Jen

I’m a born and raised islander. My beautiful family includes my three kids and my dog Hank. I’ve been at Pet Pampering for 16 years, managing staff and caring for the dogs. Working at pet pampering continues to be rewarding in many ways, either a dog coming out of its shell and learning to trust other dogs or seeing the excitement of owners and pets reuniting after a trip away. You will most likely see me in the morning at drop-off, and soon enough, your dogs will know me as the cookie lady!

Becca

I was born in Victoria and have lived here my whole life. I’m a huge animal lover and always had pets growing up, which now includes my  chihuahua Chino! After becoming a dog trainer I fell in love with being able to help owners and their dogs and I knew it was something I’d always want to be involved in. I couldn’t think of a better place to work.

On my days off I like a good mix of relaxing and getting outside. I come from a family of water lovers. Whether it’s rowing, swimming, fishing, or just going to the beach we love it all.

Nat Orr

 KPA CTP, ABC CDT

I was raised in Nakusp, BC, a small town surrounded by natural beauty, so it’s no surprise when I moved to follow my dream of working with dogs, I was drawn to the island. I am a certified dog trainer at Animal Behavior College and Karen Pryor Academy. I specialize in pet dog training using clickers and reward-based training methods. Odds are, when I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my dogs, Duke and Minto. When we aren't working on fun and goofy tricks, we are camping or hiking the island’s beautiful sights.

 

Jen X

I love being with dogs as they provide me with so much joy in my life. I’ve worked at two other dog daycares in other cities before

joining the Pet Pampering crew.  I also love all nature and I spend a lot of my time gardening and loving on plants. I always stop to smell the flowers and I always stop to pet a dog. I really enjoy giving  dogs love and ear rubs. I will never run out of love to give and I will always enjoy those meaty faces, silky ears and chunky paws. 

Ashley

Hi my name is Ashley!

I moved here to Victoria from Ontario in 2023. I have past experience working with rescue animals and pet sitting. In my free time, I love hanging out with my girl Daisy! We love going for hikes around Victoria, exploring the trails and natural beauty of the area.

I think animals have a way of teaching us patience, unconditional love, and how to live more fully in the present moment. Thats why I love working here at Pet Pampering! 

Hi I'm Kate!

I grew up in North Vancouver but moved to Victoria for school in 2023. I’ve been a huge animal lover for as long as I can remember. I’ve always taken any chance I can get to take care of animals and have lots of experience pet sitting. My two standard poodles Amber and Ollie have stolen my heart, I can’t imagine a life without dogs! Dogs are truly the best companions and working at Pet Pampering is extremely rewarding. When i’m not lovin’ on my own pups or the dogs at Pet Pampering, I am studying at UVIC, baking, and exploring the West Coast!

HI I'm Emma

I grew up in Calgary, AB and I’ve always loved all animals, especially dogs. My first ever job was at a doggy daycare during the summers. I moved to the Okanagan to go to school, but i ended up working at another doggy daycare instead! I spent over two years there before deciding to move out to the island with my partner and my best friend, and naturally i started looking for a job with dogs and found Pet Pampering! I find it so rewarding to get to build relationships with all kinds of dogs, but i do have a soft spot for the tinies, seniors, and disabled pups. When I’m not at work i might be at the beach poking around in tide pools or at home knitting or crocheting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabriella

I’m originally from a small town in Alberta. My passion for animals grew from a very young age with my first rescue dog. Ever since our first dog I couldn’t get enough of animals, now we have 4 dogs and when I’m not working at pet pampering I love going to my barn to ride and hangout with some horses, I also love taking my dog on little adventures through the trails!

Tracy aka Ruby Thomsen

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.

We moved to Sooke when I was a teenager and I continued my love for horses and dogs.  I left home at 18 to live and work on the Western Canadian Wildlife reserve and spent five years there. I had the opportunity to work with otters, eagles, raccoons, squirrels, osprey and owls, just to name a few!  It was a wonderful experience. During the time I spent at the wildlife reserve I went to college where I studied biology. In 1992 I had the opportunity to travel to Africa. In Africa I studied ethology for three months with Simon Fraser University. It was an amazing experience to understand why animals do what they do and to see and experience the culture.

I have a strong first aid background as a level 1 first aid attendant for several years and many times have used the skills I have learned. I competed at the provincial level in first aid competitions working with the Saanich Fire department and police. I have gained a far greater knowledge of the experiences they face everyday.

I started Pet Pampering when I returned home from Africa. I felt there was a need to comprehensive animal care. It is hard to find people with a total understanding of what animals need. There were no other kennels where dogs were allowed to be dogs. I love dogs because they are simple and straight forward. There are no hidden agendas and they are unconditional in their love.
Since starting Pet Pampering in 1992 when I started dog walking it has evolved into something wonderful. We no longer dog walk or do in-home care but we do provide a fun and safe place for people to leave their dogs when they need help with them.  I have boarded pot bellied pigs, hamsters, bunnies, ducks, alpacas, guinea pigs and rats (no not at the kennel!!) in my house. I do believe that dogs do need to be with other dogs and be able to play and run and get dirty!!

In 1997 my son was born, I was walking dogs when my water broke. I took three days off and then I was back at it. My clients at the time thought I was crazy!! It is different when its not just a job! I have raised my son on my own with my wusbands help as we are good friends.

I opened the kennel in 2000 when I bought the property where the kennel is located. We not only board and daycare dogs we also have a rescue farm. We have pot bellied pigs, sheep, goats chickens, ducks and geese. I have three dogs of my own all rescues. We also raise ethically reared chickens and organic produce. You can read more on our farm page!

 I  worked with a group called PEACE Mexico. They are a non-profit organization that spays and neuters dogs and cats for free on the west coast of Mexico. There website is http://www.peacemexico.org/. Typically I will go down for a week and spend 4 days at the clinic, they run from Wed to Sat and move around the coast. I help with anesthetic, animal control, treating for parasites, and recovery. It truly makes a difference.  In Nov 2011 I brought home Mouse a little Mexican street dog who has stolen my heart, he has now passed but everyday i am reminded of how much love he brought into my life, he will be missed forever. Dogs don't live long enough.

I am truly happy to have created a life that I love so much!