MOUNTAIN PET VALET

Since I was a little one growing up in South Georgia, I knew my passion...animals. I didn't know how that would transpire quite yet, but I was certain I was here on Earth to care for creatures big and small. Back then, I was trying to lure every stray on our dirt road in with hot dogs so I could pick the ticks off of them, or give them a bath with dish soap I would sneak from my mama's kitchen. As a teenager, I helped start an Animal Shelter in our small town (that still thrives today) and worked there every spare second I had. As an adult, I have enjoyed working as a Vet Tech/Surgery Tech, and in rescues, fostering for local shelters, prior to starting MPV in 2016. ​ I currently volunteer at Appalachian Wild, through MPV's program that commits 6+ volunteer hours each week to local animal non-profits. I serve as a Medical Intern, ensuring that wildlife in our area have a chance to heal and be released in wild spaces, here in Buncombe County. ​ Creating MPV has given me the opportunity to raise the bar for pet care, for sitter/walker appreciation, as well as develop a business model that centers ethical practice and non-profit work. None of the above are easy lifts, however I know it will take more businesses like MPV to take our culture in a more compassionate and mindful direction for generations to come.

I have been taking care of my dog, and the pets of friends and family for years. When people ask me about my dog, I could happily show them a 3 hour slide show and I often interrupt conversations I'm having to comment on a cute dog passing by. I have worked in nonprofits for several years, focusing on social and environmental justice. Showing up for community in multiple ways is important to me and I am excited to expand my circle of animal friends to care for. I have deep love and respect for animals, and will take great care of them while you're at work or away on vacation.

Animals and I have always had a natural affinity for one another. I've a calm, creative, queer and playful Taurean nature and I've been lucky to have cared for many great dog and cat friends throughout my life. I currently don't have any due to my apartment rules and my teens have grown up and left the home, so I'm happy to give my extra affection to your fur babies. Some of my previous work has been as a forest preschool teacher and permaculture farmer. I love swimming, singing, learning, and moving with friends through these gorgeous mountains. I've lived in this area for 17 years, having left my hometown in the Smokies to travel the world and then go to Warren Wilson. The vortex of this wild town sucked me in and I still can't get enough. It's an honor to work alongside the MPV Team, truly, and I look forward to crossing paths and being an extension of the care that you provide for your family.

I began my career at the age of 16 as a volunteer for a horse rescue in Colorado. From there I began pet-sitting for my neighbors during the holidays and weekends. Those experiences taught me that I naturally offer animals the opportunity to feel calm and safe. I discovered the same was true of humans as well, and I branched out to care for children and disabled adults. As a result, I have spent the last 24 years providing compassionate and patient care to animals and humans alike. To me, animals are people and people are animals. Regardless of species, I just want to offer the best care I possibly can. I am parenting a 9-year-old autistic child who is practically an animal whisperer. They have been accompanying me on caretaking jobs for the last two years and have developed the most wonderfully calm disposition around animals. Especially cats. They fully understand how to safely interact with animals and take great pride in “having a job” they excel at. I look forward to meeting and caring for your furry family members!

I’ve always had an affinity for animals – growing up with my mom who worked as a biology professor meant our home was full of critters of all kinds. Cats and dogs, rodents, reptiles, birds, and fish quickly turned our home into a menagerie, and I loved it! There is so much for us to learn from our furry (or not so furry) friends. From a very young age I learned to have a deep appreciation and respect for all these creatures we share this planet with. I left the Midwest and found a new home here in these hills about 5 years ago, where I attended Warren Wilson College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. Working with animals has never left me, from one of my first jobs in highschool at a pet store, to an animal care technician at a local rescue here in Asheville. These animals have taught me so much about myself, and I'm always eager to learn more about them. In all of this, I know leaving your pets behind when you go away is stressful. My family was always worried about the quality of care our furry family members were receiving. I want to do my best to give you a sense of ease while away, knowing your fur babies are in compassionate, competent hands!

I am lifelong pet lover. Our Lola is an 11-year-old Great Pyrenees mix who is a joy and pleasure to us every day! I pride myself in being reliable, trustworthy, and enthusiastic in all that I do. I am super active and enjoy my time spent running with dogs in our beautiful mountains. I look forward to meeting your family members and caring for them as I would my own sweet Lola.

I've had dogs and cats my entire life so I know how special they can be to us. I take pride in that I'm familiar with the extra time it takes to build trust with dog aggressive dogs, anxious dogs, stray dogs, and even some cranky cats. I'm excited to not only be a reliable resource for pet owners but to also be able to provide a sense of comfort for all sorts of dogs and cats.

