Ben Madilynn
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Kevin Neal, a longtime dog walker and trusted source for pet care in Cherry Hill, died of cancer on Thursday. He was 62.
In 1982, Neal founded PT’s Pet Sitting Service in Cherry Hill. Rather than putting pets in kennels or housing them in an unfamiliar location, PT’s visits each pet at home while their owner is away.
The business emphasizes compassion, which was clear for anyone who saw Neal interact with their pets.
“Kevin is especially great with animals; they sense his kindness and compassion and love him so much!” says a GoFundMe raising money for his loved ones. “And Kevin has loved each of his charges as if they were members of his own family.”
PT’s has become one of the region’s biggest names in pet care, touting itself as the “largest group of professionally trained, insured and bonded pet sitters in the state.” Neal also walked dogs as part of the business, becoming a familiar face throughout the neighborhood.
Recently, Neal was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. An online fundraiser was started last month to aid Neal and his wife, Tracy, as they navigated their new reality. The GoFundMe, which has raised nearly $14,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, will continue to support Neal’s family.
“For pet parents, Kevin has provided peace of mind and unwavering reliability,” the GoFundMe says. “To many of us, Tracy and Kevin became friends over the years, bonding with us over our shared love of animals (and sometimes football and baseball).”
Neal is also survived by two adult sons, Cody and Jack.
PT’s Pet Sitting Service remains active and is continuing to care for current and new customers.
