Tailblazers.ca : Toronto Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters News

An animal lover since birth, and a pet owner since the age of four, in 2002 I decided to leave the corporate world to pursue my passion: working with animals. My dog, Blazer, pointed me in the right direction.

Your pets are my business, and I take this responsibility very seriously. Although my best credentials are my patience and sense of humour, my business is also fully insured and licensed, and I hold a certificate in Pet First Aid (obtained in 2002 and refreshed in 2004 and 2005), and in 2004 completed the instructor’s course. I am a member of the All Canadian Pet Services Network (www.acpsn.com ), and Pet Sitters International (www.psi.com); non-profit associations dedicated to setting standards of professionalism in the pet care industry. Through an apprenticeship program, I have also helped to train many pet-care hopefuls to run successful, safe and professional dog walking/petsitting businesses.

My own canine companion (Blazer, a Collie-Husky mix originally from the Toronto Humane Society) has taught me beginner-level Agility (www.k9klubhouse.ca), and hopes to one day master the intermediate and advanced levels. An experienced dog walker, Blazer likes to help me reinforce basic obedience with all of our canine clients, returning tired, happy and well-behaved pups.

I have been a vegetarian for many years and am very interested in animal rights and environmentalism. In 2008 I hope to launch a new fundraising project to raise money for organizations that rescue and rehabilitate abused or abandoned aninamls.

I attended the University of King's College and the University of Toronto, where I still take night classes part-time. Blazer tells me that he did not complete formal schooling of any sort.

Read more about Yvette in excerpts from The National Post ("The Tao of Dog Walking") and The Liberty Gleaner ("Stress-Free Condominium Living").

An experienced dog walker and cat sitter, Sarah has been with Tail Blazers since 2009, and is the dedicated caregiver to many happy dogs and cats. Having owned pets for most of her life and volunteered as a Toronto Humane Society kitten feeder for 2 years, the transition to professional pet care was a natural one for Sarah.  A vegetarian since her teens, Sarah loves all furry, scaly and feathered creatures, so whether you have a dog, bunny, or bearded dragon, she's your gal!  

Sarah graduated from the University of Toronto in 2010 with a degree in Environmental Policy, which she is now putting to good use working for Tail Blazers.  So rest assured that the person picking up your pet's poop is extremely qualified.  And although she was not a more practical English or Theatre major, she has a natural talent for creating charming nicknames for your pet, and assigning them various regional accents based on their species and breed type.

Sarah is responsible, devoted, and committed to caring for animals of all kinds. She has many glowing references from grateful pet owners, and would love to look after your pets while you're at work or away.  

In the Fall of 2009 Jane finally realized her dream of working with animals full time. A former health care worker in Sault Ste. Marie, Jane is fully insured and bonded and is available for all of your pet's needs. Jane is affiliated with Tail Blazers Toronto and has apprenticed under owner/operator Yvette de Verteuil. A true animal lover, Jane has spent all of her life with furry companions and now is going to dedicate her time to your pets.

For more information on services, availability and pricing, call Jane at 705.971.2171 or email fauxyjane@hotmail.com.