AT MIXYPAWS, OUR COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY AND HAPPINESS OF OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR CATS & DOGS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. OUR TEAM IS COMPRISED OF ONLY THE MOST LOYAL, RELIABLE, SKILLED AND LOVING CAREGIVERS.
EVERY MIXYPAWS TEAM MEMBER MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS:
Must be a life-long pet owner or have previous experience working with animals, and most importantly, must love dogs and cats!
Must be cleared by our experienced Management Team to begin training after a phone interview, an in-person interview with our hiring director, and a field interview with one of our managers.
Must pass a comprehensive background check.
Must complete MixyPaws' two-three week hands-on training course, during which they will shadow and work hand-in-hand with several of MixyPaws' longest-tenured employees and management team.
Must provide several verified business and personal references.
Must make a minimum 6-9 month commitment to being a dedicated member of the MixyPaws Team.
Meet the Managers!
Brian R. | Manhattan | General Manager
Brian was born in Queens, NY but grew up in nearby Old Tappan, New Jersey with two Shih Tzus named Toby and Ollie. He graduated from St. John's University in 2009 with a degree in Government and Politics. It was there that he discovered his passion for writing. Brian plans to be an established writer someday and his love for writing is only matched by his love for dogs! He currently resides in Northern Manhattan with his Morkie Henry and his rabbit Divina. In his spare time, Brian enjoys attending Mets games, as he is an avid fan.
Alexa B. | Manhattan | West Side Manager
Hi! I'm Alexa, born and raised in Queens. Though I've never owned a dog of my own (tragically) I did grow up taking care of other people's dogs all the time. During my time working at an animal shelter, I decided that my future had to be working with animals in one way or another. I took to working with the trainers, learning everything that I could, and decided to take my education a step further and go to school for dog training. I completed my training around the same time I graduated from college with a degree in forensic psychology. My passion has always been with dogs; every dog I meet is the best dog in the world. I'll take the time to get to know each of your pups with patience and respect because pets are family and I can't wait to be best friends with all of them!
Antonia M. | Manhattan | Downtown Manager
Antonia grew up in NYC and has always loved all kinds of animals but her first love was cats. So she was very excited that her first dog also loves cats! She currently has a 17 y/o Bengal kitty, a 3 y/o Domestic Short Hair kitty, and a 4 y/o Chihuahua mix dog! After some time at a Vet hospital and working in EMS (for humans), Antonia graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology and Sociology at CUNY. In her spare time, she photographs live arts performances.
Krista G. | Manhattan | East Side Manager
Hi! I'm Krista, a lifelong animal lover. I grew up in Queens and always knew I wanted to work with animals. I earned a degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Canines. In college, I had the opportunity to train dogs and interact with farm animals. I have fond memories of all the dogs I've worked with, and they bring me great joy. I plan to work with animals for the rest of my life and currently have a guinea pig named Tucker who I love spending time with.
Lydia L. | Manhattan | Territory Manager
Lydia grew up in Queens with her beloved family cat Steffy, courtesy of the cat distribution system. This began her love for cats and fur babies of all kinds. After graduating with her B.A. in Theatre she started freelancing and thought working with dogs would be a great job in between gigs, and she was right! She is a proud cat momma to her babies Cleo and Phil and is a dog aunt 3 times over. When she's not cuddling with her cats she enjoys exploring the city.
Laura B. | Manhattan | Field Manager
Hi! I’m Laura. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. I moved to NYC to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. I have been a professional dog walker for over 7 years. I love getting to know all the dogs I walk and learning about their unique personalities. When I’m not outside walking, I love going to the theatre and hanging out with my guinea pigs, Cher and Barbra. I can’t wait to meet you and your pup!
KENDRA K. | Manhattan | Field Manager
Hi, I’m Kendra! I grew up in Maryland right outside of Washington D.C. with a chocolate standard Poodle named Kika. Once I entered college, my family adopted our current rescue poodle mix, named Barney. I attended college here in New York City at The School of Visual arts (SVA) where I received a BFA. If I’m not walking dogs, I’m drawing! I enjoy working with dogs as my full-time job because I love animals (of course) and I prefer to be outside walking on a daily basis rather than being cooped up indoors. I’m very patient with dogs of any personality or training level and love working with many different breeds and temperaments!
