591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger
Episode description
What happens when you treat pet sitting not just as a job, but as a serious and deeply rewarding responsibility?
Leanne Burger, owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting in South Africa, shares her journey from raising lion cubs to building a thriving team of pet sitters and groomers. Leanne shares how her passion for animals, commitment to trust, and attention to detail helped her business flourish across multiple cities. She explores the deep responsibility that comes with caring for both pets and homes and the balance needed to maintain quality as you grow. It's an inspiring look at how love, professionalism, and hard work can create a business that changes lives — both for people and their pets.
Main topics:
- Building trust with clients and staff
- Importance of attention to detail
- Managing business expansion
- Educating clients on pet care
- Balancing passion with boundaries
Main takeaway: "Pet sitting is a serious business, but it's an awesome responsibility at the same time."
Taking care of someone's beloved pets -- and their home -- isn't something we ever take lightly. Every visit, every walk, every overnight stay carries the weight of trust placed in us. It's a serious responsibility, requiring professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care. But it's also one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. We get to build relationships, make a difference in pets' lives, and be a source of peace for their families. That's why we show up every day with both dedication and gratitude -- because caring for pets is not just a service, it's a calling.
About our guest: Leanne Burger is the owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting and Mobile Pet Grooming based in East London, South Africa. Her passion for animals began early and expanded during her time raising lions and working in wildlife care. Since 2005, Leanne has grown her business to a team of over 24 pet sitters and groomers across multiple cities, focusing on trust, professionalism, and personalized care. With professional certification in dog grooming and a strong heart for helping others, Leanne's work enriches both her clients' and employees' lives.
Links
Website: https://goingawayel.co.za
Email: admin@goingawayel.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoingAwayEL
Instagram: leannejburger.goingawayel
Kevin Richardson: https://www.lionwhisperer.co.za
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Full show notes and transcript
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