About FurBabies & Friends
Meet the team behind FurBabies & Friends, a trusted, award-winning pet care company serving Glendale, Peoria, and the Phoenix West Valley. Since 2018, we have provided professional dog walking, in-home pet sitting, dog grooming, and force-free puppy & dog training designed to support both pets and their people.
Our bonded, insured, and background-checked team is committed to delivering safe, reliable care you can feel confident about, whether you’re home or away.
Our bonded, insured, and background-checked team is committed to delivering safe, reliable care you can feel confident about, whether you’re home or away.
Proudly insured through Pet Sitters Associates
Coverage for your home, your pets, and your peace of mind.
Meet Our Glendale Pet Care Team
Our pet care team is made up of compassionate, experienced professionals who treat every animal as if they were their own. Every team member is background-checked, bonded, and insured, and trained to deliver safe, reliable care you can trust.
As a licensed pet care provider serving Glendale and Peoria, we hold our team to high standards of communication, consistency, and professionalism. Whether your pet needs a simple visit or more specialized care, we tailor our services to match their individual needs and routine.
As a licensed pet care provider serving Glendale and Peoria, we hold our team to high standards of communication, consistency, and professionalism. Whether your pet needs a simple visit or more specialized care, we tailor our services to match their individual needs and routine.
Get To Know the People Caring For Your Pets
Kristie Halverson
Owner & Dog Trainer
Owner & Dog Trainer
Kristie Halverson is the owner and founder of FurBabies & Friends, a positive reinforcement dog trainer, and the heart behind the company’s compassionate approach to pet care in Glendale, Arizona.
With over 8 years of professional experience and more than 20 years working with dogs, Kristie specializes in puppy training, obedience, leash reactivity, and in-home behavior support. She helps pet parents build clear communication, confidence, and real-world reliability with their dogs using force-free, science-based training methods.
Kristie’s positive reinforcement philosophy extends beyond dog training. It shapes how FurBabies & Friends approaches every service, from pet sitting and dog walking to grooming and overnight care. Every pet is treated with patience, respect, and compassion, with a focus on helping them feel safe, understood, and cared for while their families are away.
In addition to working with clients, Kristie has rehabilitated and trained over 70 foster dogs, helping them gain confidence and transition successfully into permanent homes. As the founder of FurBabies & Friends, she sets the standard for safe, reliable, and relationship-based care across Glendale, Peoria, and the Phoenix West Valley.
With over 8 years of professional experience and more than 20 years working with dogs, Kristie specializes in puppy training, obedience, leash reactivity, and in-home behavior support. She helps pet parents build clear communication, confidence, and real-world reliability with their dogs using force-free, science-based training methods.
Kristie’s positive reinforcement philosophy extends beyond dog training. It shapes how FurBabies & Friends approaches every service, from pet sitting and dog walking to grooming and overnight care. Every pet is treated with patience, respect, and compassion, with a focus on helping them feel safe, understood, and cared for while their families are away.
In addition to working with clients, Kristie has rehabilitated and trained over 70 foster dogs, helping them gain confidence and transition successfully into permanent homes. As the founder of FurBabies & Friends, she sets the standard for safe, reliable, and relationship-based care across Glendale, Peoria, and the Phoenix West Valley.
Michelle Mayer
Senior Pet Care Professional
Senior Pet Care Professional
Michelle has been a valued member of the FurBabies & Friends team for over four years and brings additional experience from working with a pet sitting company earlier in her career. She has cared for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, and small animals, and is comfortable adapting to each pet’s unique needs and routine.
Known for her calm, attentive approach, Michelle is one of the most requested team members for overnight pet sitting. She treats every pet as if they were her own, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for while their owners are away.
Outside of pet care, Michelle works for Maricopa County and enjoys reading, baking, fishing, playing poker, swimming, and cooking. She shares her home with her German Shepherd, Kya, and her cat, Luna.
Known for her calm, attentive approach, Michelle is one of the most requested team members for overnight pet sitting. She treats every pet as if they were her own, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for while their owners are away.
Outside of pet care, Michelle works for Maricopa County and enjoys reading, baking, fishing, playing poker, swimming, and cooking. She shares her home with her German Shepherd, Kya, and her cat, Luna.