KARL S. | Manhattan | Field Manager
Hi! My name is Karl, I'm a native New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan! I grew up with all sorts of pets, three dogs, four cats, and four fish. My dogs were two lovely Golden Retrievers, Sandy and Layla, and a Collie named Roxy. I am also the proud owner of two parakeets, Nigel and Sabrina! As an animal lover, I naturally took to dog walking and have done so over the past decade. I am patient and always loving toward all breeds of dogs! I attended Stony Brook University and majored in Political Science, and I also tutor high school students in Social Studies and English. I love the outdoors, hiking, and skiing; you can find me on the slopes of Belleayre and Hunter Mountains on winter weekends, and I also enjoy writing and am a proud Giants and Mets fan.
Chris C.
Hi, My name is Christopher! I was born in Mexico City and raised in Washington Heights and The Bronx. I've always been fascinated by nature and animals from a very young age. Wanting to take a different path from being a sales associate and start working with animals I decided to start walking dogs in 2018. Since then I've been walking, training, caring, and playing with almost every dog breed there is! I love taking the initiative to improve the lifestyle of these fur babies and bring out the best version of themselves while being fun and at their own pace. I’m going to school to pursue a Wildlife Biologist/Zoologist career.
Jessica H. | Manhattan | Field Manager
Hi, I'm Jessica! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I've been an animal lover since I could remember and got my first dog at the age of 12. My sweet and spoiled rescue, Bitsy, inspired me to get more involved with dogs. I've now been a dog walker for over 5 years. I've met so many different breeds and personalities, but I've treated every pup as if they were my own. I like to make sure that every dog I meet is comfortable with me, whether they need treats, patience, or extra love and scratches. When I'm not walking dogs, I'm singing all over NYC. I'm excited to meet you and your special pups.
megan o. | Brooklyn
Megan (pictured here with a lion cub!) is a long-time Brooklyn resident. Growing up, Megan had a variety of pets, from her first cat's names 'Not Mine' and 'Redundant' (her dad was a funny fella!) to her dogs, hamsters, goldfish, and even an injured squirrel that warmed his way into the family. As an adult, she's continued working with animals, volunteering at sanctuaries and local cat rescues. Outside of her work with animals, Megan is the Associate Artistic Director of a theatre company in NYC and performs with a sketch comedy group in her free time. Megan truly enjoys taking care of animals and getting to know their individual personalities. She'll always go above and beyond when their well-being is at stake!
Meet the Care Specialists!
Anthony d.
Hi, my name is Anthony! I was born and raised and still currently live in Manhattan, New York. I have a red nose Pit Bull; her name is Bella and she is 6 years old and very playful. What made me want to become a dog walker is wanting to learn and take care of different types of dogs. I treat every dog like they’re my own. In my free time, I play sports, watch scary movies, and spend time outdoors. I can’t wait to meet you and your dogs!
Alyssa a.
Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa and I grew up in the Bronx. Growing up, we never had a dog but I was still always around them. I was the little kid chasing the dogs around to pet them and give them love. I was able to make my dream of owning my own dog come true in 2019 when I adopted my very spoiled Basset Hound mix. I’ve always enjoyed being around dogs so working with them was a no-brainer. I love that walking gives me the chance to make new dogs a part of my life and form that bond and connection. I treat each dog I walk like my own. I’m looking forward to building a relationship with each dog I walk and with the owners as well!
Myk J.
Greetings, my name is Myk (pronounced Mike). I am born and raised here in Manhattan and for as long as I can remember I’ve always had a love for all animals. My family has always been a dog family until I broke the chain by adopting my beautiful little feline named Zelda and the two of us couldn’t be happier together. I have been in animal care now for 10 years and truthfully I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. They say when you love your job it doesn’t feel like work and oh boy that is totally true. Seeing the excitement from my four-legged friends as I arrive for our fun time together always fills me with pure joy. When I’m not caring for my four-legged furry friends you will usually find me gaming with friends, as long as my cat will allow it, as well as spending time with close friends by going to movies, museums and taking walks through our artificial city parks.
BREA V.
Hi! My name is Brea Valdes. I reside in the LES in Manhattan, but I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, specifically in Echo Park. From day one, I was fully immersed in the world of animals. When I was born, we had two pit bulls and a cocker spaniel. There has never been a time when there wasn’t a dog in my life. In 2012, I was a walker at a pet sitting company in Los Angeles where I cared for and walked dogs of all different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Although I’ve never had cats of my own, I have always loved them and took great pride in caring for the cats of LA as well and now am happily caring for the cats of NYC. I am patient, understanding, punctual, and very intuitive, which makes me a great companion for your pet. Before moving to New York, I completed my time at Santa Monica College studying Sociology. When I’m not caring for your pets, you’ll find me riding my bike around the city, skateboarding, or spending time with friends and loved ones. I look forward to bonding and building trust and friendship with your fur baby!
