Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Stribling.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If you had asked me a few years ago what I’d be doing today, I never would have guessed I’d be running a pet care business.
I grew up in Virginia on my family’s pick-your-own orchard, where animals, hard work, and being outdoors were just part of everyday life. That early connection to animals never left me, even as my career took me in a completely different direction.
For nearly ten years, I worked in international agricultural development. I had the opportunity to live and travel overseas, partnering with farmers, businesses, and communities to strengthen food systems and create economic opportunities. It was meaningful work that challenged me, broadened my perspective, and taught me how to build relationships across cultures, solve complex problems, and lead projects with purpose.
But outside of work, I was always happiest around animals. I volunteered at my local animal shelter, spent countless hours with my own rescue dogs, Matey and Squid, and was the person friends called when they needed someone to care for their pets.
Then life threw me a curveball.
After being unexpectedly laid off, I found myself asking a question I hadn’t considered before: If I could build something from scratch, what would it be?
The answer came surprisingly quickly.
I wanted to create the kind of pet care company I would trust with my own dogs.
That’s how Scallywag Pet Services LLC was born.
From day one, my goal wasn’t simply to walk dogs or feed cats. I wanted to build relationships—with both pets and their people. Every animal has a different personality, every family has different routines, and I believe great pet care means taking the time to understand both. Whether it’s helping a nervous rescue dog gain confidence, earning the trust of a shy cat, or simply giving owners peace of mind while they’re away, those moments are what make this work so rewarding.
One thing that surprised me about starting a business is how much of my previous career I use every day. Managing international development programs taught me organization, communication, problem-solving, and how to earn people’s trust. Today, those same skills help me run Scallywag. The setting has changed, but the heart of the work hasn’t—it’s still about serving people, building relationships, and making a positive difference in someone’s day.
Looking back, what felt like one of the biggest setbacks of my career became the opportunity that led me here. Scallywag has grown through word of mouth, community connections, and wonderful clients who have trusted me with their beloved pets. Watching that trust grow into lasting relationships has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
I’m excited to keep growing the crew, continuing to serve my community, and proving that sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones you never planned to take.
After years of working around the world, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to build something meaningful right here at home—one walk, one wag, and one adventure at a time.
Ready for adventure, Matey!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made the journey so rewarding.
The biggest challenge wasn’t learning how to care for pets—that part came naturally. It was giving myself permission to start over.
After spending nearly ten years building a career in international agricultural development, my identity was wrapped up in that work. When I was unexpectedly laid off, I had to shift from thinking about what I had lost to thinking about what I wanted to build next. Starting over was both exciting and intimidating.
Building Scallywag also meant wearing every hat. One minute I was designing a website, the next I was learning bookkeeping, creating marketing materials, networking with local businesses, or figuring out social media. There are so many parts of running a small business that people never see, and I’ve learned something new almost every day.
Perhaps the biggest challenge has been earning trust. Pet owners aren’t just hiring someone to walk their dog—they’re trusting you with their home and a beloved member of their family. That’s something I never take for granted. Every meet-and-greet, every visit update, every photo, and every conversation is an opportunity to show clients that their pets are being cared for as if they were my own.
One thing entrepreneurship has taught me is to redefine success. In my previous career, success was measured by large budgets, international travel, and complex projects. Today, success might look like a nervous rescue dog greeting me at the door with a wagging tail, a cat finally deciding I’m trustworthy enough for chin scratches, or a client telling me they were able to truly relax on vacation because they knew their pets were in good hands. Those moments may seem small, but they’re the foundation of everything I’m trying to build.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the path. The challenges forced me to grow in ways I never expected, and they gave me the confidence to build a business that reflects who I am and what I value.
As you know, we’re big fans of Scallywag Pet Services LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Scallywag Pet Services was built on a simple idea: pets deserve more than just a quick stop-in—they deserve care from someone who genuinely enjoys getting to know them.
Based in Alexandria, Virginia, Scallywag provides dog walks and drop-in visits for dogs, cats, and other small pets. Whether I’m taking a high-energy dog on an adventure, spending extra time with a senior pet, or winning over a shy cat who prefers to observe from across the room, I believe every pet deserves individualized care that’s tailored to their personality and routine.
One thing that sets Scallywag apart is the level of communication and transparency. Clients receive detailed visit reports, photos, and updates after every visit, so they always know exactly how their pets are doing. My goal is for clients to enjoy their workday, vacation, or time away without wondering if everything is okay at home.
I’m also proud that Scallywag combines the warmth of a neighborhood pet sitter with the professionalism of a well-run business. Before starting Scallywag, I spent nearly a decade managing complex international development programs, and I bring that same level of organization, communication, and reliability to every client relationship. From streamlined scheduling and clear expectations to personalized care plans and dependable service, I’ve built the business around giving pet owners confidence that their pets are in great hands.
At its core, though, Scallywag is about relationships. Pet care isn’t just about feeding pets or taking them for a walk—it’s about earning trust. Every meet-and-greet, every visit, and every interaction is an opportunity to learn what makes each pet feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Over time, clients stop feeling like customers and start feeling like part of the crew. Seeing a once-shy cat finally ask for attention or having an excited dog greet me at the door knowing we’re off on our next adventure are some of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Brand-wise, I’m probably most proud that Scallywag feels like an extension of my personality. The name is playful, the pirate theme brings a little fun to every interaction, but underneath it all is something I take very seriously: being someone people can rely on. I want every client to know that when they trust me with their pets and their home, that trust is never taken for granted.
As Scallywag continues to grow, my goal isn’t to become the biggest pet care company. It’s to become the company people think of when they want someone who will care for their pets as thoughtfully as they do. If pet owners can leave home knowing their pets are safe, happy, and genuinely cared for, then I know I’ve done my job.
After all, that’s what Scallywag is all about: helping people leave home with confidence, knowing their crew is in good hands.
Ready for adventure, Matey!
How do you define success?
My definition of success has changed a lot over the years.
Earlier in my career, success often meant promotions, managing larger projects, traveling internationally, or taking on more responsibility. Those experiences were incredibly valuable, but starting Scallywag has given me a different perspective.
Today, I define success by the trust I’ve earned and the impact I have on the people and pets I serve.
Success is having a dog race to the door when I arrive because they know we’re about to go on an adventure. It’s earning the trust of a shy cat who eventually decides I’m worthy of chin scratches. It’s receiving a message from a client saying they were actually able to relax on vacation because they knew their pets were in good hands.
Of course, I want Scallywag to continue growing, but growth has never been the goal for its own sake. I’d rather build a business that’s known for exceptional care, genuine relationships, and unwavering reliability than simply be the biggest. If people think of Scallywag as the company they trust most with the pets they love, I’ll consider that a success.
On a personal level, success also means waking up excited about the work I get to do. I spent years building a career I was proud of, and now I have the opportunity to build a business that reflects my values while serving my own community. That’s something I don’t take for granted.
At the end of the day, success isn’t measured by how many pets I care for—it’s measured by how well I care for each one.
Pricing:
- 30-minute adventure walk-$30
- 15-minute adventure walk-$22
- 30-minute drop-in visit (dogs, cats, and small animals)- $30
- 15-minute drop-in visit (dogs, cats, and small animals)- $22
- Complimentary meet & greet
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scallywagpetservices.com/
- Instagram: @scallywagpetservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19TbirhhS6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
