Learn more about our skilled and highly qualified team!
Hazel Hunter
My name is Hazel Hunter and I just love dogs! I am originally from Va. Beach and have been living in Fairfax County since 1989. I have had cats and dogs my entire live and currently have a brown Labradoodle and a Chinese Shar Pei. I also keep a friend’s yellow Labrador for extended visits when her family is traveling. He has really become a part of our family. Now that my 3 kids are older and I have more free time, I am able to help Mary out with her clients. I love taking walks and playing with all of our clients’ pets. They all have such different personalities and bring a lot of joy to my life. I look forward to meeting more new friends soon!
Debbie Swindall
My name is Debbie Swindall and I am a native northern-Virginian. I have had animals all my life, including dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, and hamsters. My family now consists of my loving husband, two dogs and a cat. I recently retired after 39 years in the health care profession (32 years with Kaiser Permanente), and wanted to try a different line of work. I enjoy all animals; they all have such different personalities. I have worked 4 years part-time as a pet sitter and am enjoying it immensely.
Shad McAllister
Hi, my name is Shad McAllister. I have had animals for most of my life. Growing up on a family farm, we’ve raised bulls, cattle, goats, chickens, and horses. Of course, we’ve always had cats and dogs running around. I have a beautiful daughter and a love.. my wife. My wife and daughter sometimes come with me to meet the pups or kitties. They always have fun interacting the animals. I have been working with Paw Pals since August of 2018 and it has been really rewarding. Paw Pals has gotten me out there and get some more exercise. Can’t wait to meet you and your best friends.
Laura Poston
My name is Laura Poston. I live in Centreville with my family and our lab Hank. I retired from the Army in September 2019. Working for Paw Pals has given me the opportunity to exercise and avoid a long commute outside of Centreville. My furry clients are happy to see me and I enjoy taking them on a good walk or playing with them during my visit.
Sofie Hunter
My name is Sofie. I’ve had dogs my entire life. I love being outside and enjoy waking and playing with my clients’ pets. I treat all of these furry friends as if they were my own. Caring for animals has become a passion of mine and I can’t wait to take care of your four-legged friends.
Diana Cabrera McAllister
Hello my name is Diana Cabrera McAllister. I went to James Madison University and I love everything Disney! I’ve been with PawPals, off and on, for about 3 years, and can often be seen helping out with my husband Shad on walks and vacation visits. We have a 2 year-old kitty named Sir Tuberson Reginald III (aka Tubby). I look forward to meeting you and your fur-family!
Kayla Boyce
Hi, I’m Kayla! I love animals; honestly, I have been known to hang out with the animals more than the humans whenever I’m invited to someone’s house! If I disappear, I’m often found cuddling the dog! I have a Maltipoo named Shelby, who I refer to as my sister (yes, I’m that kind of person!) She’s an angel and sparked my love for animals. I enjoy being active outside and learning more about caring for and understanding animal behavior in any way I can. I am currently listening to the Creative Dog Training podcast; that’s the nerd I am. I plan to graduate from Liberty University with my major in Graphic Design and minor in Biblical Studies after this coming year. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur babies and treat them how I would want my dog, Shelby, to be treated when I’m away.
Paul Pilipczuk
Hi! I’m Paul, I’ve grown up with cats my whole life and have also had my hand at watching dogs ever since I was about nine years old. I love animals, and my friends even call me the cat whisperer because every time I meet a new cat they always come and welcome me. Dogs have always been fun for me to work with, and I really enjoy getting to know them and their unique personalities. Working with Paw Pals has made my passion of loving animals fun and exciting. I can’t wait to work with your pets and get to know them!
Kari Sehgal
My name’s Kari! I’ve had all types of animals my entire life and currently have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 4 birds! One of my cats is 19 and one dog is 18! I enjoy going on long walks and jogs both with my dogs and my clients’ dogs. I have fostered many animals in the past (and almost always end up adopting them..) I love to take care of all sorts of animals and can’t wait to meet your fur babies and treat them as if they were my own!
Danielle Ivey
Hello, my name’s Danny! I grew up in Matoaca, VA (south of Richmond) and moved up here to NoVA in 2019, settling in Oakton. Growing up our house was a beacon to strays and we tended to grow too attached to them. So you name it, we had it. As of now, though, with my boyfriend, I have two kitties named Black Label and Faygo (pictured with me very begrudgingly), and they are our entire world! I love working with Paw Pals because I get to meet so many new people and furry friends – I treat all my furry clients like one of my own, and I can’t wait to add yours to the mix!
Shannon Hamer
Hi! My name is Shannon Hamer and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work for Paw Pals! Throughout my life, I’ve had three dogs, two hamsters, one cat, and tons of fish, and I’ve had the joy of taking care of countless other animals in the area in the past 7 years of my pet sitting journey. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong connection to and passionate love of animals. I care deeply about each and every animal in my care, and I can’t wait to meet many more during my time as a part of the Paw Pals family 🙂
Makiya Linear
Hello! I’m Makiya, I enjoy seeing the fall colors in nature, going for walks, and trying new foods. I am the proud “aunt” of two Cane Corsos named Panther & Nemo. They are too big to hold now, so we have to sit beside each other to talk and cuddle. I enjoy engaging with pets and meeting their needs. I take time to learn their likes/ dislikes and their overall personality.
Tatiana Chanez-Jayo
Hi! I am Tatiana Chanez-Jayo. I joined Paw Pals because I have a high interest in caring for animals. I have cared for many pets during my life, and currently have two cats and two dogs at home. I am naturally a shy person and tend to bond with animals more easily, which has been comforting to me. I believe a good way of giving back to them is being able to provide loving care for them. I hope I can provide the best care for your pet(s) and that they are happy with the care I give them.
Mikko Laquindanum
Hello! My name is Mikko. I have lived here in northern Virginia my whole life and I’m currently studying to get my engineering degree and pilots license while working here with Paw Pals. As of right now, I have three little ones, more specifically 1 dog and 2 cats. I have a beagle named Sandi, a black cat named Mochi, and a tiger-striped cat named Minnie. I love all animals with all types of personalities! That’s why I enjoy going out and taking care of people’s pets. I watch over every animal I encounter like they are my own and make sure they are happy. I can’t wait to meet and spend time with more!
