From Mary Poppins to Maya Poppins: How One Denver Entrepreneur Is Revolutionizing Pet Care

Maya Gopalakrishnan never imagined that a client’s playful nickname would become the foundation of her thriving Denver business. But when a satisfied customer dubbed her “Maya Poppins” after watching her arrive with a backpack full of toys, treats, and leashes for their beloved pet, she knew she’d found something special. Today, that whimsical name lives on as Pawpins Pet Sitting, a Denver-based dog walking and cat sitting service that’s redefining what it means to care for our four-legged family members.

 

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Maya’s path to entrepreneurship is as unique as her business model. Born in India and raised in New Jersey after her family immigrated to the United States, she eventually found her way to Denver about ten years ago. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, Maya took time to reassess her direction after losing her grandmother in 2018. That pause for reflection would ultimately lead her to discover her true calling.

In 2021, while attempting to adopt a six-year-old Doberman Pinscher, Maya faced an unexpected challenge. The rescue organization expressed concern about her lack of experience with large breed dogs. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Maya viewed it as an opportunity. “If I don’t have the experience, why don’t I go out and look for that experience?” she recalls thinking.

That determination led her to start dog walking through popular pet care apps, coinciding perfectly with the post-COVID landscape when people were returning to offices and traveling again. What began as part-time neighborhood dog walking quickly evolved into a full-time passion.

 

Building Something Better

By 2023, Maya was ready to launch Pawpins Pet Sitting as an independent company. Her decision wasn’t just about business independence; it was about elevating the standard of pet care in Denver. Maya had spent countless hours self-educating through YouTube videos and dog training podcasts, realizing that pet owners and their animals deserved more comprehensive care than what traditional services offered.

“I firmly believe that pet care is also people care,” Maya explains. “When I take care of somebody’s dog or their cat and give them peace of mind, I’m also taking part in taking care of a person and making sure that their lives are a little bit easier.”

Today, Pawpins Pet Sitting serves approximately 30 clients across Denver and surrounding areas including Aurora, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Englewood. About 25 of those clients are dog owners who rely on Maya’s services for daily walks Monday through Friday, with others scheduling regular weekly visits.

 

A Different Approach to Pet Care

What sets Pawpins Pet Sitting apart is Maya’s holistic philosophy toward animal wellness. She doesn’t just walk dogs; she curates hobbies for them. This unique perspective stems from understanding that many pets, especially working breed dogs like Border Collies and German Shepherds, live in homes where their natural drives and purposes go unfulfilled.

“These dogs were bred for specific lines of work,” Maya notes. “The average person has work and their own personal lives that they need to live. I like to work in tandem with busy pet parents, providing their dogs with the mental and physical outlet that they need.”

Pawpins Pet Sitting specializes in combining exercise with playtime and mental enrichment activities. This comprehensive approach doesn’t just tire dogs physically but engages them mentally, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviors at home. It’s a solution that benefits everyone: the pets stay stimulated and happy, and owners return home to calm, content companions.

 

Growing with Purpose

Maya’s business philosophy extends beyond individual pet care. She’s cultivated a network of connections with other Denver pet professionals, including dog trainers, veterinarians, and fellow pet sitters. This collaborative approach allows her to serve as a resource hub for her clients, providing referrals and guidance on everything from behavioral training to veterinary care.

The business has grown to include one talented employee, an aspiring dog trainer whose expertise has added tremendous value to the team. “The dogs and the humans have both told me that their dogs are so much more happier and fulfilled since she joined my team,” Maya shares with pride.

Maya’s commitment to the Denver pet community extends to volunteer work with local rescues. She regularly assists with a Husky rescue, providing dog care and helping transport new rescues arriving from out of state. She’s also recently begun volunteering with a local cat rescue, demonstrating her dedication to all types of pets.

 

Finding Home in Denver

For Maya, Denver offers the perfect backdrop for both her personal and professional life. Coming from the East Coast, she was initially surprised by Denver’s unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town warmth.

“Denver has this quality of being a very personable town,” she observes. “It’s a city, but you kind of feel like you live in a small town where you get to know your neighbors. People actually talk to you when you’re in public. People actually make eye contact with you.”

She recalls being welcomed to Denver a decade ago with a plate of warm cookies from a neighbor who also provided recommendations for local veterinarians and pet sitters. That spirit of community has shaped her approach to business, encouraging her to build genuine relationships with clients and fellow business owners alike.

The Denver community’s support for small businesses has been instrumental in Pawpins Pet Sitting‘s success, with most new clients coming through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.

 

Personal Growth and Professional Purpose

Perhaps what’s most inspiring about Maya’s story is her personal transformation. Growing up with learning disabilities including ADHD and dyslexia, she faced teachers who dismissed her potential. For years, she internalized those negative messages.

“It took me nearly 30 years to get to a point where I stopped believing in those things and I started believing in myself,” Maya reflects. Starting Pawpins Pet Sitting became more than a business venture; it became proof that she could lead, create, and succeed.

The animals she cares for have taught her invaluable lessons about patience, not just with them but with herself. In 2023, she finally adopted her own dog, a Siberian Husky who has inspired much of what she implements for client pets. Together with her cat of ten years, they form a family that grounds and motivates her.

 

Looking Ahead

Maya’s vision for Pawpins Pet Sitting extends well beyond Denver’s current service area. Within five years, she hopes to expand into Colorado Springs and Boulder, building a team of four to five employees who share her passion and philosophy. She’s also working toward obtaining her dog training certification, aiming to help pet owners in even greater capacity.

When she’s not caring for Denver’s beloved pets, Maya pursues her artistic interests, particularly oil painting in the Dutch master style, a skill she honed through lessons in New Jersey and continued in Denver.

 

Your Pet’s Happiness Is Our Priority

Maya Gopalakrishnan’s journey from medical student to successful pet care entrepreneur embodies the spirit of following your passion and serving your community with purpose. Through Pawpins Pet Sitting, she’s not just walking dogs; she’s enriching lives, both human and animal.

For Denver pet owners seeking more than just basic pet care, for those with high-energy working breeds who need mental stimulation, or for busy families who want their furry companions to thrive, Pawpins Pet Sitting offers a refreshing alternative rooted in knowledge, compassion, and genuine care.

Ready to give your pet the enrichment they deserve? Contact Pawpins Pet Sitting today to learn how Maya and her team can help your furry family member live their happiest, healthiest life.

Pawpins Pet Sitting
1285 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: (908) 635-6747
Email: pawpinspetsitting@gmail.com
Website: www.pawpinspetsitting.com
Follow on Instagram: @pawpinspetsitting_llc
Connect on Facebook: Pawpins Pet Sitting