25 Years of Trusted Pet Sitting in Chandler and the East Valley

For 25 years, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service has cared for pets where they feel safest and most comfortable: at home.

What began in 2001 as Kara Tovar’s alternative to traditional boarding has grown into a trusted professional pet sitting service for families in Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and parts of Mesa. Over the years, the calendars, technology, and team have changed. The purpose behind TLC has not.

“The first feeling is gratitude,” Kara says. “I think about all the pets we’ve cared for, the relationships we’ve built, and the trust people have placed in us.”

A Lifelong Love of Animals Inspired TLC

Animals were part of Kara’s life long before TLC opened its doors. Her mother owned a boarding facility, giving Kara an early look at how stressful boarding could be for some dogs and for the people leaving them behind.

She also grew up caring for dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, horses, and a bird. Her family bred champion Golden Retrievers for more than 30 years and traveled throughout the United States to show and handle their dogs. Those experiences taught Kara about animal behavior, responsibility, and the bond families share with their pets.

They also planted the idea that became TLC: pets could receive dependable, loving care without leaving the familiar sights, sounds, and routines of home.

“When I started TLC in 2001, my goal was to give pet parents an alternative to boarding,” Kara explains. “Twenty-five years later, that mission is still at the heart of everything we do.”

An Early Emergency Shaped the Way TLC Cares for Pets

One of Kara’s first pet sitting assignments coincided with the attacks of September 11, 2001. Her clients were traveling and could not return home for four additional days after flights were grounded.

A routine reservation suddenly became an extended emergency. The experience made one thing immediately clear: unexpected situations do not pause a pet’s need for food, medication, attention, and dependable care.

That lesson helped shape TLC’s approach to professional pet sitting. Clear communication, detailed instructions, emergency planning, and reliable backup support are not extras. They are essential parts of helping pet parents leave home with confidence.

From Paper Calendars to Real-Time Pet Updates

Professional pet sitting looked very different in 2001. Many people relied on friends, relatives, or neighbors because they did not know hiring an experienced pet sitter was an option. TLC managed visits with paper calendars, phone calls, and handwritten notes.

Today, clients can use online scheduling, a client portal, mobile communication, and visit updates with photos. These tools make it easier for pet parents to stay connected while they are away and help TLC’s team manage each pet’s individual care instructions.

Technology has improved the process, but it has not replaced the personal relationship at the center of the service.

What Makes Professional In-Home Pet Sitting Different?

Asking a neighbor or family member to check on a pet can work in some situations, but they are usually helping as a favor and fitting visits around their own schedules. Professional pet sitting makes the pet’s care the responsibility, not the favor.

TLC provides:

• Trained, insured pet sitters

• Care based on each pet’s routine, personality, and needs

• Detailed instructions for visits and home care

• Communication and photo updates while clients are away

• Experience with daily routines, medications, and unexpected situations

• Backup support when needed

That structure brings consistency for pets and peace of mind for the people who love them.

More Than Pet Sitting: 25 Years of Relationships

Kara knew TLC was becoming something special when clients began referring friends and returning whenever they traveled. Some of those early clients remain part of the TLC family today.

Over 25 years, the team has welcomed new puppies and kittens, cared for longtime companions as they aged, and supported families through difficult goodbyes. TLC has also helped people through vacations, demanding work schedules, family emergencies, and other moments when dependable pet care mattered most.

“It’s not just about caring for pets,” Kara says. “It’s about being there for people when they need someone they can trust.”

Serving Pet Families Across the East Valley

TLC is proud to provide in-home pet sitting, dog walking, overnight care, and house sitting for families in Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and select areas of Mesa, Arizona.

Every household is different, so the team takes time to learn each pet’s normal routine, personality, favorite activities, and care needs. The goal is simple: help pets remain safe, comfortable, and loved while their people are away.

For Kara, hearing that a client could relax because TLC was there remains one of the greatest compliments the company can receive.

Thank You for 25 Years of Trust

TLC’s 25th anniversary belongs to every client who has opened their home, every sitter who has cared for a beloved animal, and every pet who has become part of the story.

“Thank you to every client who has trusted TLC with their pets and homes over the past 25 years,” Kara says. “To every pet and every family we’ve had the privilege of caring for, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives.”

The next chapter of TLC will continue to be built on the same promises that started it all: reliable service, personalized care, genuine compassion, and peace of mind for East Valley pet parents.

Looking for a Trusted Pet Sitter Near Chandler, Arizona?

If you need dependable in-home care for your pets in Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, or select parts of Mesa, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service is here to help. Contact TLC to discuss your pet’s routine, confirm service availability in your neighborhood, and plan care before your next trip or busy week.