DANI D.
Hello, I'm Dani! I was born, raised, and live in the Bronx, NY. Growing up in my neighborhood, I would always attempt to care for every stray dog and cat I would see; taking them off the streets and participating in my local shelters, while also owning dogs and cats for most of my life. My affinity for caring led me to work with children and the elderly as a caregiver, both great experiences that allowed me to bring compassion and understanding into everything I do. As an artist at heart, I love to follow my passions, one of which is animals, which has led me here! In my free time, I travel all over the city with my own dog, a Chihuahua mix named Ferrari.
JULES B.
Hi, I’m Jules! I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and I grew up between Seattle, Washington, and Westchester, New York. I grew up with a Goldendoodle (Lily), a Labradoodle (Rocky), a Greyhound (Cappy), and a mutt (Rocky). I went to American University and Marymount Manhattan College as an undergrad, where I studied Graphic Design and Photography. I have a deep appreciation for the environment and animals, so the idea of working with animals comes naturally, and I eventually want to work at a veterinary hospital. Growing up with dogs, I learned so much about responsibility and understood the role of a caretaker. As a teacher, I used many of these skills while leading a classroom of ten three-year-old children. I learned leadership, attentiveness, and multitasking. My hobbies include snowboarding, photography, singing, playing pool, yoga, and kicking back with friends. To my new canine friends and owners, so excited to take you on the best fresh air walks and work with your beloved dogs!
Stephanie M.
Hi, my name is Stephanie. I was born and raised in Fresno, California, located in the Central Valley. I grew up with two Tabbies and one very high-maintenance Ragdoll cat named Sinatra. My first job was pet sitting and dog walking for my neighbors. These skills followed me to graduate school in Ohio, where I lived and worked on a farm – experiencing all the quirks and charms of working with animals. I currently live in Jersey City with my cat Leela as I finish my MA in Film & Media Studies. I have a strong and reliable work ethic, insightful intuition, and am very patient, making me an excellent dog walker. I can’t wait to meet, play and accompany your dog around the neighborhood!
Wallis c.
Hi everyone, I’m Wallis! I was born and raised in Manhattan, NY. I did not have the pleasure of growing up with any furry loved ones of my own. However, I loved to borrow my friends’ and neighbors’ pets. They are the best company anyone could have. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. I’ve always had a passion for dogs. They emanate such sweet affection that will always put a smile on my face. Being surrounded by such warmhearted little ones made me want to further pursue working by their side. I’m extremely attentive when it comes to the well-being of all dogs. Ensuring their safety and making sure that all their needs are met is always my goal. When I’m not walking up to strangers asking to pet their dogs, I’m working on building stamina. I enjoy a great workout; it makes me feel brand new every day. I’m so eager to get to know your pups and build a strong bond with all of them!
Alexie c.
Hello, my name is Alexie! I was born in the Netherlands and raised in Madrid, Spain. I am a proud Cuban-Colombian-Spanish-American. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, Specializing in Graphic Design. I continue to pursue my two biggest loves, art and animals. I am so grateful to have grown up with dogs all my life. First, as a child, I had the responsibility to train Floyd, my family’s first dog, an American Eskimo. I learned so much about care and patience by having him as a puppy. My last rescue, Kique, I found on highway I95 in Atlanta. He ended up traveling with me everywhere and was truly my partner in crime for almost 11 years. I joined MixyPaws because I love being around animals and now without pups of my own, I know that I will love and be rewarded on every walk I have with your special doggo. As a freelance Producer and video editor, I am responsible, and reliable and will care for your puppers as if he/she were my own. I can’t wait to meet you and your special pet and go on a new fun city exploration!
Audeli n.
Hi! My name is Audeli and I was born in the lower east side of Manhattan but moved to Harlem at a young age. I grew up with dogs of all shapes and sizes including Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Labradors, Poodles, purebred dogs, and mixed breeds. My career goal is to one day be working with children with special needs; I have a background as a youth counselor working with children, which I found to be very rewarding. I have a passion for animals, especially dogs, and it was this that inspired me to pursue a career working with dogs professionally. Through my experience working with dogs, I‘ve enjoyed learning more about each unique breed of dog’s habits and personality. I am very outgoing, positive, respectful, down-to-earth, hard-working, helpful, and a team player. Some of my hobbies are reading, drawing, writing, music, traveling, and networking. I look forward to meeting and caring for your best friend as I would my own.