Melissa Howle
Senior Pet Care Professional
Senior Pet Care Professional
Melissa has been a trusted member of the FurBabies & Friends team since 2021 and is one of the longest-standing members of the team. Known for her reliability, consistency, and calm presence, she plays an important role in delivering dependable pet care services to families throughout Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley.
She has experience providing overnight pet sitting and in-home care, helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and secure in their familiar environment while their owners are away. Melissa is especially attentive to maintaining routines and ensuring each pet receives personalized care based on their individual needs.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and her rescue dog, Tina, and understands firsthand the importance of trusting someone to care for your pets like family.
She has experience providing overnight pet sitting and in-home care, helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and secure in their familiar environment while their owners are away. Melissa is especially attentive to maintaining routines and ensuring each pet receives personalized care based on their individual needs.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and her rescue dog, Tina, and understands firsthand the importance of trusting someone to care for your pets like family.
Becca McCormick
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Becca has been part of the FurBabies & Friends team for over a year, providing dependable pet care services to families throughout Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley. With a lifelong love of animals, she brings patience, consistency, and a genuine passion for caring for pets of all sizes and personalities.
As a dog owner herself, Becca understands the importance of trusting someone with your pets and treats every animal with the same level of care and attention she gives her own. She is especially comfortable working with larger breeds and ensuring each pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Outside of pet care, Becca enjoys spending time with her family, creating handmade dog accessories, and making homemade treats for her two Mastiff mix dogs.
As a dog owner herself, Becca understands the importance of trusting someone with your pets and treats every animal with the same level of care and attention she gives her own. She is especially comfortable working with larger breeds and ensuring each pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Outside of pet care, Becca enjoys spending time with her family, creating handmade dog accessories, and making homemade treats for her two Mastiff mix dogs.
Nina Newell
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Nina has been a valued member of the FurBabies & Friends team for over a year, providing attentive and compassionate pet care throughout Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley. With a lifelong connection to animals, she brings both experience and a genuine commitment to every pet she works with.
She has volunteered at a local animal shelter and served as a foster for dogs, helping animals transition into safe and loving homes. Nina also spent two years working at a dog daycare as a trainer, where she developed a strong understanding of dog behavior and handling.
At home, Nina shares her life with her Dachshund, Doja. Her calm, patient approach and dedication to each pet’s well-being help ensure every animal feels comfortable, supported, and cared for.
She has volunteered at a local animal shelter and served as a foster for dogs, helping animals transition into safe and loving homes. Nina also spent two years working at a dog daycare as a trainer, where she developed a strong understanding of dog behavior and handling.
At home, Nina shares her life with her Dachshund, Doja. Her calm, patient approach and dedication to each pet’s well-being help ensure every animal feels comfortable, supported, and cared for.
Vanessa Mahoney
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Vanessa has been part of the FurBabies & Friends team for the past year, providing reliable pet sitting and dog walking services throughout the Glendale and Phoenix West Valley area. After working with Kristie to train her own two dogs, she developed a strong understanding of dog behavior and positive reinforcement, which she applies in her care for every pet.
She has experience caring for a wide variety of animals, including dogs, small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and is comfortable adapting to each pet’s unique needs and personality. Vanessa is known for her calm, attentive approach and her ability to help pets feel comfortable and at ease while their owners are away.
Originally from Vermont, Vanessa has lived in Arizona since 2017. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with her dogs, Bash and Kipo, or relaxing at home with her wife and pets.
She has experience caring for a wide variety of animals, including dogs, small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and is comfortable adapting to each pet’s unique needs and personality. Vanessa is known for her calm, attentive approach and her ability to help pets feel comfortable and at ease while their owners are away.
Originally from Vermont, Vanessa has lived in Arizona since 2017. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with her dogs, Bash and Kipo, or relaxing at home with her wife and pets.
Emily DiTomasso
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Emily is a valued member of the FurBabies & Friends team, providing attentive pet sitting and dog walking services throughout Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley. She brings a compassionate, detail-oriented approach to every visit, helping pets feel comfortable, safe, and cared for in their home environment.
