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!

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!

In 2019 my life was forever changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After 7 surgeries in 18 months and complications including a life-threatening infection, I was ready to get back to living life!
I vowed then that I’d never again work a 9 to 5 job again, and decided instead to pursue my passions – animals and fitness. I’m now a full time pet sitter and dog walker as well as a health & wellness coach. I volunteer for both San Diego Pittie Parents and the National Cat Protection Society.

I have a very handsome Pit/Lab mix named Damion. Large dogs & Bully breeds hold a special place in my heart, and 2 of my favorite clients have been Willard and Bernie: St. Berdoodle brothers who each weighed over 125 pounds!

Learning the characteristics of animals that make each of them unique is very interesting to me and with the work that I do for ZenPet, I am given perfect opportunities to observe and learn the animals while providing space for them to feel comfortable in their home or on our walks. I love being outside and walking, I love being with the animals,

I love taking photos to share and I also love to know that I am caring for the home as a whole when I am caring for the pets. This truly is the best work I could be doing, of service to families and their animals I am very happy to be a part of this team.

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.

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.

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.

Kim is a current volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society. Kim
has two dogs of her own. For many years Kim has provided pet sitting for, clients, friends and family as well as Zen Pet . Her would not be as fulfilled without animals ! They always bring a smile to her face and she values the tome spent with caring for all of the zen pets.

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!