Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristal Coleman.
Hi Kristal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, everyone! I’m Kristal, founder of Kristal’s Paws and Cuddles, Ltd., based in Mebane, North Carolina. I spent over 27 years in education and retired in 2018 after a fulfilling career as a teacher. After retiring, I decided to follow another passion I’ve always had, caring for pets.
In December 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic, I launched my pet-sitting business. What started as a passion project has grown into a journey of trust, care, and unconditional love for every client, whether they have fur, feathers, fins, or hooves.
Animals have always been my constant companions and my greatest source of joy. I’m a proud pet mom to two fur-babies, Jazzy Mae and Jax, whose playful spirits inspire me to treat every pet I care for as if they were my own. I’ll never forget my interaction with one of my newer clients, a beautiful dog named Lula. During our Meet and Greet, she was playful and excited to meet me, showering me with kisses. But during my first visit, when it was just the two of us, she was withdrawn and stayed in the bathroom most of the time. I sat on the floor with her, speaking calmly and gently, building her trust little by little. By the end of the visit, we were playing fetch in the backyard. Moments like that, watching a pet’s personality unfold and knowing I helped them feel safe and loved, remind me why I do this work.
From daily visits and dog walks to overnight stays and specialized care for birds, fish, and other pets, my mission is simple: provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where pets feel cherished and truly at home. I’m lucky to have the best clients! They take the time to tell me about their pet family members, and I learn something new every visit (who knew there were so many types of cat litter?). Every day is different, and I look forward to the joy, quirks, and little surprises that come with caring for each one.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially starting a business during the pandemic. I met with clients during our initial Meet-and-Greets wearing masks and staying spaced apart, learning to build trust in a completely new way. Early on, I also wondered if I could manage it all—running my own business as a self-employed entrepreneur when my background was in education, not business.
As the sole pet care provider, I quickly learned the importance of thoughtful planning, clear communication, and maintaining balance. My Meet-and-Greets are very detailed because I want to know as much as possible about each pet—their routines, preferences, health needs, and quirks—so I can provide the best care. I’m always asking questions and learning, which has been an important part of both my business growth and my own self-care, making sure I don’t overextend myself. My supportive spouse has been a tremendous help, reminding me to pause when needed and celebrate small wins.
There was so much to learn: refining my scheduling, understanding the unique needs of different breeds and species, learning about pet diets, types of cat litter, and finding creative ways to engage shy or anxious pets. Each challenge became a growth moment, shaping both how I care for animals and how I run my business.
Being in high demand has been a wonderful challenge. My business has grown from just three clients in the first few months to nearly 60 clients today. At times, that means having to say no to potential new clients—an important lesson in setting boundaries and protecting both my time and the quality of care I provide.
Looking back, the only thing I might have done differently would be starting my business sooner. These experiences helped me build a business grounded in trust, compassion, and professionalism. And the best part? Seeing pets happy, healthy, and comfortable in their own homes. Every lesson has been worth it, and having balance, curiosity, and support along the way has made the journey even more rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Kristal’s Paws and Cuddles, every pet is treated like family. I’m the owner and sole pet sitter, providing loving, personalized care that your furry, feathery, or finned companions can count on. With five years of professional experience and a lifelong love of animals, I make sure every pet feels safe, happy, and truly cared for.
What sets me apart is consistency and one-on-one attention. Your pet isn’t just a client—they’re part of my extended pet-loving family. I’m the only sitter who enters your home, so pets receive care from someone they know and trust. Services are flexible to fit each family’s schedule, from daily visits and dog walks to overnight stays, playtime, quiet companionship, or extra TLC. After each visit, I provide a Paws and Cuddles Report Card and send text updates with photos or videos, giving pet parents peace of mind and a detailed look at their pet’s appetite, play, personality, and overall well-being. Communication is very important to me; I reach out to confirm services well in advance and ask about any changes to diets, routines, or needs.
Each of my services is designed with pets’ unique personalities in mind. For example, my Cat’s Corner packages is tailored for feline-only clients, providing cozy play, treats, and companionship, while dog walking is fully customized-some dogs love short strolls, while others enjoy longer sight-seeing adventures. I also offer creative packages like the Bed & Breakfast, which includes (2) daily visits and the Almost Overnight package with three visits, thoughtfully structured to meet each pet’s individual routine.
Safety and professionalism are always a priority. Kristal’s Paws and Cuddles is fully licensed and insured, and I’m certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust and loyalty I’ve built with families in my community. Many clients share glowing reviews, refer me to friends and neighbors, and become part of the extended Paws and Cuddles family. This is a business I created from the ground up, continually refining my services to be unique, personalized, and high-quality. I’m especially excited about expanding in 2026 with the Paws and Cuddles Concierge Service, providing safe, reliable transportation for pets to vet appointments, daycare, grooming, and more. I took online courses on starting and running a pet-sitting business and hold a Class T License to ensure safe pet transport.
For me, this work is more than a business-it’s a mission to keep pets happy, healthy, and truly loved while their families are away.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I was fortunate to grow up in a family of animal lovers, surrounded by a variety of pets—dogs, rabbits, birds, fish, and guinea pigs. My paternal grandparents had a backyard pen full of hound dogs, while my maternal grandparents’ farm seemed to attract dogs constantly. Most of them earned the name Lucky because, well…they always seemed to find their way there!
One of my fondest childhood memories is of our dog, Lovey, full name “Lovey Laveena Lavay!” Out of five kids, I was the only one who gave her consistent one-on-one attention. I carried her around like a baby, snuck her treats, and spent hours just sitting with her or watching her explore. Even when I was student teaching, I called home often to check on her. Lovey lived a long, happy life, and losing her was heartbreaking. That bond taught me the value of love, patience, and truly caring for another being-lessons that have stayed with me and inspired me to create Kristal’s Paws and Cuddles.
At heart, I’m just a girl who loves dogs, cats, and every furry, feathery, or finned friend in between.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristalspawsandcuddles.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KPACLLC/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kristals-paws-and-cuddles-mebane
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=kristal%27s+paws+and+cuddles%2C+ltd
