Hi, I’m Rachel Falgout, born and raised in New Iberia. I have a passion for cooking up delicious meals, capturing life’s moments through photography, and belting out my favorite tunes. When I’m not enjoying time with my family, friends, and my partner, Will Bailey, you’ll find me happily caring for pets with Mary Puppins.

After graduating college, I moved to Atlanta, where I worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Headquarters, overseeing the organization’s teen initiatives for clubs across the country and military bases overseas. In 2020, I was laid off during the pandemic, which led me to sell my house and move back to Lafayette. Over the course of my 24-year career, I traveled globally, spending 70% of my time abroad. During that time, having a reliable pet sitter for my three fur babies—Ray Charles, Sophia Loren, and Boots Landry—was essential for my peace of mind.

Mary Puppins was founded in 2022 as a way to explore new opportunities. What began as a side project quickly turned into a full-time passion, bringing immense joy and satisfaction. Leaving corporate life behind, I embraced this journey wholeheartedly and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion.

Mary Puppins stands out because of our genuine love and care for each pet we look after. We pride ourselves on providing personalized and attentive service, ensuring that every pet feels comfortable and loved while its owners are away. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a home-like environment and building strong relationships with both pets and their owners. The most fulfilling part of what I do is seeing the joy and relief on pet owners’ faces when they know their furry friends are in good hands.

As a pet-sitting professional, my advice to the neighborhood is to always prioritize the well-being and comfort of your pets. Whether you’re hiring a pet sitter or considering pet care options, look for someone who genuinely cares about animals and has a track record of reliability and trustworthiness. It’s also important to maintain open communication with your pet sitter to ensure they understand your pet’s unique needs and routines. Lastly, never underestimate the value of a loving and attentive environment for your pets; it makes all the difference in their happiness and health.

Misconception: Pet sitters only provide basic care.

Reality: Professional pet sitters offer a wide range of services tailored to each pet’s unique needs, including administering medication, providing exercise and playtime, and even handling special dietary requirements.

Misconception: Hiring a pet sitter is too expensive.

Reality: While costs can vary, hiring a professional pet sitter can be cost-effective compared to other options like boarding. Plus, the personalized care and peace of mind they provide are invaluable.

Misconception: It’s difficult to find a reliable pet sitter.

Reality: Many professional pet-sitting services thoroughly vet their sitters, including background checks and training. Look for sitters who are insured and who come highly recommended by other pet owners.

Experience and Training: Ensure the pet sitter has experience with your type of pet and any special needs they may have.

References and Reviews: Check for positive testimonials from other pet owners.

Insurance and Bonding: This provides an extra layer of security and professionalism.

Meet and Greet: Arrange a meeting with the pet sitter to see how they interact with your pet and to discuss your pet’s specific needs.

By being informed and selective, you can find a pet sitter who will provide excellent care and peace of mind while you’re away.

Residents can benefit from Mary Puppins if they are looking for reliable, loving care for their pets while they are away. Here are a few signs that our services might be perfect for you:

Busy Schedule: If you have a hectic lifestyle,  travel frequently or just need a dog walker while you are at work, a professional pet sitter can ensure your pets receive the attention and care they need.

Special Needs Pets: If your pet requires special care, such as medication administration or specific dietary needs, a trained pet sitter can provide the necessary support.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that a trustworthy and experienced pet sitter is looking after your furry friends can give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your work or enjoy your vacation.

Personalized Care: Unlike boarding facilities, a pet sitter provides one-on-one attention in the comfort of your home, which can be less stressful for your pets.

Flexibility: Pet sitters can accommodate various schedules and specific requests, offering a more flexible solution than traditional pet care options.

If any of these points resonate with you, Mary Puppins could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

At Mary Puppins, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. I am an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Acadiana, where I engage in various community service projects. Additionally, I have proudly donated our pet-sitting services to nonprofit auctions across Acadiana and to the Stroll Saints Watch Party at Wonderland Performing Arts Academy in Lafayette. These contributions allow us to support local causes and connect with our community in meaningful ways.

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about Mary Puppins and my journey. I would also like to mention how grateful I am for the support of my family, friends, and the wonderful pet owners who trust us with their beloved pets. Their encouragement and trust have been instrumental in our success. I’m excited to continue serving the community and making a positive impact through our pet-sitting services.

“We never have to worry about Hank if Mary Puppins is in charge. She walks him, swims with him, and throws his toy chicken till he can go no more!“ - Boni Ritter, River Ranch resident 

“I needed a dog walker and pet sitter, so a friend recommended Mary Puppins to me, and I am so glad she did. Rachel AKA Mary Puppins is fantastic!  She is caring, responsible, reliable, and trustworthy. She is prompt and clear in her communication with you and finds a way to meet the scheduled times I am looking for. More importantly, my dog, Evangeline, loves her walks and time with Rachel. I appreciate that she keeps me updated with photos and text messages. I know that when I am away Evangeline is in good hands, being well cared for and loved on by Rachel. - Elizabeth Picard, River Ranch Resident

337-205-2451

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The most fulfilling part of what I do is seeing the joy and relief on pet owners’ faces when they know their furry friends are in good hands.