s needs.

Ujima: You offer a membership for walking and training dogs. How does it work?

MC: Our Walk and Train membership is a recurring monthly subscription designed to keep your furry friend mentally and physically stimulated while you’re busy. The program combines walks with obedience training, ensuring your dog gets both exercise and skill-building. We require a minimum of two walks per week for this service. Each session involves one-on-one handling focused on leash training, good manners, building confidence, and providing both physical and mental enrichment for your dog.

Ujima: What is important for you to say about your company TLDOM?

MC: At This Lil’ Dog of Mine, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and personalized attention to every pet we serve. Our passion for animals drives us to go above and beyond in all our services, from pet sitting and dog walking to boarding and training. We believe pets are family and deserve the best care possible. Our experienced and insured professionals ensure peace of mind for pet parents, offering reliable, compassionate, and high-quality services.

Ujima: What is next for TLDOM?

MC: We’re excited about the future of This Lil’ Dog of Mine! Our plans include expanding our brand to new cities and opening a brick-and-mortar location that will offer boarding, grooming, and training services. We’re committed to growing and providing even more comprehensive care for pets and their owners.

Ujima: How can our readers and the community follow you or reach you for services?

MC: You can follow us on Instagram at @thislildogofmine or visit our website at www.thislildogofmine.com. 

If you have a furry family member and you are looking for care, make sure you contact Mark at This Lil’ Dog of Mine.