We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillary Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillary, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing many people in the pet sitting and boarding industry often overlook is just how emotionally intuitive animals can be during transitional moments like when their humans leave or when they’re in a new environment.

It’s not just about feeding, walking or playing, it’s about reading subtle behavior cues, recognizing signs of anxiety, overstimulation or even grief and adjusting your approach in real time to make them feel secure. The ability to build trust quickly and communicate nonverbally with each pet is a skill that often goes unspoken but it’s what separates a good sitter from a great one.

You’re not just offering a service, you’re becoming their temporary safe space.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in connection, between pets and people, between comfort and care, between trust and transformation. Whether it’s a candid photo of a senior dog soaking up the sun, a zoomie filled afternoon with a foster pup learning to trust again or a peaceful boarding moment in our home, every part of what I do is a reflection of heart, intuition and dedication.

What sets me apart is the emotional investment I make in every pet and every family. This isn’t just a business for me, it’s a calling. I work with rescues, train dogs with anxiety and trauma and offer one on one boarding that feels more like a sleepover at a best friend’s house than a kennel stay. Every detail from fresh water to belly rubs to personalized updates is handled with love.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I started with nothing but a passion for animals and a drive to make a difference. There were moments of exhaustion, financial setbacks, car breakdowns and growing pains as I built this from the ground up. But I overcame those challenges by staying rooted in purpose, learning from every bump in the road and showing up consistently, even when it was hard.

I’ve learned that success doesn’t always look like a fancy title or a big team, it’s in the wagging tails, the tearful thank yous from pet parents and the quiet confidence of a once scared dog learning to trust again.

What I want the world to know is that this isn’t just pet care, it’s heart work. It’s about showing up for the voiceless, creating safety and joy and reminding people that animals are family. M & N Pet Services isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement of compassion, one paw at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town for a full week? Buckle up, we’d be packing the week with good food, Texas charm, pet friendly adventures and all the heart and soul this area has to offer. Here’s the dream itinerary..

Day 1: Welcome to Texas!

Start slow! Pick them up and head to The Porch in Dallas for some killer comfort food and cocktails. Then take a stroll around Klyde Warren Park to soak up the skyline and people watch. Finish the night with rooftop vibes at HG Sply Co. in Lower Greenville.

Day 2: Local Gems + Vintage Finds

Brunch at Ferah Tex-Med in Garland (so underrated and so good), then off to explore Deep Ellum.. murals, vintage shops, local music and probably a tattoo if we’re feeling spicy. We’d grab tacos at Revolver Taco Lounge and close the day with a chill movie night on the couch… dogs included, of course.

Day 3: Pet Day + Nature Escape

Since animals are basically my co-workers, we’d bring a few furry friends for a hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve or a walk around White Rock Lake. Lunch at The Lot, great food, outdoor seating and dog friendly. Evening snuggles at home with wine, snacks and story sharing.

Day 4: Small-Town Charm + Antiques

Road trip day! Head to Downtown Waxahachie or Rockwall Square for antique shopping, coffee at a mom and pop shop and exploring local boutiques. Dinner back home with a homemade spread (probably featuring chips and salsa, let’s be honest).

Day 5: Art, History, and BBQ

Hit the Dallas Museum of Art or the George W. Bush Presidential Library if we’re feeling intellectual. Then feast on some Pecan Lodge BBQ in Deep Ellum. That night? Maybe a live show at Granada Theater or The Rustic, something with soul.

Day 6: Farmers Market + Spa Vibes

Morning stroll through the Dallas Farmers Market for local finds and fresh bites. Then we’d treat ourselves to a spa afternoon or mani/pedis. Dinner at Sixty Vines for wine flights and flatbreads, then come home to cuddle the dogs.. obviously.

Day 7: Lazy Sunday + Local Love

Coffee and breakfast at White Rhino or Roots Coffeehouse. Then just lay low, maybe stop by a local event or pop-up market, then dinner at Ebesu in Plano or some sushi and sake. Reflect on the week, laugh at all the chaos and plan our next adventure.

People and places not to miss..

Sunnyvale Book Fairs or community events (you might even see me set up with pet goodies!)

Any of the amazing shelters or rescue centers I work with because giving back is always part of the plan.

The locals here.. Texas folks are kind, quirky and full of heart.

It wouldn’t just be a vacation. It’d be a full blown, memory making, laughter filled, soul recharging experience. And yes, the dogs would be part of every day. Always. Want me to turn this into a social post or a blog? I got you!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, this journey has been anything but solo and there are so many hearts behind the scenes that helped bring M & N Pet Services to life.

First and foremost, I want to shout out my incredible clients.. the ones who believed in me before I had the fancy website, awards or full schedule. Your trust, referrals and support have been the heartbeat of this business. You welcomed me into your homes, shared your pets plus your stories with me and helped grow this dream with every kind word and review.

To my family and closest friends, thank you for the constant encouragement, for being there when I needed someone to cry to after a rough day or celebrate with after a big win. Y’all are my cheerleaders, my safe space and my reminder of why I do what I do.

I also have to give a big shoutout to the rescue and shelter community, Sunnyvale Animal Shelter, Mesquite Animal Shelter, Seagoville and beyond. Working alongside you has grounded me, humbled me and reminded me of the greater purpose behind pet care.

And finally, a quiet but powerful thank you to the version of myself that refused to give up. Every obstacle, every late night worry, every early morning that started with a leash and a prayer, it all led here. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

This business is built on love, grit and a whole village behind the scenes. So thank you, truly to everyone who’s ever been a part of it. Your support has shaped not just my business but my heart.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mxnpetservices?igsh=MTR6cXpyaXpiNzJoaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18yabT37ad/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/m-and-n-pet-services-dallas?osq=M+%26+N+Pet+Services

Other: https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=m%20%26%20n%20pet%20services&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#ebo=0

Image Credits
Hillary Adams

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