James t.
Hello! My name is James. I was born in the Bronx and grew up in Long Island City, Queens with my two brothers and my Cocker Spaniel, Lucky. I’ve cared for him since he was a puppy and for 17 years he was the best companion and family member anyone could ask for. I’ve always loved spending time with dogs and meeting different breeds whenever I got the chance. I’ve walked and looked after dogs (and sometimes cats!) for friends and family members over the years. I also worked at a daycare as one of their walkers, enjoying every bit of it and caring for each dog as if they were my own. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you and your pets!
Alex j.
Alex grew up in the Bronx and is a comedian who loves to write both sketch comedy and movie scripts. He loves the movies Rocky and Goodfellas. He is a huge ’80s music fan and hopes to participate in the NYC marathon soon. He says the best feeling of the day is seeing the dogs he walks doing circles and jumps in excitement to see him. His favorite part of the city is the dog run at Riverside Park and 72nd street.
Dennise R.
Hi! I’m Dennise. I grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn and I had the pleasure of having a wonderful dog named Gary; he was a mixed-breed pup who had some chihuahua in him. I have completed three years of college and am currently taking some time off; I had been studying animation in hopes of one day having a career in the animation industry. I wanted to become a dog walker as I absolutely love dogs and feel at ease working with them; being in the company of dogs makes me very happy! I feel one of the things which make me an excellent dog walker is how compassionate I am for others and for animals. Additionally, I do cat rescue and try my best to help shelter dogs in my free time. I have three years of experience walking dogs and I feel at ease with all of them, and am always looking forward to making new dog friends! A few of my hobbies are drawing, watching movies, reading, making felt creations, and spending time with my family. I can’t wait to meet and become friends with your pup!
gabby s.
Hey! My name is Gabriella Santiago but you can call me Gabby. I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY but now I live in Queens. I had a dog growing up named Domino who was a Jack Russell Terrier, I also grew up around a Poodle and a Shih Tzu named Snow White and Pebbles. I attend LaGuardia Community College for undeclared health studies because I want to get into the veterinary program. In my free time I give most of my attention to my rescue cat, Mama who is a tuxedo cat, and also my hamster Gizmo and tortoise Smokey, I also like to paint and read a bunch of books and spend time with my family. I love animals and all animals deserve what's best for them so I want to become a vet and help them out. I wanted to be a dog walker because I know people can be busy and have no time for their dogs so I want to help them and take care of their cute little pups while they are away!
nia m.
Hi! I’m Nia and I’m from Brooklyn, born and raised. I grew up around a lot of Pit Bulls named Blue, Scrap, and my current dog Nyla. My goal is to inspire people and create more opportunities for creatives like myself. I’m attentive, caring, and patient, and love animals. I've always had close connections to animals, growing up around cats and dogs my whole life. I treat them like an extension of myself, and I want to lend that same grace to others!
MICHELLE Z.
Hello! My name is Michelle and I was born in Michigan but raised in South Florida. I am a huge animal lover who has experience with not only dogs and cats but also with horses, pigs, cows, chickens, ferrets, and more! I currently have a wonderful German Shephard/Pit Bull mix named Appa, as well as my kitties Gizmo, Hela, and Batman who dance for their treats! Hela can even walk on a leash with her doggy brother. I have experience in all breeds of dogs from Great Pyrenees to Chihuahuas and everything in between. I'm very passionate about the safety and health of all animals and my goal is to ensure the happiness and well-being of all creatures.
zack d.
Hi, I’m Zack! I have been working with animals since the age of 16. I didn’t grow up with pets but have always had a love for animals and knew from an early age that I wanted to work with them. Professionally, I have been dog walking since 2016. Before that, I did adoptions at the ASPCA. As a child, I went to an animal camp where I took care of farm animals, including horses, cows, goats, ducks, kittens, and a donkey. Besides working with animals, I also enjoy spending time with my family, especially my chosen family. I can’t wait to meet you and your pets!
Will L.
