Gladwyne-based PETacular Pet Sitting is providing people with autism with an opportunity to work with a student scholar on hand to help them get used to their new role, writes Beccah Hendrickson for ABC7.

PETacular Pet Sitting, the Main Line pet care company that provides pet care services through a diverse and inclusive workforce, has a partnership with the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.

PETacular Pet Sitting’s service has proven to be invaluable not just to pet owners but to the program’s employees, such as 23-year-old Ira Tucker.

“Of course, he’s shy like most autistic people and not really quick to warm up to people, so I love that he deals with dogs because animals are easier than people,” said Lisa Edwards, Tucker’s mother.

Tucker is accompanied on his pet-sitting sessions by Kathleen O’Neill, a scholar in the program.

“I partner along with him, I walk, and then I also have the iPad here where I continuously take data for the research center,” she said.

The job has also completely changed Tucker’s life, according to his mother.

“He’s a different person, he’s really blossomed since he started this,” she said.

Read more about PETacular Pet Sitting at the ABC7 by clicking here.