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

Hi Terri, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I always had dogs in the family, and I naturally became the primary caregiver for them as I got older. Even as a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, so I sought out opportunities to be around animals as much as possible. My journey into the pet care industry began when I was 16 or 17, working as a pet sitter on Rover while also holding a job at Noodles & Company in Maryland.

When I relocated to Texas, my home state, I continued pet sitting alongside other work. Over time, my passion for caring for animals grew, and I began expanding my experience to include not only dogs and cats but also horses, chickens, goats, and bunnies. As I immersed myself in the pet care industry, I noticed a recurring theme: many pet parents felt let down by unreliable sitters, poor communication, and even lost pets, especially on larger platforms like Rover and Wag.

This was eye-opening for me. Animals are among the most loving and loyal companions we have, and they deserve care that matches that love. I wanted to create a solution where pet parents could feel completely confident in the care their pets received. My vision was to form a team of highly dedicated caregivers who treat every pet as if they were their own.

This vision ultimately led to the creation of Haven Pet Concierge. To pursue this dream, I relocated from Texas to Florida, where I’m working to make this a reality.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been an incredible journey, one that started with a simple love for animals and evolved into something much bigger. What sets me apart is the deep sense of responsibility and care I bring to pet care. I don’t just see pets as animals; they’re family, and I believe they deserve nothing less than the best care possible.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients and the bond I’ve developed with their pets. Every time a pet parent tells me how much peace of mind they have because of my services, it reminds me why I started this journey. I’m also excited about how Haven Pet Concierge continues to grow and the opportunities to positively impact more pet owners and their beloved companions.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like any business, there were challenges—balancing schedules, gaining trust as a young entrepreneur, and ensuring every aspect of the service met my high standards. One of the biggest hurdles was building my reputation in new locations after relocating from Maryland to Texas and eventually to Florida. Overcoming these challenges required persistence, a genuine passion for what I do, and constant learning.

Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons: the importance of communication, reliability, and going the extra mile to provide exceptional service. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts and stay true to my values, even when faced with difficult decisions.

What I want the world to know about Haven Pet Concierge is that we’re not just a pet care service—we’re a team that truly cares about pets and their families. My goal has always been to create a trusted space where pet parents can feel confident leaving their loved ones, knowing they’re in the best hands. It’s more than a business; it’s a passion project rooted in love, trust, and respect for the amazing animals we care for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Broward and Palm Beach County, I’d ensure their trip highlights the best beaches, unique attractions, and incredible food. Here’s what our week might look like:

Day 1: Welcome & Fort Lauderdale Beach

Morning: Start with breakfast at The Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery, then spend the day relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Lulu’s Bait Shack, a fun, casual seafood spot with ocean views.
Evening: Take a sunset gondola ride on the canals of Fort Lauderdale (dubbed the “Venice of America”), followed by dinner at Casa Sensei, known for its Asian-Latin fusion cuisine.
Day 2: Arts & Culture in Fort Lauderdale

Morning: Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for history and beautiful tropical grounds.
Lunch: Stop at Rocco’s Tacos for authentic Mexican food and tableside guacamole.
Afternoon: Explore the galleries and shops on Las Olas Boulevard, followed by a stop at Stranahan House, the city’s oldest surviving structure.
Evening: Drinks at The Wilder, a chic bar with unique craft cocktails.
Day 3: Palm Beach Luxury

Morning: Drive to Palm Beach and have breakfast at The Breakers, a luxury resort with stunning views.
Day: Stroll Worth Avenue for high-end shopping and people-watching, then visit The Society of the Four Arts Gardens for a peaceful afternoon.
Lunch: Eat at Ta-boo, an iconic Palm Beach restaurant loved by celebrities.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Buccan, a hotspot for creative small plates.
Day 4: Nature & Wildlife

Morning: Explore the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, a tranquil space with beautiful landscaping and cultural exhibits.
Lunch: Dine at Dada, a quirky Delray Beach spot housed in a historic home.
Afternoon: Head to Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee for a drive-through wildlife experience.
Evening: Casual dinner at Deck 84 with water views in Delray Beach.
Day 5: Beach & Boca Raton

Morning: Spend time at Deerfield Beach, known for its quiet charm and pristine shoreline.
Lunch: Stop at JB’s on the Beach for seafood and oceanfront dining.
Afternoon: Visit Mizner Park in Boca Raton for shopping and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
Evening: Indulge in dinner at The Capital Grille for a classic fine-dining experience.
Day 6: Adventure in the Everglades

Morning: Take an airboat tour of the Everglades Holiday Park, where you can spot alligators and enjoy the natural beauty of South Florida.
Lunch: Have a laid-back meal at a local BBQ spot like Shivers BBQ.
Afternoon: Relax in the afternoon or explore the butterfly aviary at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek.
Evening: Celebrate the trip with dinner and live music at Shooter’s Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale.
Day 7: Farewell in Delray Beach

Morning: End with a leisurely brunch at Over the Bridge Café in Delray Beach.
Afternoon: Take a final stroll through Atlantic Avenue, visiting local shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere before heading to the airport.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my father. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Growing up, I watched him build his business from the ground up, and he became the perfect role model for me. He has always been incredibly supportive of everything I wanted to pursue, especially when it came to starting my own business.

Even now, he regularly checks in to see if there’s anything he can do to help with pet care and loves hearing about the animals I’m taking care of. His unwavering support and encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for all he’s done.

Website: https://Havenpetconcierge.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haven.petconcierge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havenpetconcierge

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.