Well hello there, my name is Will and I’m from a little tri-city area in Georgia. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from my hometown's local college. However, these days I am a software engineer by trade who spends his free time reading Psychology and playing recreational tennis. For as long as I can remember I’ve been surrounded by dogs. The first dog I remember having was my grandpa's Rottweiler named ‘Bear’. He was by far the largest dog I’ve ever owned but without a doubt the calmest. Bear was old and all he really wanted to do was lie in peace; we never played much but the symbiotic bond that we formed as I would bring him his meals, and him keeping me company in the night as an only child, became the baseline for the bond that I seem to form with other dogs easily. These days though I have my best friend ‘Max’, the most insane, intelligent, and loyal Border Collie I’ve ever known.
Natalie O.
My name is Natalie O’Rourke. I was born and raised in the Bronx where I still reside today. Always grew up with dogs and having animals around me with breeds like Bichon Bernese Lab and Boxer. My sister even had chinchillas, bunnies, lizards, and cats that we took care of growing up, but my biggest love was always dogs. I am a certified cosmetologist and on my way to becoming a certified dog trainer! I have the biggest heart for large breed animals, no slobber fur or weight can stop me from getting kisses and snuggles. I am a strong believer that big breeds are still just babies who fit in a teacup. In the future, I plan on freelancing as a makeup artist and working as a dog trainer so that I can combine my two loves into a career. Outside of animals and beauty, one of my favorite activities to do is go to concerts to see live music. I am the type of person who listens to any music but I LOVE rock music and have seen bands like Metallica, Guns n Roses, AC/DC, and Bon Jovi.
Lili K-S.
Hi. I'm Lili. I was born and raised in New York City and am a lifelong dog lover. Our family's first dog was Gracie, the sweetest Pit Bull ever. We now have Leo, a lab/hound mix, and Daisy, our second Pit who we've nicknamed "Velcro" because she is always attached to whichever human is next to her. All my dogs have been rescued. I believe strongly in pet adoption and have volunteered in several shelters here in Manhattan. Currently, I am taking a gap year from college and hope to pursue a career in either psychology or animal rights - or both! I am responsible, honest, and kind and I take my work seriously. The main priority of a dog walker is to keep your babies safe.
DEVIN M.
Hi there! My name is Devin McShane, and I am a New York native hailing from the Upper East Side! I come from a family of dog lovers, and I grew up with two beautiful labs, Apollo and Shannon, for the first 16 years of my life. This was the start of my love for all dogs, which is why I have 4 of my own now! The eldest, Jack, is a 12-year-old Dachshund, then comes Katara who is a 7-year-old Malamute, following Katara is Loki the Siberian husky, and Freyja who is a Rottie Hound mixture, who are both 5. I attended Mercy College and then moved to Colorado Springs to explore the Midwest and the Rocky Mountains. I have always wanted to become a dog walker because of my strong love for animals. Having 4 of my own and growing up with furry family members made me realize how important their daily walks are to them. I have learned that these walks are beneficial, not only for their physical well-being but for their mental health as well. Making all fur babies happy besides my own is my passion!
EKATERINA M.
Hi! My name's Ekaterina. I was born in Russia and raised on Long Island. Although I never had any dogs of my own, a lot of my family members had dogs. My favorite who I grew very close to was a golden retriever named Maggie; she was the best! Although I never made it to college I am looking to go back to school for a Nursing program. What made me want to be a dog walker was my love for dogs, being outside, and just trying something new. I love meeting new dogs and watching their personalities come out. I can't wait to meet you and your pup and take them on safe/fun walks!
Roxas D.
Hello! I was born and raised in the Bronx. As a kid, I grew up on a street surrounded by stray cats and spent a lot of my childhood raising and caring for stray cats and kittens. I currently have two Siberian Huskies named Akiva and Akari. I completed high school and am currently attending CUNY Hunter College studying Studio Art. My career goals are to work on audio production for video games. I decided to become a Dog Walker because dogs always naturally gravitated towards me as a child and I've been taking care of dogs since I was 11 years old. I am a very patient and easygoing person. Hobbies I do in my free time include playing piano and writing songs.
Kirsten K.
Hello! I'm Kirsten and I grew up in Southern California, but moved up to Northern California to attend UC Berkeley for college. I now live in NYC because I wanted to branch out and try new things. I grew up with a ton of pets: birds, rabbits, tortoises, fish, cats, and of course dogs. I had to move away from my Husky named Stark when I came here but still want to be involved with animals. This is why I became a dog walker. I love dogs and the energy they bring and want to keep that aspect in my life and be able to care for them. My hobbies include doing anything outdoorsy and/or active: hiking, sports, going to the beach, and going on walks.
