About Us

Niki's Story

I love all sizes and species of friendly creatures!

I have 30 plus years of experience caring for various pets including large and small dogs, domestic cats, lizards, snakes, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and fish.

I followed my passion for animals.

In early 2019, after being unable to continue working full time in manufacturing due to a health issue, I launched my own pet sitting business. I found my first client in February 2019, "Beaumont," a 3-month old Husky-Malamute mix who needed drop-in visits twice a week while his owner was at work. I fell in love with Beau and was hooked!

Right away, I earned my certification.

I completed American Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid Training (Click here to view) to ensure that I would be prepared for pet health emergencies. I also sought out one-on-one instruction from my family's AAHA Accredited Veterinarian on how to properly administer intradermal injections and the best ways to give a cat a pill.

I regularly continue my education.

I spend time each month reading animal behavior books and articles, following the pet sitting industry, and attending small business webinars to stay best in class.

I believe in maintaining a cheerful yet calm and assertive demeanor with pets.

I will always do my best to keep your pet's comfort level high and their stress level low. I have a lot of fun bonding with my pet clients!

I am a proud mother and a former Quality Manager in my mid-40's.

I live on ten acres of woods where we built a log cabin and raised a family. My family is now grown and I live here with three adorable adopted dogs and one crafty cat named Ursa Minor. Charlie is a 10 year old female Yorkie, Xander is a 5 year old large male mixed breed sweetheart, and Luna is a 3 year old medium-sized Lab / Border Collie mix that loves to cuddle and give kisses.

I regularly volunteer.

I love helping out with the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore Council.

Niki's Up North Pet Service has a history of delivering pet beds made from donated quilting scraps. These beds are provided to local animal shelters and rescues in northern Michigan in cooperation with "The Dog Bed Lady", Delphine's Quilt Shop, and the Heart of the Pines Quilt Guild.

Company History

Client App and Web Portal launched in June 2020.

Implemented Time To Pet pet sitting software.

LLC formed in January 2020.

Niki's Up North Pet Service has become an official "Legal Business Entity"! We are now a Limited Liability Company filed by the State of Michigan as Up North Pet Service LLC. We have also registered the Assumed Name of Nikis Up North Pet Service.

What this means to our clients:

1) Up North Pet Service LLC is recognized by the State of Michigan so you can rest assured that your pet sitting and pet boarding services are performed by a legitimate business.

2) The management of Up North Pet is run according to publicly-filed Articles of Organization, a privately-held Operating Agreement, and governed by Michigan Legislature Act 23. This adds to your Peace of Mind that our operations are consistent and legal.

3) Payments for services should be made to the company's name instead of your pet sitter's name. Checks should be made out to "Up North Pet Service LLC".

4) In the unforeseeable event that you should ever need to make a claim such as damages to your property or a lost or injured pet due to negligence by our staff, Up North Pet Service LLC is covered by business liability insurance. We included care, custody, and control and lost pet riders to further protect your precious pet family members.

Expanded Services in September 2019.

Began offering in-home Boarding and Daytime Care.

First Pet Sitting Booking in February 2019.

Assumed Name/DBA Certificate was filed in Crawford County, Michigan as "Niki's Up North Pet Service". Achieved first paid pet-sitting service agreement. Trademarks "Up North Pet Service", "Niki's Up North", and "@UpNorthPet" first used.

Business idea was born in January 2019.