Texas Pet Sitter Conference :
Savvy’s Adventure
in Austin & San Antonio, Texas
There’s something about Austin that just feels alive.
The skyline reflecting off Lady Bird Lake — which is actually a reservoir on the Colorado River. The green spaces woven throughout downtown. The trails buzzing with runners, kayakers, and dog lovers. And of course, the iconic “Keep Austin Weird” energy that encourages creativity, authenticity, and bold leadership.
Attending the Texas Pet Sitters Conference hosted by the Texas Pet Sitters Association was professionally impactful.
But what made this trip truly special?
The connections.
Not Just for Texans
One of the most inspiring things about the Texas conference?
It wasn’t just Texans in the room.
Yes, it was proudly hosted by Texas — but professionals traveled in from:
- Georgia
- Virginia
- Califorinia
- Canada
- And of course… Florida
State associations may be rooted locally, but their reach is expanding.
In fact, I met four other professionals from the Sunshine State at the conference. Seeing fellow Floridians investing in education, growth, and industry leadership made me incredibly proud.
It reinforced something important:
State associations aren’t exclusive.
They’re collaborative.
And when professionals cross state lines to learn from one another?
The entire industry gets stronger.
A Full-Circle Leadership Moment
As the owner of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC and current President of the Florida Pet Services Association, this was my first conference outside Florida.
When FPSA was forming, we studied strong state models — and Texas was one of them.
To now attend their conference in person, represent Florida, and connect with fellow industry leaders felt incredibly full circle.
National associations remain vital for certification and broad standards.
But pet care is local.
State associations provide that regional relevance — and Texas demonstrated how powerful that structure can be.
Learn More about the Texas Pet Sitters Association: https://txpetsitters.com/
Meeting My Social Media Team
Austin also gave me the opportunity to meet part of my social media team in person — B Plot Creative.
🌐 https://www.bplotcreative.com/
After months of collaborating virtually, connecting face-to-face brought a whole new level of relationship and energy to our work together.
It’s amazing how a handshake and shared laughter can strengthen professional partnerships.
A Visit to The Book Burrow
Another highlight was visiting my longtime friend Kelsey Black at The Book Burrow.
🌐 https://www.thebookburrowbookstore.com/
📱 @thebookburrow
Her bookstore is a cozy, beautifully curated space that feels like a love letter to community and storytelling. As someone who writes, builds brand narratives, and values connection, stepping into her shop felt aligned with everything I believe about small business ownership.
Supporting fellow women entrepreneurs — whether in pet care, marketing, or books — is something I’ll always prioritize.
Green Space, Big Ideas
Walking along the Colorado River trails after structured conference sessions felt symbolic.
Austin balances professionalism with breathing room.
Structure with creativity.
Leadership with authenticity.
That “Keep Austin Weird” spirit doesn’t mean unstructured — it means original. Confident. Individual.
And that’s exactly how strong state associations are rising:
Rooted locally.
Connected nationally.
Collaborative globally.
A Meaningful Stop in San Antonio
After the Texas Pet Sitters Conference in Austin, Savanna made a quick trip to San Antonio to visit The Alamo — and by pure coincidence, arrived on the 190th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Alamo.
Standing on those historic grounds on such a significant date felt truly auspicious. It was a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and legacy — themes that echoed the leadership and growth conversations from the conference.
The day ended on a lighter (and delicious) note with pizza at The Historic Pearl alongside our new friends at Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting LLC .
What began as a conversation about Time To Pet at the conference turned into collaboration ideas, industry insight, and a genuine connection.
You can learn more about Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting LLC here:
🌐 https://www.pawtimefavoritepetsitting.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawtimefavoritepetsitting/
From history at the Alamo to pizza at The Pearl, San Antonio delivered perspective, partnership, and a little Lone Star magic.
Lone Star Lessons
This wasn’t just my first conference outside Florida.
It was:
- A leadership milestone
- A state association inspiration trip
- A reconnection with friends
- A strengthening of professional partnerships
- A reminder that community crosses state lines
Texas showed that when professionals gather — from Georgia, Virginia, Canada, Florida, and beyond — we’re not competing.
We’re building.
And y’all…
When that many passionate professionals come together under one big Texas sky?
The future of professional pet care looks bright.
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
