As written in the Pasadena Perspective magazine
By Mia Katz
Date: Fall of 2022

For six years, Pet Porter Pals in Pasadena has been cementing the bond between seniors and their pets, regardless of life’s occasional challenges. The business specializes in providing pet care services and pet reunification visits to seniors experiencing limited mobility, cognitive decline (dementia) or who are no longer driving.

Pet lover and business owner/founder Carmel Mims shares the idea for the business came forth during an assignment for an entrepreneurship training program she was participating in with her mother at the beginning of 2017.

“At the time, I was assisting with her business and we joined the program in order to learn new methods and strategies for business growth,” she says. “One of the questions from the assignment asked about our passions in life, and after pondering for a few minutes what I could do with those passions, the idea of Pet Porter Pals began to form. I thought about what senior pet parents did when they could no longer care for their pets independently or if they had to move to a residence that didn’t permit their pets.

“I asked myself, ‘would they have to surrender their pets to a shelter or foster organization?’ and ‘what effect would that have on the senior and pet’s overall well-being?’ I then thought about potential solutions to those dilemmas, which seemed quite feasible, and Pet Porter Pals was born! I’ve always had a passion for animals and helping people, so the fact that my business encompasses both is a dream come true.”

Mims, who since childhood has had an assortment of pets including fish, mice, rats, a turtle and a rabbit, shares that her previous related work experience includes being an assistant to vet techs and veterinarians. These days, she has a “handsome little Betta fish named Edward” and one employee working with her to attend to everything from walking, driving, cat care and keeping up with texts/calls/emails.

“Most of my days begin with a 7:00 a.m. dog walk, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, and end at about 6:30 p.m. Mims says. “I walk anywhere from 6-10 dogs and up to 12 miles in a single day. In between dog walks are visits to my feline clients, where I administer medications, ensure their food and water bowls are refreshed and litter boxes are clean enough to meet their standards. Then (I’m) doing my best to answer texts or emails and schedule client requests for services.”

In October of 2019, Mims joined the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the result of which has been the benefit of networking and connecting with other business owners who can learn more about her business. “This not only brings awareness and potential clients to Pet Porter Pals, but allows me to also serve as a resource of a variety of businesses to my clients and colleagues,” Mims says.

Mims shares her efforts are going toward many goals, one of which is to have a facility that will offer care for the pets of seniors who have transitioned to assisted living facilities.

“With my business, it’s not uncommon for pets to outlive their human companions, or for the seniors to transition to housing where their pets are not permitted at all, thus leaving the pet for the family to figure out where to relocate. Luckily, the pets I’ve worked with who have become displaced for various reasons were rehomed right away rather than being placed in a shelter. I’m hopeful that my rescue/sanctuary/pet retirement home will be the ideal solution that would give senior pet parents and their loved ones peace of mind in knowing the pet would be immensely well cared for in the lap of luxury for the rest of its life with me.”

Mims shares her work is rewarding because of the relationships formed with her clients – both the two legged and four-legged variety, and some of them have become family. “Seeing how especially happy the dogs I see regularly is awesome,” she says. “The wagging tails, bouncy happy hops and endless kisses always make my day.

I love what I do; making a positive difference in the lives of pet parents and their pets is immensely fulfilling and gratifying, and I am so very grateful to be able to do so.”