Life & Work with Mechelle “Sheli” Bollon of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mechelle “Sheli” Bollon.

Hi Mechelle “Sheli”, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved animals — so much that, since childhood, they’ve been my favorite “people.” I’ve always seen them as our equals and treated them as such. As a young adult, I began rescuing the ones I could, caring for the companion animals of friends and family, and finding any way possible to have them in my life. Those who came into our lives to stay were always considered my adopted children and siblings to my (human) daughter — ha!

In 2010, after a separation from my then-husband and watching everything familiar fall apart, I knew I needed to start over and rebuild my life. After years of doing office management, bookkeeping, and similar work, I was ready for something that truly filled my soul. I was fortunate to take a bit of a sabbatical — time to rest, reflect, and realign. Naturally, I continued doing what I loved most: caring for animals.

During an extended stay caring for a family member’s animals, I was surprised when, upon her return, she insisted on paying me. She said something that forever changed my life: “Just because you love what you do doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paid for it — in fact, it’s even more reason you should.” Out of that conversation, Sheli The Pet Nanny was born. For the first time, I was following my heart and earning a living doing what I loved.

To my surprise and delight, the business grew rapidly by word of mouth. Before long, I was booking a year in advance! I stayed in clients’ homes to make separations from their “pawrents” easier for the animals. In the early years, I also offered dog walking, but as my schedule filled, I focused more on overnight nannying and found a few wonderful, trustworthy people to handle the daily walks. Eventually, I met my amazing assistant in 2012, and together we cared for so many beloved animals over the next eight years.

Then, in 2020, like so many other small businesses, COVID forced me to close the “doggy doors” . . . mostly. I transitioned back into the corporate world, this time finding deeply meaningful work supporting cancer patients and their loved ones. It’s different, but still soul-filling in its own way. Thankfully, I’ve been able to continue Sheli The Pet Nanny with a few long-time clients whose schedules align with mine, and I cherish every moment I get to spend with my “furiends.”

Sheli The Pet Nanny has always been more than a job — it’s my heart. It’s been a constant flow of love, lessons, laughter, and healing. The experiences I’ve had, the heartbreaks and joys I’ve shared, the places I’ve been, and the animals who have mended parts of me I didn’t even know were broken — all of it has been priceless. I know how truly blessed I’ve been to live this Pet Nanny life, one where my heart and my work came together so effortlessly. I may not know the odds of that happening, but I know they worked out perfectly for me.

The greatest gift of all is that I now find myself not only an advocate and voice for the companion animals who share our homes and hearts, but for all animals — especially those who are so often overlooked or misunderstood. The factory-farmed, the ones labeled “ugly” or “scary,” those exploited for entertainment or labor, those tortured in laboratories, and the ones confined behind bars in zoos and aquariums. All of my sweet charges as Sheli The Pet Nanny opened my eyes and heart to recognize that every animal feels emotion, loves their families and friends, and deserves to live happy, healthy, and free — just as we humans do.

What an amazing gift!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I mentioned earlier, starting my business was effortless. But running a business that requires constant presence — trying to meet everyone’s needs while having no real time off for rest or pleasure — was deeply exhausting. Because I chose not to hire others as nannies, the financial side was often challenging as well. And while navigating different animal personalities was something I loved, their “pawrents” had personalities too, which could sometimes be tricky to manage. Over time, I also had to overcome my own insecurities about asking for the necessary accommodations I needed while staying in clients’ homes.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Sheli The Pet Nanny, I provide loving, in-home nannying for animals while their families are away — offering comfort, consistency, and companionship in the place they feel safest: their own home. I specialize in what I affectionately call “Slumber Pawties,” extended stays that help minimize stress and separation anxiety, especially for pets who are older, sensitive, or experiencing time away from their “pawrents” for the first time. My approach is gentle, intuitive, and deeply nurturing, creating a calm, familiar space filled with the same affection and attention they receive from their families.

Beyond tending to their physical needs, I focus on emotional care — building trust and connection with every animal I care for. I’ve had the joy of working with all kinds of personalities: from shy rescues and chatty birds who like to perch on my head while they sing me their songs, to little “miniature dinosaurs” who share my veggies, sleek house panthers, high-energy pups, and senior companions. My greatest joy is knowing that the animals in my care feel safe, loved, and genuinely understood.

I’ve become known for my deep love of my sweet charges, my willingness to take on “difficult” animals, and my ability to coax even the most hesitant souls out of their shells — all while being responsible, dependable, and communicative. Many also know me through my playful social media page, @shelithepetnanny, where I capture the fun, quirky, and heartwarming personalities of my furry (and feathered) friends.

What I’m most proud of is the integrity behind my name — my title, Sheli The Pet Nanny, and the invaluable trust my clients place in me. I feel deeply honored each time I’m entrusted with their beloved companions.

What sets me apart is the personalized level of care I provide. When I first started, few (if any) others offered true in-home nannying — staying in their homes, providing one-on-one attention, and keeping to the animals’ familiar routines. I take them to their vet or grooming appointments, work with their trainers, and even accompany them on playdates, hikes, and beach outings. Unlike traditional boarding, where animals are away from home and among unfamiliar animals, my service is designed to be entirely personal and stress-free. And when clients return, they find their home as meticulous as when they left — complete with fresh sheets, a small plant or flowers (always non-toxic!), and a handwritten thank-you card expressing my gratitude for the time I spent with their fur children.

Sheli The Pet Nanny is truly unique, and I take great pride in that. It’s not just a business — it’s an extension of my heart.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My daughter has always been my biggest cheerleader! But I also have to give immense credit to my assistant, “Nanny Dina,” who joined me in 2012. During her years with me, she not only helped expand Sheli The Pet Nanny services but was endlessly supportive — always contributing creative ideas and almost never saying no to a job.

Truly, the “pawrents” themselves have been a constant source of encouragement. One client, an attorney, even helped with the legalities of my business, paying all the necessary fees herself. Their support, recommendations to others, and heartfelt gratitude for knowing their pets were safe and happy while they were away from home and they could relax — the encouragement I’ve felt from this is difficult to put into words.

One client, Nancy, has become not only a dear friend but also a mentor. Over the years, she has been unwaveringly supportive, teaching me smart business strategies, clever ways to communicate, and how to set healthy boundaries. Her faith in me as a woman running a small business and her encouragement to persist have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for her guidance and friendship.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shelithepetnanny