Sunflower G.
Hi, I'm Sunflower! I was born and raised and reside in The Bronx. I am an artist, model, published translator, human rights activist, and cat rescuer. I didn't own a family dog growing up in the Bronx, however, my family in Nicaragua, who I visited frequently, always had dogs on the farm. I hope to foster dogs very soon since so many shelters in NYC are beyond capacity. I started dog walking independently to help friends and then professionally to supplement my income. I also have experience in dog handling in daycares and pet sitting. I am very patient, super passionate about dogs, detail-oriented, punctual, hardworking, and deeply intuitive - all qualities that make me an exceptional dog walker. I've walked many dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. I hope to one day specialize in walking/working with elderly dogs who require extra TLC and special attention. Presently, I am part of a TNRM (trap, neuter, return, monitor) cat rescue group called Bronx Community Cats. We trap sick, pregnant, abandoned friendlies and feral cats in severely underserved neighborhoods in the Bronx. I strongly believe in making my community a better place in any capacity I can. I am hoping to enroll in farm school very soon and to do more activism work for my hometown. I can't wait to meet your precious fur babies and take them on adventures!
Natalie R.
Hello Hello! My name is Natalie Rudzinski. I am from Philadelphia, PA, and grew up mostly in Jacksonville, FL. Growing up, I always had Beagles in my household. Ironically, they all had B names. There was Bobbin, Bert, and one bulldog named Brutus. My most recent rescue is also a Beagle named Highland. You can say I love hounds. Currently, I am a student at AMDA studying stage and film acting. I want to pursue film and television. I am also in the midst of writing my own plays and hope to put them on their feet. When I’m not creating, I’m always taking a stroll through Central Park. It wasn’t until I kept running into so many dogs that I began to miss my own. I thought what better way to be around dogs than be a dog walker? I am a trustworthy, punctual, and patient person and I look forward to creating that connection with many of your pups with love and care!
Sophie G.
Hi, I'm Sophia but you can call me Sophie! I was born in the Philippines and moved to New York where I was raised in Staten Island at a young age. Growing up, I've always loved the company of being around animals by which I had the pleasure of raising small ones from hamsters to parakeets and having a husky of my own for nine years. I graduated from CUNY City College with a bachelor's degree of Science in Physics and I plan on continuing my education in pursuit of a Ph.D. in astrophysics or particle physics. My love for animals has always felt healing in a special way where they bring out the best in you. I naturally gravitate to caring for dogs passionately which intrigued me into becoming a dog walker. My science background, and my past experiences as an undergraduate research assistant, and as a hair transplant assistant have provided me with the expertise with these technical skills that can make me a valuable contribution highlighting the importance of responsibility and integrity that I can bring to prioritize your furry friends' needs and safety. On the other hand, my service experience with people such as working as a youth mentor and outreach canvasser reflects the empathetic and nurturing aspects of my motivation to help others. In my spare time, I love going to art museums, photography, writing poetry, taking long walks, traveling, cooking, watching films, and working out! I look forward to cultivating a lasting and strong connection with you and your dogs!
Damien R.
Hey there, I'm Damien! A Puerto Rico native and a huge dog lover! Growing up, my family had two amazing pups: Bearnard, a mixed Terrier, and Snowball, an American Eskimo. Today, I'm a dedicated dog walker and handler, providing tailored exercise and care for dogs of all ages and temperaments. And when I'm not out and about with my furry friends, I'm exploring NYC with my camera in hand, capturing the city's vibrant energy and stunning architecture. With a patient, adaptable, and detail-oriented approach, I'm committed to keeping every dog in my care happy, healthy, and well-exercised.
Ray M.
Hi, I’m Raymond, born and raised in New York, specifically The Bronx. No dog of my own, but there’s a few dogs through family members; one was a Yorkie named Gucci and an American Bully named Rex. I have a bachelors in communications and visual arts. I became a dog walker just by chance, and I ended up loving it. Dogs are pretty awesome, and pretty amazing to just observe. You learn them and end up building a bond that sticks with you. Your dog will be in great hands!
Matteo P.
