You know, when you look at businesses that really make a difference, you often find someone at the helm who's not just running a company, but truly addressing a need in their community. That's definitely the case with Ryan Kelsey, the non-binary owner of Let Them Have Treats. Ryan's story isn't just about building a successful business; it's about a personal journey that led to xe discovering a passion for helping others, both people and pets, in a really meaningful way. And, speaking of community, with Pride Month having just wrapped up, it feels like the perfect time to highlight a business like Ryan's, which so deeply embodies the spirit of inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.
Radical Self-Care and Community Building
Ryan Kelsey's path to founding Let Them Have Treats was not a direct one, but rather a winding road paved with significant life lessons. Before immersing xeyself in the pet care industry, Ryan carved out a demanding career in sales management and honed xeir culinary skills as a chef. For over two decades, xe navigated the high-stakes world of retail and sales, constantly driven by the challenge of securing the next big deal. "I love a challenge and hearing no because it challenges me to get you to say yes," Ryan reflects, highlighting a tenacity that would prove invaluable in xeir later entrepreneurial endeavors. But honestly, that constant push just got tiring. Ryan realized xe was making a lot of money for other people and really only getting a tiny piece of it.
Ten years ago, Ryan had a stroke. This pivotal event forced a complete reevaluation of priorities, which gave rise to a new commitment to "radical self-care." Ryan clarifies, "Not the bubble bath kind. For me, radical self-care is making sure I am drinking water and taking meds – I quit everything that wasn’t in my best interest." This was a 180-degree shift from a mindset of "what does the world owe me" to a deeply personal reflection on "what can I do and what legacy do I want to leave behind."
Ryan’s lifelong love of animals was shaped by a close bond with xeir childhood dog, Duchess. Duchess, a "furry breadbox with newspapers for legs," was more than a pet; she was a guardian who, at a tender age, saved Ryan from a potential car accident. Their profound connection played a big role in what came next. Ryan started getting into pet care informally in 2018 through platforms like Rover and quickly discovered how fulfilling it was. "Why wouldn't I do this? Let’s do it," xe recalls. The business steadily grew, attracting a loyal clientele who specifically sought Ryan's empathetic and skilled approach. Soon, demand became overwhelming, so Ryan made the decision to scale the business.
Let Them Have Treats was built on the belief that everyone deserves care, compassion, and connection—especially those who’ve been overlooked. For Ryan, that mission started with a deep love for animals and a clear-eyed view of the gaps in the pet care industry. Early on, xe often said “yes” too quickly, driven by a desire to help and a sense of responsibility to step in where others fell short. But over time, those good intentions sometimes led to difficult situations—both for Ryan and the pets involved. Learning to set boundaries wasn’t just a practical lesson; it was a reflection of a deeper commitment: to serve with intention.
That same intentionality runs through everything Ryan does. As an elder in the queer community and a trans individual, Ryan keenly understands the challenges faced by marginalized groups. "I have 3 young queer kids that live with me. I needed me at their age and I didn’t have myself," xe shares. Mentorship, mutual aid, and safe spaces aren’t abstract ideals for Ryan—they’re daily commitments. Inspired by xeir grandmother, a social worker who believed in helping “as many as you can, as often as you can, and in as many ways as you can,” Ryan has woven that spirit of care into the heart of Let Them Have Treats. It’s more than a business—it’s a community in motion.
PetPocketbook: A Partnership in Purposeful Growth
As Let Them Have Treats expanded, so did the administrative burden. Relying on Google Calendar for scheduling became unsustainable, and the significant fees and limited control offered by most software xe found posed a considerable challenge. Ryan vividly describes the frustration: "The biggest challenge was when using other platforms, the big slice they take out of your paycheck under the guise that if you didn’t have the platform, you couldn’t do this." This realization prompted Ryan to seek a more aligned partner, one that shared xeir commitment to transparency, trust, and community. This search led to the adoption of PetPocketbook.
