Kristen Schmitt founder – PetCare AuPair
In the summer of 2010, after being laid off months earlier from her senior-level position in media, Kristen wanted to combine her love for animals with her inner entrepreneur. After assisting a few working friends and vacationing family members who wanted reliable in-home pet care, she had a “light bulb” moment and PetCare AuPair was set in motion. Kristen has been around animals her entire life and has had just about every animal you can think of – from dogs, cats, fish, bunnies, birds, to the more exotic variety, such as a pet rat and a flying squirrel.
Knowing just how stressful finding reliable and loving pet care can be, Kristen set out to create a dynamic business geared towards making the lives of her clients less stressful and more engaging for their animals. By joining professional organizations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), Kristen and her staff receive valuable information on pet care and implement the best practices to ensure that each visit is safe and productive. Kristen has a Maine Coon cat named Benny and a rescued Schnauzer/Terrier named Charlie.
“I truly love what I do… It’s the best job in the world!”
Deanne Iovan
Deanne Iovan is a lifelong animal advocate. Since her early days of bringing home stray dogs to an exasperated mother, her focus has always been on caring for needy critters, big and small. Over the years, Deanne has volunteered for local animal shelters. She believes that promoting the health and well-being of animals creates a healthier community for people as well.
In 2008, she started Little Bug Animal Companion Service, directed at the senior citizens in her community. Little Bug provides free assistance to seniors with limited mobility, and for those who find caring for an animal challenging.
“It’s such a joy to meet a new animal client. That first encounter is like greeting a new friend. Getting to know an animal’s personality, and understanding that we all need the same things: food, shelter, love — is like connecting the dots in the universe!”
Lisa Hernandez
Lisa Hernandez knows a thing or two about animals both large and small. A graduate from the Macomb Community College Veterinary Technician program, Lisa finished her internship at Bower’s Animal Farm in Bloomfield Hills and currently works full time at Little Friends of Ferndale Vet clinic. Lisa is the PetCare AuPair’s resident “Overnight Sitter,” and she has a long pedigree of helping animals – from volunteering at the Detroit Zoo, to her many years as a Michigan Humane Society (Detroit Chapter) volunteer. Lisa has two rescued pets, a 4 year-old female cat named Sami and a Bunny named Stella.
“I hope I bring as much joy to these animals as they’ll bring to me.”
Sarah O’Neill
Sarah O’Neill is a long time friend to Kristen and is a fellow Ferndalian. Sarah is an animal rescue advocate and her passion is educating people about the myths surrounding “bully breed” dogs. She is delving into the dog-training arena by completing Training Seminars with TLCC Training as well as grooming. Roma the (sweetest) pit bull, Chopper the Yorkie/Chihuahua, and BooBoo the black kitty, all call Sarah, “Mom”… But we really know who owns whom in this household!
“Animals are my passion, so getting to work with and take care of them on a daily basis seemed like a such an awesome opportunity! I can’t wait to meet all of you and your pet family.”
Kat Stevens
Kat Stevens An avid animal and dog lover since birth, Kat started her career early on as her neighborhood pet sitter. Working through her early 20’s as a kennel tech and a volunteer at several animal shelters, Kat obtained her certification in dog training at the Animal Behavior College. She also completed her internship at Fido Personal Dog Training in Ferndale, with her specialty in assisting clients who have adopted rescue and shelter dogs.
Kat has a massage therapy license and is continuing her dog training experience by obtaining additional credits via correspondence courses and attending seminars. Kat can assist you and your dog/s with all kinds of positive reinforcement training – please see our Rates and Services page for more information.
Leah Dudek
Leah Dudek has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she had a wide range of pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles and hamsters. She was also the neighborhood animal rescuer who brought home strays because she wanted to help take care of them and find them loving homes.
In 2008, Leah started volunteering with All About Animals, a non-profit, low cost clinic and rescue based in Warren. After being laid-off in 2009 from her position in the music industry, she invested more of her time in helping this rescue, as she believed in their mission of “No More Homeless Pets.” All About Animals hired Leah as part of their team, and some of her duties include scheduling low cost spay and neuter surgeries, overseeing the Wellness Clinic which provides low cost preventative care, working fundraising events, fostering rescued dogs and cats, representing the rescue at off-site events, and visiting schools to educate children on being kind to animals. And now, she is very excited to be a part of the PetCare AuPair team!
“I feel so lucky that I have worked with two things in my life which I love: animals and music. I love working with animals and have always been very passionate about looking out for their well-being. One of my favorite quotes used by Misfit Angels rescue is, “Rescuing one dog may not change the world, but for that one dog, the world will be changed forever.”
Ryan Pouliot
Ryan Pouliot is the “go-to” guy for friends and family when animal care is needed. With a compassionate, genuine, life-long interest in the well being of animals, Ryan is looking forward to expanding his knowledge and experience in the pet care world. Residing in Royal Oak, Ryan and his wife are parents to four cats – Toby, Markovich, Lulu and Lilly.
“PetCare AuPair is exactly the company I’ve been looking for. I’ve always been a huge animal advocate and working here is an opportunity of a lifetime for me. I’m looking forward to working with Kristen and the rest of the PetCare AuPair family!”
