About Us

I have always been an avid animal lover and advocate. I grew up always having cats and dogs in my life and as a teenager my mother started to foster for rescue dogs. This is where my deep admiration for animal behaviour work began. I most often took in animals who had just been rescued from severe cases of neglect. Since then I have worked hard to become educated on animal welfare, behaviour, and general animal care so that I can continue to help pets in need.

In 2015, I completed an apprenticeship to become a Canine Behaviour Consultant, and in 2023 I received the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants - Accredited Dog Trainer designation (IAABC-ADT). I have also completed certificate programs in Canine Emotion & Cognition from Duke University as well as a certificate in Animal Behaviour & Welfare from the University of New Edinburgh. Although I have finished my formal education in behaviour science, I regularly attend seminars and workshops to continue to keep up with the ever changing science. My methodologies are positive, reward-based training and I do not encourage the use of prong, choke/pinch or shock collars.

I also hold a certificate in Canine Nutrition from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, a course which was 200-250 hours of study and I completed it in May of 2024.

Most recently, I have taken on the role of President & Executive Director for The FAM Network (formerly SafePet Ottawa) - a charitable organization in Ottawa helping families flee domestic violence by fostering their animals. I was also a member of Women for a Humane Canada and sat as a founding member on the National Link Coalition.

In 2020, I was so fortunate to be able to purchase a new business - CocoMutts (a pet retail and grooming salon) and grow it to new heights amidst a pandemic. Because of this new found passion for animal health and nutirion I am now actively studying to receive my certification in canine nutrition from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute.

I was honoured in 2018 to be presented with the inaugural CBC Ottawa Trailblazers award and with the Tsirmpa Award at the Ottawa Wedding Awards for my work to make a difference in Ottawa.

You'll often see me at different rescue/charity events throughout the city helping to raise funds for different animal rescue organizations. I have also fostered for many different groups including: Loyal Rescue, Catahoula Rescue and Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue.

I can't wait to meet you and your fur-kids!

Conference apperances:

• March 2017: Animal Rescue Corps Training (Spoke both days - Canine Body Language & Assessment Techniques)
• April 2017: National Animal Welfare Conference (Spoke on behalf of SafePet Ottawa)
• November 2017: Canadian Violence Link Conference (Spoke on behalf of SafePet Ottawa)
• April 2018: Natinal Animal Welfare Conference (Spoke about Standards & Guidelines in pet care)
• June 2018: National Women In Shelters Conference (Spoke on behalf of SafePet Ottawa)
• November 2019: Canadian Violence Link Conference (Spoke on behalf of SafePet Ottawa)
• March 2020: World Pet Sitter Conference (Spoke about consistency in brand)

I grew up with animals in my life (dogs, cat, hamster, and a black dwarf rabbit) but it is only in the last decade that I have grown to love them for who they are: unique characters, full of love and affection for those around them who they trust. I want every animal to know they can trust me so I can meet their true personality. I also like to keep a routine as much as possible and extend the same to animals I care for. This makes it much easier for everyone involved :)

I am ruled at home by my 5 chihuahuas - Taco, Tay-Tay, Potamus, Ruth & Elton - so please do send help (and bring some extra cuddles - you'll need it).

Being the CTO for Dayna's Pet Sitting - as well as working full-time for a software security company in Ottawa - my main passion is to drive success for the company via software solutions. Come and meet me at one of the many events we are at - I'm the one whose head reflects the sun more and more each day.

I’ve been in love with animals my entire life as family and friends could attest. Ever since I can remember my dreams and goals have always involved animals in some way.

I am a registered veterinary technician since 2009, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) since 2022 and an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC-ADT) as of June 2023. I've completed multiple trainer programs including La formation Jacinthe Bouchard and Kim Cooper's (Best Friends Dog Training) certified dog trainer program, and Trish Lohr Shelter Dog Mentorship program. I keep up current reward-based and scientifically supported training practices through workshops, conferences and webinars as there’s always something new to learn in the field of animal behaviour.

I worked with shelter dogs for over 10 years at the Ottawa Humane Society and I'm currently working as an RVT at Almonte Veterinary Services.

From dogs, cats, rabbits and goldfishes to cougars, wolves and racoons I’ve trained with them all. I love challenges and I love finding solutions to improve relationships between humans and animals of all kinds. My passion is training and any opportunity I have to interact with someone’s pet is an opportunity to train whether it be during events, pet sitting or behaviour consults.

