5.0

My Story Animals have been my entire life, and I am incredibly lucky for it! I have a Bachelor's degree in Animal Behavior and am currently pursuing my PhD in Zoology at the University of British Columbia, specializing in animal behaviour and cognition. With 15 years of professional animal experience, I've worked with and cared for dogs professionally in several capacities as a kennel manager, daycare supervisor, professional conservation canine handler, and dog trainer, while also providing dog sitting and dog walking services. As a daycare supervisor, I regularly and safely managed up to 35 dogs in free play, ensuring the dogs were happy, getting along, and well cared for. Working as a kennel manager, I managed the care of up to 50 dogs at a time, ensuring each dog received food, water, medication, exercise, and love. I also worked as a conservation dog handler in Virginia, managing a team of 20 border collies to safely herd wildlife away from construction and human activity. My dog training experience includes conducting behavioral evaluations and consultations, obedience training, and behavior modification both professionally and as a volunteer helping shelter dogs prepare for adoption. I specialize in helping dogs and their families understand each other better, and in working with anxious, reactive, and unsocialized dogs. As for my other experience, I have worked as a wildlife researcher in the US and Africa, a zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and I also managed a wolf sanctuary. Now I'm focusing on my favorite species, your best friend, and mine, the domestic dog. I have worked with all types of dog breeds and temperaments from all kinds of backgrounds. I'm dog and cat CPR certified, and this diverse background has given me exceptional skills in reading dog body language, managing multiple dogs safely, and working with high-drive working breeds. Bottom line: I know what I'm doing when it comes to dogs, and I am more than happy to do it. Meet My Partner My close friend and roommate, Naomi, has now partnered with me to provide exceptional pet care services through Rover. (This is why you'll see my name alone in previous reviews, but now we work together as a professional team!) Naomi brings fantastic experience as a veterinary technician with over 5 years in animal care, including 3.5 years working in Vancouver's veterinary clinics and 4 years of dog sitting in our community. She has a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and is currently completing her Veterinary Technology degree. Before joining veterinary medicine, Naomi worked as a wildlife rehabilitation manager, where she cared for injured and orphaned animals, administered medications, and helped animals recover from trauma - experience that makes her especially skilled at handling anxious or stressed pets. Her gentle, caring approach and veterinary expertise make her an amazing addition to our team. What Makes Us Different I have a particular talent for helping nervous pets feel comfortable and building trust quickly - as my clients often mention, even the most anxious dogs seem to warm up to me right away. My academic background helps me understand the "why" behind behaviors, while my years of hands-on experience let me work effectively with any dog personality or behavioral special needs. Naomi's veterinary background with extensive clinical experience and deep understanding of animal health perfectly complements my behavioral expertise. Together, we can provide both immediate behavioral support and recognize any health concerns that might arise, ensuring your pet receives comprehensive professional care. We are known for our reliability, excellent communication (expect regular updates and photos!), and our genuine love for what we do.