I previously worked with animals for several years as the Medical Coordinator at Blue Ridge Humane Society in Hendersonville, before joining the Mountain Pet Valet team. I am Fear Free Certified and completed my graduate certificate in Shelter Medicine at University of Florida, in Gainesville, as well as being a Certified Veterinary Assistant. I would describe my professional attributes with animals as humble and knowledgeable and have been pet sitting for over a decade, as the field of animal medicine and behavior has transformed tremendously. I have 4 dogs and 4 cats of my own and am passionate about ensuring companion animals aren't just loved, but cared for and communicated with in the best ways possible.

I've been an animal lover all my life, evidenced by countless childhood pictures of me snuggling one random cat or another. With about 10 years in the animal rescue field behind me, I've been lucky to have had a wide range of experiences working with animals of all shapes, sizes, ages, needs and demeanors. Animals have taught me so many valuable lessons about strength, patience, trust, and, of course, love. The softest spot in my heart belongs to cats, but I adore critters of all shapes and sizes, particularly senior and shy dogs, wiggly pitties, rabbits, and anything with special needs. ​ I come to my interactions with animals with a particular interest and understanding of behavior and body language, and am always looking to learn more on the best ways to effectively relate and communicate with our 4-legged friends. ​ I share my home with a senior kitty named Finnegan aka Feegs, and through my years in shelter work, proudly helped thousands of homeless animals find their new homes. I am thrilled to be working with the Mountain Pet Valet family, and look forward to meeting you, too!

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(pic and bio coming soon)

Hi! I'm Kell and I work with invoicing on the MPV admin team. I've been with MPV since 2016 and enjoy Jae and the team and love supporting this work via administration work. :)

I have been working with animals and their humans since 2017 through my other practice as an Animal Reiki Practitioner. Working with animals brings me so much joy in my life. I view beings in our more-than-human world with acceptance, admiration, and pure love. I'm excited to have another path to connect with animals through MPV. Check me out on my website www.reikifortoday.com :)

Growing up in the cornfields of Illinois, nature and animals have always been a big part of my life. One of the best memories of my childhood was volunteering on a horse farm where I took riding lessons. I loved taking care of the horses, playing with all the barn kitties, and generally, just being outdoors and being dirty. I was very lucky to be raised in a family where our pets were always part of the family; whether it was dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, or anything else! My family also spent a lot of time volunteering at the local animal shelter. I carried all these experiences with me when I moved to Boston and worked as a dog walker and pet sitter for a combined 7 years. Being outside and working with animals every day is a joy, and part of me still can’t believe I get paid for it! I moved to Asheville in September 2018 and was very excited to start working in this field again, but in an even more beautiful setting! I am mother to a super cool orange Maine Coon cat, named Conan O’Brien, that I adopted from the MSPCA in Boston, almost 8 years ago, as well as a black and white cutie named Bernie I adopted from Mountain Pet Rescue.

(bio coming soon)

I am a college student @ AB-Tech/UNCA (majoring in psychology & minoring in philosophy). Although I deeply care for people and hope to one day be a psychotherapist, I also have an outstanding love and empathy for animals. My childhood was spent on my family's farm (Claxton Farm), and with the cats and dogs that were a part of my family. From this upbringing, I was taught to be patient, gentle, and thorough when caring for animals, and to pay close attention to their individual needs. I am currently a mom to one amazing and precious cat- she is my world. I always give the best of my abilities and I will always treat an animal like it is my own family member. I am invested in the well-being of our community, made up of both animals and people.

For the past ten years I have had the privilege and joy to caretake countless homes and pets on the east coast. I have shared my life with several amazing dogs and fostered for numerous humane societies and rescues over the years. I currently volunteer and foster for the local Shelter Dog Transport Alliance which serves to transport rescue dogs to their forever homes in North eastern states and Ontario Canada . I look forward to every new pet sit - walk as a opportunity to meet wonderful people and to be totally present to their beloved(s) and their needs . And if opportunity presents itself, I truly look forward to a ongoing relationship where both you and your pet are more confident and relaxed with our service. I deeply understand everyone's home and their relationships to their pets is unique and is to be respected; taking into account everyone's personalities and preferences. Thank you for inviting me to be the next best thing when you are away from your best friend.

I began pet sitting in 2016. Let me just say, I have more pictures of animals than humans in my phone. The endless awhhh Adorable factor of cats, dogs and other animals continues to melt my heart. I look forward to meeting your fur baby or perhaps fur babies. While you are away my top priority will be to give them the love and care they need to feel peaceful and safe in their homes. A little professional background about me...I was in the Wellness Industry for 20 years as a Holistic Health Practitioner and Massage Therapist. My specialty was Ayurvedic Massage and Reiki Energy work. Now, I get to put that healing energy into Pet Sitting! You will not find cucumber slices on their eyes haha...but they will be relaxed and at ease after their time with me. So Enjoy your time away. I got you covered.