Hello, I’m Matteo; NYC native, artist, and animal aficionado, pleased to make you and your critter’s acquaintance! Throughout my time living in Queens and Manhattan, I’ve gotten the pleasure of growing up surrounded by dogs, whether it was playing with the neighbors’ labs that towered over my toddler self, visiting dog parks with friends, working at a daycare, and looking after my 7-year-old terrier, Lucas. For as long as I can remember, I had a passion for animals, and that expressed through the artwork I’ve been creating throughout my life; always inspired by the biodiversity in nature and my own Brazilian/Colombian heritage. I attest my understanding of dog behavioral habits and breeds to my time working for 'Dog House Club' as a daycare specialist, receptionist, and walker on the Upper West Side. It's there that I learned how truly rewarding it is to work in pet care. When it comes to pet care, I'm like Snoop Dogg's second studio album; so you can always rely on the 'Doggfather'.
Ralph G.
Hello, my name is Raphael Gonzalez though I prefer Ralph. I was born in Massachusetts but grew up in the Bronx. I grew up with animals because my father was an animal lover so I’ve always been around them. I started working in animal shelters; since then, I've had over 10 years of animal care experience. I grew up with German shepherds, Akitas, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers. I love bonding with animals and building relationships with my clients. My goal is to eventually work with exotic animals as a handler or even a behaviorist.
Mario P.
Hey! I’m Mario Pineda, born and raised in NYC. I’m thrilled to combine my passion with my career as a dedicated dog walker and cat sitter. Currently, I have a personal zoo with three cats and three dogs and each day they bring a smile to my face. Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate to have the companionship of my loving cat 9 y/o cat, Munchie, and my 15 y/o dog, Benji. I am currently attending college to get my degree in Animal Care. My career goal is to become a veterinarian. I am dedicated to ensuring that every animal that needs care receives the love, attention, and exercise they deserve, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your pet!
Christina R.
Hi, my name is Christina, born and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I always had a deep connection and compassion for all animals since my first pet hampster named Charlie at the age of ten. From that point on, I found myself saving an injured sparrow with a broken wing, a strayed baby duck, and kittens as a teenager. In 2021, I began to volunteer and foster neonatal kittens that required bottle feeding around the clock, kittens that fell sick, as well as dogs that were in their recovery stage for various reasons. Right now I have been fostering the sweetest Terrier mix named Max for about 6 months. I look forward to building a wonderful connection with you and your fur baby!
Daniela P.
Hey there! I'm Daniela, born and mostly raised in Brooklyn with house pets of all kinds for my whole life since I could remember but I also lived in Virginia for 6 years which instilled a deep love for nature and wildlife. I am a mom of all boys, one teenager, one in elementary school, and one teacup-sized senior Maltese dog named Pepper Perez whom I adopted over 4 years ago. We have been living in the Lower East Side for about 3 years now though my kids have been attending school here for their whole lives. I am currently working towards completing my education and gaining professional experience so that I can build a career in animal rescue. I look forward to knowing you and can't wait to walk, play, and care for your fur baby!
TAI G.
I am a dog & cat loving, native New Yorker. I enjoy walking, sitting, playing with & training dogs. This brings great joy to my life. As a dog walker, I bring my patience, energy, trust, communication, love & care to every fur baby. My goal is to become a dog trainer as well as to help rescues find forever homes. When I'm not dog walking, I enjoy working in film as a prop assistant, set dresser & producer. Joining the MixyPaws team is going to be fabulous & caring for all the wonderful pups.
Caitlin M.
Hi! I'm Caitlin. I was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I'm currently studying for my BFA at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, as an Illustration major. Art has been my passion for my entire life, however, I've realized I would like to become more involved with animal care and training, especially for dogs. Once I graduate, I would love to work in the art industry as a visual development artist for games and TV shows. Currently, my family and I have a Bernadoodle named Flynn who I could not love more. He's a very silly puppy and has definitely increased my interest in making a career out of my love for art and dogs. Along with Flynn, I also grew up with a lionhead/dutch rabbit named Lavender and a tortoise named Mango, plus many, many fish. I really enjoy being around dogs of all sizes and moods, I love learning their personalities and habits. I want to be a dog walker because I'll get to spend more time learning about and caring for dogs. I believe my patience and enthusiasm for animals make me a great walker for your puppy. My hobbies are pointing out every dog I pass by on the street and reading a good fantasy book.
Larry C.
