About Therese
Hi, I’m Therese Kopiwoda, a web designer and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) specialist who’s worked almost exclusively with pet industry businesses since 2001.
That year I opened my own pet sitting business, LucyGirl Pet Sitting (named after my dog Lucy). Money was tight, so I taught myself web design to build my own site. Other pet sitters noticed and started asking me to build theirs, too. I’ve been designing pet business websites ever since, for pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, groomers, and daycares, for over two decades now.
In 2003 I launched PetsitUSA, one of the first online directories connecting pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers across the U.S. Under my ownership it grew into one of the most recognized names in the pet sitting industry, before I sold it in 2012.
How my client websites show up in search has always been part of how I build sites. Getting a client found was never separate from designing their website, it was the point. These days that means going beyond Google’s search results page. I focus on Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): making sure AI platforms like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity can find, understand, and recommend them when their potential clients ask.
I love helping small pet-industry business owners grow through websites that actually bring in new clients. Watching someone’s business take off, knowing I had a small part in it, never gets old.
Work with Me!
If you’re interested in working with me to design your WordPress website or improve your website AI Visibility, let me know!
Speaking
I would be delighted to speak to your group about website design or Answer Engine Optimization, especially for local businesses. Email me and let me know what you have in mind!
Webinars
- Title: Fetch More Clients: Easy Ways to Get Your Website Found by AI, Chicago Pet Sitters Networking Group, May, 2026
- Polly Wants an Answer: Easy Ways to Get Your Website Found by AI – Hoosier Feathered Friends, April, 2026
- How to Increase Engagement On Your Facebook Page – National Assn. of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), 2018
- Social Media 101 – CPDT-KA, 2017
- How Pet Sitters Can Use Live Streaming to Boost Business – Pet Sitters International, 2016
- How to Use Live Video for Your Pet Business – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, November, 2016
- Top Ten Things Your Pet-Sitting Website Must Have to be Most Effective, Pet Sitters Interntional, February, 2015
- How to Develop a Powerful Online Presence with Social Media, Prosperous Pet Business, 2014
Conferences
- Boost Your Pet Business with Facebook Live! – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, 2018
- Periscope for Pet Businesses – Texas Pet Sitters Conference, January, 2016
- The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Pet Sitting Website that Attracts Pet Owners & Helps Build Your Business – Pet Sitters International Conference, September, 2015
- Social Media 101 – Central Texas Mensa, Regional Gathering
- Pet Blogging: Not just a fluffy puppy story – Panelist at SXSW, March, 2008
Articles
- 10 Ways to Make Your Website More Visible to AI – NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter website, February, 2026
- The Tricks to Using Twitter – NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine, Spring 2017
- Social Media That Works – ContentCal, August, 2017
- Get Started with Facebook Live – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, October, 2016
- The Why and How to Use Periscope – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, June, 2016
- Dialing In Your Website to be Mobile-Device Freiendly – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, December, 2015
- Ask the Sight Hound, Monthly Column in Austin Pets Directory, 2003-2011
- Prescription: Pets – DateMyPet.com
- Finding a a Pet Sitter – DateMyPet.com
Mentions / Source
- Pets on Periscope #petloverstribe – She Owns It, November, 2015
- Family crisis, family pets / How to make sure the dogs get walked and the cats get fed when personal catastrophe strikes – SFGate, July, 2009
Other
- Founder of PetsitUSA – it was one of the first, and most popular, pet sitter directories online from 2003 until it was sold in 2012.
- Owner / Instructor at Austin Pet First Aid, Jun 2007 – Oct 2011
- Owner / Pet Sitter at LucyGirl Pet Sitting, Sep 2001 – Sep 2011
- Planning Team Member, CSU Pet Sitters Conference – 2006-2008