Meet the LAPS team

Rachelle

I’ve always felt a special connection with animals, especially those who are shy, senior, sick, injured, or have special needs. Over the years, that passion led me into animal rescue, where I’ve spent more than 25 years helping dogs from all kinds of backgrounds find safety, understanding, and a place to belong.

Loving Arms Pet Services was born from a challenge I faced myself. As someone caring for rescue animals and pets with special needs, I struggled to find someone I trusted to care for them when I needed time away. I realized many pet owners felt the same way, so I created the kind of service I would want for my own pets: professional, reliable care with thoughtful communication and genuine compassion.

I have a special place in my heart for senior pets and those living with blindness, deafness, mobility challenges, or medical conditions. I believe every pet deserves to be understood as an individual, and I take the time to learn each pet’s personality, routines, preferences, and needs.

Whether I’m caring for your pets while you’re away or helping you work through training challenges, my goal is to make life easier for both pets and their people. I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to pet care or training. Every plan is tailored to the individual pet, their family, and their unique circumstances.

When you’re away, I know how important peace of mind is. That’s why I provide regular updates, photos, and communication so you can relax knowing your pets are safe, comfortable, and cared for.

My training approach is based on positive reinforcement and clear communication. Dogs don’t experience the world the same way we do, and I enjoy helping families better understand their dogs while building skills, confidence, and stronger relationships together.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to provide the kind of care and guidance that allows both pets and their people to thrive.

Tricia

Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

Tricia is a dedicated pet care professional with a special focus on cats, including shy, fearful, and behaviorally complex cases. She has fostered over 170 kittens, including medical-needs and underage litters, and volunteers with a local animal shelter working closely with cats preparing for adoption.

As a cat mom to two senior girls, Soraya and Ailsa, Tricia understands how important it is to have someone you trust caring for your pets. She brings patience, attention to detail, and a calm, thoughtful approach to every visit.

When she’s not working with animals, Tricia enjoys running, strength training and volunteering with CASA.

Melissa

Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

Melissa has always had a strong connection with animals and says she’s always felt more at home around pets than most people. She shares her life with two large dogs—Bruno, a nine-year-old chocolate lab who’s the definition of a chill, goofy “bro,” and Otis, her energetic and affectionate foster fail who keeps things interesting.

She stays active with league beach volleyball, running, and the occasional yoga or arts and crafts class. Melissa also loves to travel and has an ever-growing bucket list of places she wants to experience. At home, she’s gotten into gardening and considers it a win that she now has more living plants than dead ones. Spending time with family and friends is something she values deeply.

She’s excited to meet all the furry friends through Loving Arms Pet Services and to provide thoughtful, reliable care for each one.

Jodie

Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

Jodie has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember and understands that pets are family. She shares her home with her two rambunctious Boston Terriers, KC and Ozzy, and has fostered more than 50 dogs through a Boston Terrier rescue. Helping dogs in need has given her experience with a wide variety of personalities, energy levels, and individual needs.

As a pet owner herself, Jodie knows the stress that can come with leaving your pets while you’re away. She understands how much trust it takes to hand over your house keys and know someone else is caring for your furry family members. That’s one of the reasons she loves being a professional pet sitter—she enjoys providing the same peace of mind she looks for when she travels, so clients can truly relax knowing their pets are in caring, capable hands.

When she’s not caring for pets, you’ll usually find Jodie out hiking the local trails with KC and Ozzy or planning her next adventure. She loves to travel and recently crossed Hawaii off her bucket list.