Meet Our Team

My dream one day is to have an animal shelter or sanctuary for cats, dogs and farm animals. I want to be able to help as many animals as I can. I am very grateful to be a part of The Zen Pet team and I look forward to meeting your pets!

With a deep-rooted understanding cultivated over many years spent with dogs, I pride myself on unmatched attention to detail, reliability, and responsibility. Each walk is not just a stroll but a tailored experience, ensuring every dog’s individual needs are met with love and expertise.
You can always count on me going the extra mile to ensure your pup is happy, comfortable, and cared for.

I can’t wait to meet your furry companion and become their new favorite friend!

Since Paola was six years old animals have been a part of her life. At one point, living in the country, her family had 13 dogs. Growing up she’s had dogs, cats and birds. Paola has witnessed puppies and kittens being born and raised baby birds fallen from their nests. She cares for all creatures and she
not like to kill anything. She has rescued dogs from the streets, fostered them and taking in elderly dogs that nobody wanted.

I enjoy caring for dogs and cats so much for all the pleasure and laughs and hugs and kisses I get to give and receive. I feel so much joy when the dogs are running and playing with each other and having the times of their lives.

I want to thank you for entrusting them in my care.rward to meeting you and your fur babies!

I was born & raised in San Diego and absolutely love dogs! I grew up with dogs and look forward to the day I have a yard for my own. I teach Yoga Sculpt classes and also enjoy going to the beach, watching sports, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my mom and her dog, Zoe!

Howdy! my name is Tanner Henderson and I’m very grateful to be a dog walker and pet sitter on the wonderful Zen Pet team. I grew up in San Diego and am very familiar with lots of fun routes and adventures to take new clients on all across town. Ever since I was a child, I have felt such a strong connection to animals and I’m amazed by the unconditional love they share with us. Each pet is truly special in their own individual way, and I make it my priority to bond with them on a personal level, getting to know their unique quirks and habits. My greatest passion is to improve the quality of life on earth for all sentient beings, and I feel accomplished when I am able to utilize my strengths in an effective and beneficial way.

I have previous experience working at a dog daycare, as a dog bather, and volunteering at an animal shelter. I gained a lot from those different experiences and thoroughly enjoyed my time with all the dogs, especially the moments where I was able to slow down and go at their preferred pace. From this I discovered pet sitting and walking which would allow me to interact one on one with the pets in a comprehensive manner that respects all their needs. With the luxury of choosing my own schedule with Zen Pet, I have the ability to treat each and every dog with the love and patience they deserve. I make plenty of time so that each pet can be my only focus when I am lucky enough to get the opportunity to help out an owner. I absolutely love spending time with the clients I meet, tailoring my interactions for all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. I have worked with all ranges of dogs for years now and truly see the beauty in each and every one of them. One of my favorite parts of the job is capturing their personalities in the photos I take and keeping close communication with the owners while they’re away.

When I’m not on the clock, I’m often out in nature or at the beach enjoying the many blessings of San Diego. My little buddy is pretty much always by my side, even down for a spontaneous skate ride or early morning yoga. I love him more than words can explain and he’s a 4 year old shih tzu named Buddha 🙂 Besides that I enjoy art, music, dancing, and other forms of creative self expression. If I had to describe myself in 3 words I’d choose compassionate, honest, and adaptable.

Hi I’m Alex, I have been working for the Zen Pet for over a year now as a dog walker and pet sitter. I am also a full time student at SDSU working towards a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. I have always been a huge animal person and find working with people’s pets to be so rewarding.

In my free time I like to hangout with my friends, and do everything that I can with my dog Zack, pictured here.

Hi my name is Teekhnata. I have always had an affinity for animals. My mom rescued cats when I was a child and we often had up to 10 of them living with us. I always thought of myself as a cat person until I started dating my husband who had a sweet pit bull named Bailey. I quickly became an equal opportunity pet enthusiast! Since Bailey passed my husband no longer wants a pet, so I am very happy and grateful to be able to spend time and take care of these sweet beings through Zen Pet! When I’m not getting my fur baby fix, I am a health educator at a local retreat center. I also love to trail run and garden.

Marilyn grew up with pets, she is very patient, kind, and an extremely loving person, dogs and cats sense this from Marilyn. Marilyn is steadfast and sweet, the pets just love her and so do we.

Allie’s love and natural way with/ for animals started when She was a little girl, her dad always made sure they had a dog her family could grow up with, he taught Allie and her siblings to respect and to love animals; She has a fondness for dogs because they are so innocent and so easy to fall in love with!

As a zen pet dog walker Allie is so thrilled that she gets to do that every day and She enjoys her time with the pups more than words can describe— for Allie it’s always hard to say good bye to the puppy eyes when the walk is over, but if there is a walk the next day and they greet her with happiness as they always do- her day is complete.

We are so fortunate to have Allie on the Zen Pet team she is a great asset to the team, she cares for the animals greatly & we couldn’t be happier with her!

Melena, is an huge animal lover originally from the Bay Area.

We are thrilled to have Melena on the zen pet team as an experienced dog walker and pet sitter.

Melena grew up with dogs and as an adult she became a cat lover as well. Melena believes like humans, dogs have different personalities making each encounter an exciting new adventure. She considers herself an animal whisperer as she connects on a deep level with every doggy & kitty she cares for.

Her main goal is safety, ensuring that the pups & kitties feel safe, loved and relaxed while their parents are away.