About Us

Hometown

Encinitas, CA

Pets

Slugger, a Viszla mix

Interesting fact

Once saved a clients’ 2 cats and cottage from burning down on New Year’s Day in CT.

Bio

I grew up with a menagerie of pets, including birds, fish, a cat, and dogs. The care of & showing horses was a hobby from childhood until college-age. I am originally from CT & graduated from Central CT State University with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Psychology. My emphasis was in Mass Media and I began a career in TV production in 1990. After years of shift work & eventually burnout, I decided working for myself was a more attractive option, especially if I could combine a business with my biggest passion – dogs.

In 1996 I began a new career in pet sitting and have never looked back. I operated that first pet sitting business in CT for 8 years, then sold it in 2003 to move to CA with my husband and dog. Then, I started Claws and Paws in 2004. I have totally immersed myself in the pet sitting field, constantly striving to better myself professionally. I am a member of Pet Sitters Associates, LLC and have attended multiple pet sitting conferences. I subscribe to several pet-related discussion groups on the internet, am the moderator of two, and network with many other pet sitters in San Diego county, and all over the country.

I am proud of our accolades and accomplishments – the Claws and Paws team was named Best Dog Walking Service in San Diego by Ranch & Coast Magazine readers in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Hometown

Encinitas, CA

Pets

Slugger, a Viszla mix

Interesting fact

Lead singer and keyboardist of the best Allman Brothers Tribute band, called All Men Are Brothers.

Bio

Married to Gina, since 1995, John helped Gina start her first pet sitting business in 1996 in CT. Still providing support in the field, especially with the larger dogs and to let Gina have some time off! He grew up with dogs, a pony, cats & a goat named Alfie.

Hometown

Encinitas, CA

Pets

Knack & Soren, German Shepherd mixes

Interesting fact

In her free time she enjoys the more wild side by volunteering at Project Wildlife for wildlife rehabilitation and also at the California Wolf Center in Julian to assist in conserving the endangered Mexican Gray Wolf.

Bio

Andrea has been caring for animals for over 20 years as a pet sitter and veterinary technician working with both domestic and exotic pets.  Along with caring for a variety of different species, she also cares for her own two pups at home, who were both rescued from Mexico and are now living their best life.

Hometown

Carlsbad, CA

Interesting fact

Has experience in Taekwondo, Mixed Martial Arts, weight training & Health & Fitness.

Bio

Attended La Costa Canyon High School, and has his Associates degree in Theater Arts at Palomar Community College. He has a soft spot for all dogs, especially bully breeds. His sweet pit bull dog recently passed away, so he loves to get his “dog fix” with client’s dogs! He wants to pursue an acting career as well.