Pet sitter Nikki Tajkowski doesn't advertise much. She doesn't rely on social media campaigns or flashy promotions. Nearly every new client comes from a simple recommendation: "Call Nikki." For the residents who trust her with their beloved pets, that's all the introduction she needs.

Originally from northern Indiana near Notre Dame, Nikki attended Indiana University to study nursing. Although she ultimately chose a different career path, the compassion and attention to detail she developed in healthcare continue to shape the way she cares for both animals and their owners.

After relocating to Ohio in 2008 for her husband's job, Nikki spent several years working in an elementary school before an unexpected opportunity changed everything. Someone on the Nextdoor app was looking for someone to walk their dog during the workday. "I already walked my own dogs every day," Nikki recalls. "I figured I could walk someone else's, too."

One client became several. A few years later, one of those dog-walking families asked if she would stay in their home while they vacationed. That one request snowballed into a business.

Today, Pet Sitting by Nikki keeps her busy seven days a week, often from early morning until 10 at night. Some days, she stays overnight with one family while making scheduled visits to several others. Along the way, she waters plants, brings in mail, opens and closes blinds, turns lights on and off, cleans litter boxes, administers medications, and keeps homes looking lived in while owners travel. "I don't want anyone driving by to know my clients are on vacation," she says. 

The pets always come first, but Nikki understands she's caring for an entire household. She has coordinated appliance repairs, overseen remodeling projects, handled plumbing emergencies, purchased pet food when supplies ran low, transported pets to veterinary appointments, and even tackled an ant invasion before suggesting the homeowners call an exterminator. All the while, she does not enter any private areas, and she always cleans up after herself. "It's how I'd want someone to care for my home,” she states, noting that she wouldn’t want to clean up after a pet sitter, especially after vacation. 

At home, Nikki shares life with Charlotte, a 4-year-old Schnoodle, and Charlie, an apricot Goldendoodle rescue she adopted when he was 6 months old. Both happily welcome visiting guests, although Nikki laughs that they spend the first few minutes enthusiastically barking their greetings every single time.

Over the years, she's cared for an unforgettable cast of personalities with names like Oscar, Vinnie, Ruby, Apollo, Jasper, Ginger, Sophie, Nacho, Milo, Duke, Winston, Max, Bailey, Sadie, and Charlie. 

Every pet has its own personality, routines, and quirks. Some sleep in bed. Others insist on their favorite blanket or crate. One highly trained pup named Jasper has spent years teaching Nikki his impressive list of tricks. Another rescue named Carey never became comfortable enough for Nikki to safely enter the home, despite several careful attempts. "It was the first time I ever had to say I couldn't take a client,” comments Nikki, who puts safety first. 

Relationships often extend well beyond the pets themselves. Many of Nikki's clients have become close friends. They exchange Christmas gifts, meet for dinner, and welcome her grandchildren when appropriate. Others simply refer to her by a title that captures exactly how she treats every animal in her care: "Aunt Nikki." That nickname means a lot because the bond is real. "When the pets pass away, I grieve," she shares. 

Recently, Nikki lost one of her own dogs, Joey, the poodle featured in the logo on her business card. Yet even through personal loss, she continues showing up for the families who count on her. "I've been bitten a few times,” she notes. “I've worked through being sick. Unless I'm in the hospital, I don't call off."

Holidays look a little different in Nikki's family. Thanksgiving dinner might include a trip outside between courses to let the dogs out. Christmas often means morning or evening visits before celebrating at home. "It's 24/7, 365 days a year," she explains. "But these animals are so good for my heart. I never dread going from one house to another."

Because her schedule fills quickly—sometimes more than a year in advance—Nikki encourages families to reach out as soon as they're considering travel. "You can always change the dates later," she says. "I'd rather hold your spot."

For Nikki, pet sitting has never been about feeding animals or taking them outside. It's about giving families the confidence to leave home knowing someone will care for their pets exactly as they would. And maybe spoil them just a little, too.

Planning a no-pet getaway? Connect with Nikki today: 574-340-8093 | focusedmind73@yahoo.com.