Meet Jill Merjeski | CEO of Pet Care Business

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

Hi Jill, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Honestly, building Jill’s Next Door was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken—and also the most aligned decision I’ve ever made. I moved to South Florida during a time when everything in my life felt like it was falling apart. My career path, my relationships, my sense of purpose—it all felt like it was crumbling. But looking back, I realize things weren’t falling apart—they were falling together.

I had reached a point where I felt truly lost. The life I had built in Philadelphia no longer felt like mine. I was unhappy, doors were closing, and I knew deep down that I couldn’t keep building on something that didn’t reflect who I was. I was drowning in quicksand. It felt like rock bottom—but it was also the beginning of something incredible.

During that dark time, I remembered notes I had saved twenty years earlier about starting a pet care business. I recalled calling other pet sitting companies from the Yellow Pages, asking what they charged. That moment was quick, and fleeting—I felt that because I had just finished my Masters degree in Educational Counseling, it wasn’t the right time. But I had held onto that dream, and it was always in the back—sometimes the forefront—of my mind. Looking at those old, passionate, hurried notes, I knew exactly what I needed to do.

So I took the leap. I sold my apartment in Philly, packed up what was left of my life, and moved to South Florida with no clear plan—just a deep knowing that this was the right path. I found a temporary place to stay and started building my passion project from scratch. I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing—but I knew my intuition was leading me. I wasn’t looking back.

It was a risk—emotionally, financially, spiritually. But I wasn’t just starting a business—I was reclaiming my life. Jill’s Next Door became a reflection of everything I value: compassion, intention, beauty, and service. And every step I’ve taken since has been about staying true to that vision, even when the path felt unknown.

Being CEO of a pet care company like Jill’s Next Door means I’m constantly navigating both the emotional and operational layers of leadership. There’s the spiritual side of what I do—leading with compassion, intention, and drive—but there’s also the very real, very practical side that requires me to be quick, strategic, and adaptable.

One of the biggest challenges is that I wear every hat. I oversee branding, client relationships, scheduling logistics, team management, marketing, hiring, networking, alliances, customer service, admin work, website management. and expansion planning—all while staying grounded in our mission. That means I make decisions daily that affect not just the business, but the lives of our clients, their pets, and my team. There’s risk in that. If something goes wrong—a scheduling error, a miscommunication, a service hiccup—it reflects directly on me and the company I’ve built.

There’s also the challenge of scaling with integrity. We choose not compromise the quality of care or the emotional connection we offer just to grow faster. That’s a risk in itself—choosing depth over speed in a world that’s used to the hustle. But I know that staying aligned with my values is what makes Jill’s Next Door sustainable and meaningful. Through that mindset, we’ve actually attracted more work because clients keep coming back to us. It’s such a beautiful thing.

Financially, there’s always risk. I’m investing in new markets, creating new services, and finding creative ways to expand our reach. Most pet care businesses don’t have a corporate safety net—but I have intuition, experience, and a deep belief in what I’m building.

And of course, there’s the emotional labor. Pet care is personal. Clients are trusting us with their companions, their routines, their homes. That level of trust requires presence, empathy, and consistency. It’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up well, every single time.

So yes, the risks are real. But they’re worth it. Because this isn’t just a business for me—it’s a purpose. And I’m willing to meet the challenges head-on to build something that reflects who I am and what I believe in. My business is—and will always be— passion-driven.

The risks paid off. We’ve earned 28 awards—local, national, and international—for the work we’ve done, and every single one reflects the heart, strategy, and care that’s gone into building this company. Being named the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Business of the Year in 2025 was a huge moment for us. Being named Pet Care Provider of the Year on the international level through the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) was also surreal. It felt like a full-circle validation of everything I’ve poured into this—from the vision to the day-to-day operations.

Locally, we’ve been honored as Best Pet Sitters of Highland Beach, and we’ve made the Hall of Fame for Best Pet Sitters in Boca Raton three years running. We’ve also won Best Pet Sitters in Palm Beach County multiple times, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, Community Choice Award winner, and received the Best of Florida award. Those community-based recognitions mean the world to me because they speak to the trust we’ve built with our clients and the relationships we’ve nurtured over time.

