Our Staff are Amazing. They make our little business work, and provide one of the most engaging play environments for dogs you will find on Vancouver Island. So when you drop of your dog here, you are leaving their care to these hard working, dedicated and trusted people. Over time we all get to know your dog and their particular quirks and foibles and provide the particularized play experience they need. We get to know them almost as much as you do, and love them as if they were our own. So find out more about the people you have entrusted your canine family member too.
Tracy Thomsen – Owner of Pet Pampering
I was born and raised on a farm. By the age of five I was responsible for taking care of the chickens and the horses and helping with the cows. My love for animals seemed like a natural course for me. I did rodeos and rode English competitively for 15 years. I grew up riding horses and motorcycles on our 40 acre farm in Prince George…….
Paula Shortreed
I was born in Duncan BC and have two teenage children who I have raised on my own. I love all animals especially dogs and cats, but cant have a dog in my living arrangements. I like working at pet pampering because I get to work outside, be myself and work in a positive environment. Family is important to me I have 2 twin brothers I like to spend time with. I like to mountain bike and do other outdoor activities on my days off. In the future I would like to travel more.
Jen Wright
I was born in Victoria and have lived in the area all my life. I have two young children I have raised on my own with the help of my family. My grandma and mom are big parts of my life and help me with my kids. I love dogs but can’t have a dog now as life is too busy, but can get my dog fix at work. I have been at Pet Pampering for four years. I like working at pet pampering because I love the dogs, the clients are great and it is a fun place to work. I like to be outdoors and I like my fellow workers. On my days off I like to spend time with my friends and family.
Denise Laderoute
Denise was born and raised in the Victoria area. An only child and animal lover from the start, she always wanted to work with animals in some capacity. Over the years she’s lived with cats, dogs, iguanas, birds, guinea pigs, fish and even turtles. In 1997 she started and successfully operated a pet sitting service until moving to the West Shore in 1999. Denise had been working for the provincial government since 1986 and was looking for something more. Last March she spotted an online ad for a position with Pet Pampering. She says it was just what she was looking for – looking after people’s pets in a beautiful rural setting. She`s been with Pet Pampering nearly a year now and is enjoying what she calls her mid-life career change. These days she shares her home in the Happy Valley area with Yogi, a 12 year old chocolate lab, and Wilfie, a senior toy poodle who was staying at Pet Pampering last summer and needed a home. Last but not least are her two 10 year old cats who think they’re dogs too. In her free time she likes to explore local trails with the dogs, work in the garden and stay fit with yoga and aquafit classes.
Mel Vogels
I was born and raised in Port Alberni and found my way to Victoria several years ago. I am enjoying this awesome city and appreciate the less amount of rain that Victoria has!
I have been working at pet pampering for over a year now and very much enjoy the time I get to spend with the dogs. I always wanted a dog growing up but never had the opportunity and life circumstances right now are still not conducive to owning my own furry friend. Working at pet pampering seemed like and has turned out to be the perfect solution.
I especially like the days when I go out into the field with all the dogs and find myself smiling and in a better mood almost immediately. One dog’s unconditional love is great but you should see what it is like to have more than five dogs around you and showing you unconditional affection!!
I look forward to the day when I can have my own dog and when it is me on the other side of the gate at pet pampering dropping off my friend
Caitlin Irving-Brannan
Having grown up on a small farm Caitlin has always been surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes. She got involved in the 4H horse, poultry, and sheep clubs, and eventually became the president for five years. After graduating high school Caitlin worked seasonally leading trail rides all over B.C. and Alberta, and travelled all over central America. After travelling Caitlin decided to settle down with her boyfriend and got a Jack Russell Terrier named Chief, and shortly after that a mini Aussie named Sage. After putting both of the dogs through beginner and advanced obedience with flying colours, we thought we would give agility a try! The dogs absolutely loved it! Caitlin has recently moved to Victoria to pursue her career in social work, herbalism, and paramedicine. I can’t imagine life without our canine friends, and I couldn’t be happier spending my days with dogs of all shapes and sizes, and I get paid for it!!!
Ashleigh Ward
I grew up on the busy Mainland in a family of animal lovers. I learned at an early age how to handle and respect dogs and am happy to be able to have a job that I love, working with the animals that I love. In the past, while working in the veterinary field, I learned how to handle all types of dogs, administer medicine, dress wounds and treat infections.
I am currently attending, via distance education, the Thompson Rivers University Social Service Worker Certificate Program. Once that is completed, I will complete my schooling with the University of Victoria Distance program and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
In my spare time, my husband and I do various outdoor activities with our two dogs like hiking and camping. I also enjoy reading, watching sports, gardening and playing with my stepson. I spent 2011 and the first half of 2012 with the Abbotsford Police Victim Service Program on the Mainland, but have now settled down here on the Island.
Jenelle Buchanan
Born and raised in a rural part of Victoria, I have worked and helped out on farms ever since I can remember. Hanging out with whatever animals were around was my favourite pass-time and still is. I was in the Saanich 4-H horse club for 8 years, until I graduated from high school, and now I’m going to Camosun College studying business. I am lucky enough to have a horse, a dog, and a cat to keep me busy in my not-so-frequent spare time and when I’m not with them I try to go exploring in the outdoors as much as possible. The dogs, people, and environment at Pet Pampering are awesome, and they give me a reason to be excited to go to work.
Alexandra Ford
With a hobby farm of my own, I have a huge appreciation for how difficult it can be to find the perfect place to entrust the care of your beloved pets. That is what is so special about working at Pet Pampering -it is rewarding to see such happy clients! As a huge animal lover, I always find several moments throughout the days here with the dogs and their owners that make me smile. It is nice to see so many regular and repeat customers coming back again and again. I grew up in the Cowichan Valley and have always been surrounded by pets of my own. To me it makes life worth living so almost every spare minute of my time is spent with my three horses, Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. I currently have two 4.5 lb Toy Pomeranians and a ten year old 120 lb Akita I love to take for walks. I have a B.A. in Psychology, an administrative background which includes work in legal environments, and was a Police Reserve Constable volunteer for several years. I also currently work part-time in a wonderful Independent Living Seniors Residence. I find it is a real treat to get paid to work in two environments I thoroughly enjoy with such wonderful clients and caring co-workers.