PetPocketbook transformed the back-end operations of Let Them Have Treats, giving Ryan back invaluable time to focus on growth and building deeper client connections. "It’s allowed me to step away from admin more so I can meet people and grow clients," Ryan explains. The platform's intuitive design and minimalist aesthetic resonated deeply with Ryan’s team and clients – streamlining scheduling, communications, and billing. Pet parents appreciate the ease of use, and Ryan values the flexibility of custom rates, which allows xeir company to truly meet diverse client needs. This newfound efficiency has been a critical factor in the business's remarkable expansion: Let Them Have Treats grew from 10 to 80 clients and welcomed five new team members in less than six months. Ryan also commends PetPocketbook for its responsiveness to feedback, noting, "I’ve seen those things come to fruition. It’s cool to hear you guys listen." This collaborative relationship with a technology partner that genuinely understands and supports small businesses has been instrumental in Let Them Have Treats' success.
A Vision for the Future: Education, Empowerment, and End-of-Life Care
What truly distinguishes Let Them Have Treats is its consistent, intentional approach to pet care —rooted in consent and “trauma-informed” practices. That means understanding that some animals may have experienced fear, neglect, or overwhelm in the past, and adjusting care to prioritize trust, choice, and emotional safety. "Everything I do is intentional. There are no coincidences," Ryan emphasizes. This philosophy permeates every interaction, from the careful vetting of team members to ensuring that every animal feels safe, secure, and happy. Ryan states, "Consent is everything. That we care about them. We care about their well-being, how they think, how they feel. Their standard of care."
This dedication extends beyond basic services; it's about being the "next best thing to you" – a promise of safety, security, and happiness for every pet in their care. The team's understanding of animal behavior, combined with a trauma-informed lens, makes them especially equipped to support pets with complex histories. This unique approach is evident in stories like that of Abby, a dog who took hours to trust Ryan enough for a nail clipping, a small moment that reflects the deep patient, consent-based care.
Looking ahead, Ryan has big ambitions for Let Them Have Treats, rooted in education and community empowerment. A significant goal for 2026 is the development and offering of comprehensive pet CPR and first aid classes. Ryan points to a major gap in awareness and preparedness: "There’s no pet 911. What do you do if you don’t have education or knowledge?" By providing accessible, in-depth training, Ryan aims to raise the standard of care not just for their clients, but for the wider pet parent community. This initiative stems from Ryan's own certification and ongoing training in this area, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and sharing expertise.
Beyond educational endeavors, Ryan envisions a non-traditional franchising model. The goal is to create a curriculum and operational framework that empowers other individuals to establish their own fulfilling pet care businesses, minimizing upfront costs and maximizing their chances of success. This initiative is deeply personal for Ryan, who, as a high-masking autistic individual and a member of various marginalized communities, understands the challenges of traditional employment. "I want to prove a type of work where people can make a living wage and do work that is fulfilling and doesn’t hurt their bodies," Ryan explains. Furthermore, Let Them Have Treats is exploring the addition of end-of-life care services, recognizing the profound impact of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. The goal is to support pet parents during that incredibly difficult time with care, presence, and compassion.
Let Them Have Treats is more than just a pet care business– it’s a reflection of the world Ryan wants to help build. With trauma-informed care, inclusive hiring, accessible education, and a deep respect for animals and their humans, Ryan created a vibrant community rooted in empathy and intention. It’s a place where pets are understood; people are empowered; and the traditional boundaries of what pet care can look like are being reimagined.
For Ryan, this work is personal – but it’s also an invitation. An encouragement for others to follow what they care most deeply about, even if the path forward isn’t fully clear. As Ryan eloquently put it, "Figure out what you care about the most, figure out what you want to do with it and f*** it, let’s go. Don’t wait for the ducks to get in a row. Just do it." This bold, compassionate, and all-in spirit is the very heart of Let Them Have Treats.