I grew up in Maryland where my sister and I took in foster dogs from the Humane Society. Together we re-homed several loving family members. I’ve been around all different types of breeds and am familiar with the specific needs of each dog based on their breed, age, and personality. I am certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and have worked professionally with dogs for the past 4 years. Your beloved furry family members will love the attention and patience I give them, and I look forward to meeting you and your pets!
Haven W.
Haven is originally from Portland, Oregon but was based in Rochester, NY for many years until she settled in Brooklyn, NY. She grew up with many pets, including dogs, cats, fish, and horses! An empath and lover of all creatures, Haven is a caring professional. Working with animals professionally in foster homes and agility courses while in Rochester, she has experience working with pets in many different environments. She has her dog, Ember, a Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, and German Shepard mix that she loves to spend time on adventures with by discovering hikes outside the city together. When she's not caring for pets, she is a mixed media artist, filmmaker, coffee enthusiast, and world traveler!
Charlie P.
Hi! I'm Charlie, I grew up in Brooklyn always surrounded by animals. My family had dogs my entire life (always adopted, always mixed breed) but we've also had fish, lizards, turtles, and birds! I am a recent graduate of CUNY Brooklyn College where I received a BFA in Studio Art and have been a freelance pet sitter for over 5 years. I am a movie buff in my spare time and love to write.
Sophia W.
I grew up in the southwestern frontier of China, a beautiful place known as the animal and plant kingdom of the world. My hometown is Yunnan Province, which contains 25 ethnic minorities and is a treasure of diverse culture and art. My hometown successfully hosted the COP15 World Conference on Biological Diversity in 2021. I grew up in an environment that created my love for nature, love of animals, and nature. When I was 6 years old, I had a gray hybrid puppy (like an Akita), I named him Gray, and I spent my happy childhood with him. I've also had a Golden Retriever named Lucky, a Cocker Spaniel named COCO, a Pekingese named Bao Bao, two poodles named Baby Girl and Tail, and an Akita named Niu Niu. At present, I have 2 black poodles, they are brother and sister. They like hiking and walking in parks as much as I do.
Kate C.
Hello, I'm Kate; a Midwestern transplant with a twin passion for pets and podcasts. The pet thing came first, with my childhood dog Colleen (a rough collie - tri-colored and absolutely gorgeous!) who started my love of long walks and quiet time spent with animals. As for podcasts, narrative drama is my favorite and I'm always looking for new horror or sci-fi recs. So excited to meet your pets, as they'll be as much of an enrichment in my life as I hope to be in theirs!
Anusha S.
Hi! My name is Anusha, and I am from California. I moved to New York to attend the Parsons School of Design, and am currently a Junior there. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, and while I have sadly never owned a dog of my own, I have spent countless hours with them through friends and family. That being said, I own two horses, 19 year old Atticus and 11 year old Hallie, and I would say that they’re just like big puppies! Being in the city, I have missed spending time with animals, especially my horses, so when the opportunity to become a dog walker came up, I took it at the first chance I got. I am so excited to meet all the different pups, and can’t wait to get to know each and every one I get the chance to spend time with!
Irene C.
Hi! I was born on a little farm in Spain, where we raised horses, chickens, cats, dogs, and even ferrets and praying mantises, so I’ve seen it all! We lasted approximately 6 months after moving without any type of animal until we finally got a tiny Chihuahua for a tiny NYC apartment, who’s a very grumpy 13 year old senior now. We also have 2 cats, a Scottish Straight and a Shorthair Oriental, who pretend to not get along but then play around together and sleep sharing the same sunny spot on the bed. I attended a performing arts high school and then got my BFA majoring in Illustration at Parsons School of Design, where I left with the skills to freelance as an album cover artist for musical artists from various backgrounds.
Jake M.
Hi, my name is Jake, I was raised in Kenya but I recently moved to the city a few years ago. When I was young, I was constantly around animals and I always had a dog, but since I moved to the city I have not been able to have one of my own. I was able to have a cat in the city so that is fun but now I have 3, so I’m around animals all the time they are my best friends. I’m so excited to get to wake up and be around them and now I get to work with them! Dream come true!
Kevin K.
Hi, I'm Kevin. I grew up in Atlanta and moved to New York City to work a few years ago. I got my first dog at the age of 10 and in recent years have had cats in addition. I love the time I spend with dogs and have over three years of professional experience working with all breeds and sizes. I like to make sure that every dog is comfortable with me, has a good time, and feels safe on their walk. I enjoy bringing the same love and care that I have for my own animals to you and your pet. I am excited to work with you and your dog!