I am heartbroken to share the tragic story of my beloved Tilly, who we recently lost due to the malpractices of a self-proclaimed “highly qualified” dog walker. This individual, who advertised her services on social media, led me to believe that she possessed the necessary qualifications and insurance to care for Tilly. Yet, on November 21st, everything changed. Despite forming a Facebook group and seeking the assistance of a search team, it took us 18 agonizing days to realize that Tilly would not be coming home. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in our family.

This devastating incident highlights a crucial gap in the current system regarding the ease with which individuals and businesses can advertise their services on social media with little to no verification. It is all too easy for unqualified individuals to pose as professionals, risking the well-being of our loved ones.

I am calling for the implementation of Tilly’s Law. This law would require stringent measures for businesses and individuals wishing to advertise services on social media platforms. Firstly, advertisers should be mandated to submit their insurance details, qualifications, and licenses for strict verification before they can post services online. This would ensure transparency, allowing the public to make informed decisions about whom to trust their pets and loved ones with.

Moreover, if these details cannot be verified, this should be prominently displayed on any advertisement. This transparency is vital not only for animal care services but for all service-based adverts on social media. By implementing these measures, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that only verified, qualified individuals offer their services to the public.

I urge policymakers to consider the implementation of Tilly’s Law, protecting other families from experiencing the heartbreak that mine has endured. Please sign this petition to safeguard the trust and safety of users engaging with service providers on social media. Together, we can make a difference and help prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.