Each award is a reflection of the risks I’ve taken—starting from scratch, abandoning my old life, leading with intention, and staying true to the mission even when it meant going against the grain. I’m proud of the recognition, but I’m even more proud of what it represents.

I think one of the most rewarding aspects of being a CEO is the freedom it creates—freedom to give back in ways that truly matter to me. It allows me space to show up for the charities and organizations that align with my heart. I’m able to dedicate time, energy, and creativity to causes I care deeply about, and that’s one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.

Giving back has always been at the heart of my mission, so I created a small rescues that works with other local cat rescues, called Jill’s Next Door Feline Alliance Program. This program is one of the most soul-aligned projects I’ve ever created. Through the Alliance, I launched a Volunteer Program for students that not only fulfills their school community service hours, but also teaches them the deeper value of compassion and care. These students help socialize kittens preparing for adoption, make pet toys in bulk, organize pet food drives, and even raise butterflies in growth kits to learn about nurturing life. It’s about planting seeds of empathy early on.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I took a leap and founded a farm where we built a cat sanctuary specifically for unsocialized and senior kitties—those who often get overlooked. I raised the funds, designed the space, and brought in a team of volunteers who were given stipends to support their time and effort during such a challenging season. It was a labor of love, and a reminder that even in uncertain times, we can create safe, healing spaces for the most vulnerable.

We’ve also partnered with beautiful brands like Candles for a Cause, Scentsy, Saint Rocco’s Treats, AdoptAgust, and Ropes for Rescues to create a curated shop where customers can purchase items that directly support national animal rescues. It’s a way to turn everyday purchases into meaningful impact—and it reflects the heart of our mission.

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to help thousands of pets in need through both hands-on rescue and community initiatives. In 2023, I hosted NAPPS’ Presents 4 Pets Program, and in 2022, I led PSI’s Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive® benefiting Tri-County Animal Rescue. These programs are so close to my heart—they bring people together, raise awareness, and provide real support to shelters doing incredible work.

Education and empowerment are also huge parts of my mission. I had the opportunity to implement PSI’s Early Education Program® with 111 students at Emerging Minds Academy, and it was such a powerful experience. We talked about pet rescue, safety, and what it means to build a career in pet care. I also partnered with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida through their Entrepreneurship Program to share my journey as a woman CEO and help them see how passion and purpose can turn into a thriving business.

It’s important to me that young people—especially girls—see what’s possible. That they know they can lead with heart, build something meaningful, and make a real impact in the world. These programs gave me the chance to plant those seeds, and I’m so grateful for it.

For me, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about using that platform to uplift, serve, and create change.

What should our readers know about your business?
Jill’s Next Door Dog Walking & Pet Services, LLC is a multi-award winning pet care company that offers dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi, canine aqua fitness, special needs pet sitting, house checks, concierge services, and wedding pet attendants. But we are more than just a pet care company—we are a heart-centered mission built from the ground up, rooted in compassion, excellence, and a deep respect for the bond between humans and their pets. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to customized care. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; every pet has their own temperament, energy, size, and age; and we honor them through tailored services that meet their individual needs. From GPS-tracked visit reports in real time to concierge offerings and special needs care, we’ve created a system that prioritizes peace of mind for pet parents and love for their beloved fur companions.

Getting here wasn’t easy. After my major life transition—moving to South Florida and leaving behind a 16-year career in academia to pursue something I knew very little about, was daunting. Every single step I took has been a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of leading with heart. I’m proud that I built this from the ground up. It was dirty, messy, and completely uncomfortable. I’ve made a ton of mistakes. I failed many, many times. As the saying goes—blood, sweat and tears—yes, that is certainly part of this industry. I’ve ended up in urgent care after dog attacks. I’ve cried through major events like COVID—19 and the uncertainty it dragged along with it. Sweat? In South Florida, that’s all you do! Imagine walking multiple dogs in August during an extreme heat wave? And we can’t forget about the hurricanes—they have been devastating in their own way for outdoor services. I learned failing isn’t all encompassing failure-it’s a stepping stone. Sometimes a stepping boulder—but failing is imperative for growth. Each time I fell, I came back stronger, better, and more clear on my direction.

