Partner Spotlight: Everything But Elephants
Our team is incredibly grateful for the support of partners like Everything But Elephants. Founded by Caitlin Jaisle, this local business provides premier pet sitting and dog walking services. Caitlin’s journey with Baypath began as a volunteer in 2021, and her commitment has only grown since then. Join Baypath’s Development Coordinator Katy Kesselman as she gets to know Caitlin and learns more about her inspiring contributions, her mission, and the services offered by EBE.
Katy: What inspired you to become part of the Baypath family?
Caitlin: As a local business owner, I was looking for an opportunity to give back that was in line with the central tenets of Everything But Elephants. I started volunteering at Baypath in 2021 and began sponsoring the annual Paws & Claws 5K the following year. Desiring to make more of an impact, I offered complimentary services to one of the South Korean pups Baypath welcomed in 2022. Our most exciting collaboration thus far was initiated in 2023 – donating 2% of every enrichment visit directly to this amazing organization!
Katy: You mentioned enrichment visits. Can you tell us more about the services offered by Everything But Elephants?
Caitlin: I started this business because I love animals and am passionate about helping them in any way possible. My team’s enrichment visits put this love and passion into action. These sessions are designed to meet each individual animal’s needs in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. For dogs, this could include a jaunt around the neighborhood, game of fetch or extra belly rubs, while cats may prefer an interactive puzzle or playtime. I always aim to meet my clients’ needs – and by ‘clients,’ I mean the animals I am fortunate to serve. My team hones in on what each pet actually enjoys, then creates custom enrichment focused on physical activity and mental stimulation.
Katy: Everything But Elephants utilizes Fear Free principles. What does ‘Fear Free’ signify?
Caitlin: Like Baypath, EBE is committed to preventing and reducing fear, anxiety and stress in pets. I am certified by Fear Free, a program offering pet professionals science-based strategies to address animals’ emotional wellbeing. During enrichment visits, overnight boarding, group walks and playdates, we focus on building trusting relationships while ensuring each pet is happily enjoying a good time.
Katy: Can you share more about the awesome people who make up the Everything But Elephants team?
Caitlin: Happily! Everything But Elephants is a cohesive, hard-working team. Julie is our Field Manager and Lydia is our dog walker. Kim recently joined as our feline and small animal guru. During the summer when my husband isn’t teaching, he assists with boarding and transportation – and gets the credit for our company name! I also must give a shout-out to my sister Emily, who was my biggest cheerleader when it came to dreaming up and starting this business. With her background as an Animal Behavior Center Manager, she has been an invaluable resource and source of inspiration throughout this meaningful journey.
Katy: Anything else you’d like to share with the Baypath community?
Caitlin: I love Baypath’s mission and feel lucky I am able to support it. The work you do stands apart from other shelters, as evidenced by staff longevity, training principles, volunteer safety and thoughtful matchmaking. While Everything But Elephants is a small business servicing Westborough, Shrewsbury, Northborough, Southborough, Marlborough and Hopkinton, Baypath helps animals from both near and far. Having lived in North Carolina for several years, I know first-hand just how essential it is to transport southern dogs up to places like Baypath. Your work is so important and truly saves lives!
Thank you, Caitlin, for sharing your inspiring journey and the incredible work you do with Everything But Elephants. We are grateful for your ongoing support and dedication to Baypath.
For more information about Everything But Elephants, visit everythingbutelephants.com. They offer full-service dog walking and pet sitting, focusing on your pets’ happiness through mental and physical well-being. EBE is fully insured and all of their sitters are Pet CPR and First Aid Certified. Caitlin Jaisle, Owner of EBE, is a Fear Free pet professional.