I currently share my home with 2 dogs (Navi and Piña ) and 3 cats (Boots, Sheldon and Pym). The more the merrier I always say!

In my spare time I love dabbling in various dog sports (ratting, scent detection, rally-o, lure coursing, conformation, tricks).

I look forward to sharing my passion with your pets.

I am the proud mom to 3 dogs, (Hamilton a chihuahua, Carter a yorkie, and Benito a chihuahua mix), 1 cat Romeo and one Timneh African Grey parrot named Echo – all are rescues. I have been an animal lover and advocate for as long as I can remember. From the little budgie I rescued from the Central Ottawa Exhibition when I was 11 to the stray dogs and cats I was constantly finding and returning to their homes, I loved them all.

I have many years’ experience fostering dogs for local rescue groups and also pocket pets for the Ottawa Humane Society. I have a real soft spot for the shy, sensitive dogs and love to see the transformation as they slowly gain their confidence.

My life revolves around pets and people and I look forward to meeting so many more, maybe yours!

I have always had a passion for animals. My very first job at age 13 was as a dog walker for a few families on my street. Following this I started taking care of a wide variety of animals for my neighbourhood! I took care of dogs, cats, hamsters, and birds! I loved every second of it! I come from a family of animal lovers, my family has two wonderful Dachshunds and a quirky Green Cheek Conure. I am also blessed to have a funky Cocker Spaniel mix in my life! These animals have become my family. Each pet is an essential part of a family and I strive to do my best to help each furry friend have happy tail-wagging experiences.

I am currently enrolled in Carleton University for my Bachelors of Psychology degree and will be graduating in the next year. I enjoy playing soccer, painting, spending time with loved ones and cooking!

I fully believe you can never have too many furry friends and I am excited to meet you and your fluffy family!

I have always had a strong love for animals, growing up with many pets in the house and a passion for riding horses. From the minute I was old enough to work you could find me in the barn, doing any task I could in order to spend some more time in the saddle.

Though my work began with horses, I started focusing on pet sitting while I was attending university and have not looked back! I love every moment I get to spend with client’s fur babies ensuring they are happy and healthy and receiving the care they all deserve. Over the years I have had the pleasure of caring for many dogs, cats, livestock, birds, small animals, and almost anything in between.

Outside of taking care of client’s pets, I am lucky enough to come home to my St. Berdoodle named Stella, and two guinea pigs, Seth and Ozzie, who are all a big part of the family.

I look forward to meeting your furry friends soon!

I have always had an immense love and passion for animals. I grew up walking and caring for family pets, and I even started my own dog walking company when I was in my early teens. I was asking my parents everyday for a dog, and they finally caved and adopted a beautiful Australian Shepherd who we named Clover. She has been my partner in crime for the past 13 years and she is still going strong!

Back in high school, I was the Junior Ambassador for an animal rights organization called PAWS for almost 4 years. I worked with them to ban the sale of pets in pet stores in Ottawa, and the bylaw came into effect a few years ago. Additionally, I fostered for a cat rescue in the Montreal area. I cared for everything from feral cats to cats who had been given up by their owners. It was an amazing experience and I hope to do it again soon! I have also volunteered as a canine enrichment volunteer for the Ottawa Humane Society, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with the dogs at the shelter before they were adopted into their forever homes.

It’s extremely important to me as a pet owner myself to make sure other pet owners feel at ease when leaving their pets for extended periods of time. I care for every pet I meet as if they were my own, and I always strive to go above and beyond to gain their trust and give them lots of love while I am with them.

It’s a pleasure to work with the people of Ottawa and their fur babies. I look forward to meeting yours soon!

I have always loved animals from a young age, and have a special fondness for dogs and cats. I started dog walking in university and loved getting to know different breeds and personalities. I have a soft spot for the more reserved cats, and find it super rewarding to see them break out of their shells and bond with them.

I currently have no pets, but want to eventually start fostering cats and dogs in the near future!
I am also a university student majoring in Industrial Design at Carleton University. I love indulging in anything creative and hands-on, especially drawing. I also like to stay active, playing volleyball, badminton or going on long walks!

I am excited to continue to meet more pets and provide them with happy and comfortable care each time!

.Hi, I’m Valentina!

I’m a huge pet lover with over 8 years of experience caring for animals of all kinds—from cows and goats to rabbits, dogs, cats, and even monkeys! I’ve always had pets, and I know how to keep them happy and healthy.

I’m excited to spend time with your pets, whether it's walking, feeding, or giving them their meds. Can’t wait to meet your pets and give them the best care while you’re away!