There were moments of financial uncertainty, emotional vulnerability, and the daunting task of building a brand from scratch. But I leaned into authenticity, trusted my intuition, and surrounded myself with a team that shares Jill’s Next Door’s mission and values.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that when you build something with intention and integrity, the right people and opportunities will find you. I’ve learned that authenticity is magnetic. That people respond to intention. The other lessons I learned was to lead with heart. Stay curious. Trust the process. Building a business is a spiritual journey as much as a logistical one. You have to be willing to evolve, to listen, to let go of what no longer serves. You have to get comfortable with failure and learn to balance vulnerability with strength, and creativity with structure.

I want the world to know that Jill’s Next Door isn’t just about pet care—it’s about creating a little world of trust, love, and excellence. It’s about transforming adversity into service, and showing that even the most personal challenges can become the foundation for something beautiful. It’s never too late for self reinvention. Trust the process and enjoy the journey. The next goalpost is waiting for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting South Florida for a week, I’d create an itinerary that includes everything I love about this place—the beach sunrises, dynamic culture, and unforgettable experiences from Delray Beach to the heart of Miami. We’d start with morning yoga on the beach, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. Then we’d head to Glimmer Café in Delray Beach, an adorable spot inspired by classic European cafés. Their latte menu is to die for—and the ambiance is incomparable.

We’d dedicate a full day to Atlantic Avenue (the “Ave”)—one of my absolute favorite streets in Florida. It’s full of character, with boutiques to explore, art to admire, and restaurants perfect for people-watching. It has a charm that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. For dinner, we’d head to Anthony’s Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale. It has that old-school supper club vibe—plush booths, live jazz, and incredible food. Their chicken vodka parmigiana is a must, and the tableside Caesar salad adds a special touch. We’d end the night dancing and people-watching on Las Olas Boulevard, vibing with its energy.

Midweek, we’d dive into Miami’s electric downtown. First stop: South Beach. We’d stroll Ocean Drive, take in the pastel Art Deco buildings, and then head to Crazy About You for waterfront dining and Serrano ham croquettes that are absolutely delicious. After that, we’d swing by Little Havana for Cuban coffee.

No trip would be complete without a visit to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor—the portions are outrageous, the vibe is nostalgic, and it’s worth every bite. We’d carve out time for nature too: kayaking through mangroves, catching a sunset cruise from Boca, and visiting Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami for elegance and some Instagram-worthy shots. We’d also make time for the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, a beautiful oasis carved from coral rock and fed by natural spring water from the aquifer below.

To wrap up the week, we’d head to Sunset Club in Hollywood, Florida, for rooftop eats and breathtaking sunsets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my dad, who saw something in me early on and gave me the tools to begin—literally. He bought me a desk and a computer, and that simple gesture planted the seed for everything I’ve built. It showed that he believed in my vision. I’m also deeply grateful to my mom, my brother Joey, and my sister Amy. Their support has been unwavering through every challenge, rebuild, and leap of faith. And of course, to my incredible team—thank you! You inspire me every single day with your dedication, heart, and belief in our mission. I wouldn’t be here without you.

I also want to thank the people who believed in me when I barely believed in myself—the clients who trusted me with their pets, the mentors who saw my potential, the friends who encouraged my passion and witnessed the light in my eyes again, and the community that welcomed Jill’s Next Door with open arms.

I’m also deeply grateful for the organizations that have readily welcomed me as I am—especially The Junior League of Boca Raton and the incredible charities I’ve had the honor of being part of. Through these experiences, I’ve met some of the most inspiring, powerhouse women—full of heart, purpose, and grace. Their friendship and leadership have uplifted me in ways I’ll never forget.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’d thank the adversity—the closed doors, the heartbreak, the moments that felt like failure. They were all catalysts. They stripped away what wasn’t mine and made room for what was.

Most of all, I’d thank the part of me that never stopped dreaming—even when the dream was buried under years of comfort and compliance. That 20-year-old girl waited patiently. And when I was ready, it was her spirit that led the way.

Website: https://www.jillsnextdoor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillsnextdoordogwalking/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillsnextdoordogwalking

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jillsnextdoordogwalking/

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/jill-s-next-door-dog-walking-and-pet-services-highland-beach

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCzRvhdPfHoF9DNC32kYVpdw

Image Credits
Gozde Turgut www.GozdeTurgut.com