06/06/2026
โ ๏ธ Please read the whole post: Animal Evalution is ๐ป๐ผ๐ closing ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ and I'm still taking bookings. This is simply an honest update about the business. โ ๏ธ
After almost 12 years of running Animal Evalution, this is one of the hardest posts I've ever had to write.
Many of you have been part of this journey for years. You've trusted me with your pets, recommended me to friends, supported me through busy periods and quieter ones, and helped Animal Evalution become what it is today. For that, I will always be grateful.
Running a small business has never been easy. There have been times when I've been rushed off my feet and times when I've wondered where the next booking would come from. That's the reality of being self-employed. Unfortunately, my bookings have now reached an all-time low.
Part of that is simply the passage of time. Many of the dogs who were among my very first clients nearly 12 years ago are now reaching the ends of their wonderful lives and crossing the rainbow bridge. Losing them is heartbreaking in itself, and naturally it also means saying goodbye to some of the bookings and routines that have been part of Animal Evalution for many years.
I am also incredibly grateful to my regular clients who continue to book week after week. Some of you may not always need my services, but you know how much your dogs enjoy the socialisation, routine, enrichment, and time we spend together. Your continued support means more than you'll ever know.
I completely understand that other factors are at play too. The cost of living has affected everyone, and services such as dog walking, daycare, pet care and training are often among the first things people have to cut back on when money is tight. There is absolutely no blame or resentment in this post. The reality is simply that the same pressures affecting my clients are affecting me too.
The truth is that the current level of bookings is no longer enough to sustain the business.
Over the past few months, I've had to make some incredibly difficult decisions and have started looking into full-time employment outside of the animal care industry so that I can support myself financially.
Writing those words breaks my heart.
Animal Evalution has never just been a job. It has been my life for nearly 12 years. It is my heart and soul.
It is my baby.
For years I've refused to admit defeat because I believe so strongly in what I do. I still don't want to give up. But without a significant increase in bookings for dog walking, daycare, pet sitting, training and animal talent work over the coming months, Animal Evalution will likely have to close.
This isn't a goodbye, and no final decision has been made. I am still here, still taking bookings, and still committed to providing the same care, dedication and love that I always have.
If you've ever thought about booking a service, recommending Animal Evalution to a friend, sharing this post, or simply spreading the word, it would genuinely mean the world to me right now.
I currently have availability for dog walking, daycare, pet sitting, training, and animal talent work.
Whatever happens next, I want to thank every single person who has supported Animal Evalution over the last 12 years. Thank you for trusting me with your animals. Thank you for believing in me. And thank you for being part of a journey that I will always be proud of.
Eveey โจ