As a pet owner herself, Emily understands the importance of trust and consistency when it comes to caring for animals. She is especially dedicated to maintaining routines and ensuring each pet receives personalized attention based on their individual needs and personality.
Recently married, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue cattle dog mix, Zoe, and is passionate about creating a positive, enriching experience for every pet she cares for.
As a pet owner herself, Emily understands the importance of trust and consistency when it comes to caring for animals. She is especially dedicated to maintaining routines and ensuring each pet receives personalized attention based on their individual needs and personality.
Recently married, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue cattle dog mix, Zoe, and is passionate about creating a positive, enriching experience for every pet she cares for.
Karen Plante
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Karen brings years of trusted pet care experience to the FurBabies & Friends team, having been the go-to pet sitter for friends and family for many years. She has experience caring for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, reptiles, and small mammals.
As a pet parent herself, Karen understands how stressful it can feel to leave a beloved family member in someone else’s care. She brings a methodical, attentive, and playful approach to each visit, with a special soft spot for senior pets.
Originally from Massachusetts, Karen moved to Arizona in 2015 with her husband and their dog to escape the cold New England winters. Outside of pet care, she enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and making up silly songs for her large mixed breed dog, Lola.
As a pet parent herself, Karen understands how stressful it can feel to leave a beloved family member in someone else’s care. She brings a methodical, attentive, and playful approach to each visit, with a special soft spot for senior pets.
Originally from Massachusetts, Karen moved to Arizona in 2015 with her husband and their dog to escape the cold New England winters. Outside of pet care, she enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and making up silly songs for her large mixed breed dog, Lola.
Camryn Winn
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Camryn brings a well-rounded background in animal care to the FurBabies & Friends team. She grew up around many different types of pets, which helped her develop an understanding of animal body language, comfort levels, and individual personalities.
Her professional experience includes four years working at a dog daycare and boarding facility, along with three years of dog walking and pet sitting experience. Camryn is also currently training as a dog groomer, continuing to expand her hands-on animal care skills.
Camryn’s approach is calm, patient, and respectful. She believes in giving pets the space they need to feel comfortable while making sure they stay safe, well cared for, and supported during each visit. Outside of pet care, Camryn enjoys live events, going to the gym, cooking, and keeping up with trending shows.
Her professional experience includes four years working at a dog daycare and boarding facility, along with three years of dog walking and pet sitting experience. Camryn is also currently training as a dog groomer, continuing to expand her hands-on animal care skills.
Camryn’s approach is calm, patient, and respectful. She believes in giving pets the space they need to feel comfortable while making sure they stay safe, well cared for, and supported during each visit. Outside of pet care, Camryn enjoys live events, going to the gym, cooking, and keeping up with trending shows.
Naomi Yabsley
Pet Care Professional
Pet Care Professional
Naomi brings a caring, hands-on background in animal care to the FurBabies & Friends team. She has volunteered at a local animal shelter, fostered dogs, and has several years of experience providing overnight pet sitting and in-home pet care.
Having lived with dogs for most of her life, Naomi understands how important it is for pets to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while their families are away. She enjoys supporting each pet’s routine with patience, consistency, and attention to detail.
Outside of pet care, Naomi walks dogs at MCACC on the weekends and enjoys hiking, running, and baking, including homemade dog treats.
Having lived with dogs for most of her life, Naomi understands how important it is for pets to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while their families are away. She enjoys supporting each pet’s routine with patience, consistency, and attention to detail.
Outside of pet care, Naomi walks dogs at MCACC on the weekends and enjoys hiking, running, and baking, including homemade dog treats.
See Our Glendale Pet Care Team in Action
At FurBabies & Friends, trust is built through real relationships, consistent care, and hands-on experience with pets and their people. This gallery features real moments of our team working with local clients, dogs, cats, and other pets throughout Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley.
From training sessions and safe handling to pet care visits and client support, these photos give you a behind-the-scenes look at the people who help make FurBabies & Friends a trusted local pet care company.
Ready to meet the team behind the care?
Contact FurBabies & Friends to schedule your complimentary meet & greet!
From training sessions and safe handling to pet care visits and client support, these photos give you a behind-the-scenes look at the people who help make FurBabies & Friends a trusted local pet care company.
Ready to meet the team behind the care?
Contact FurBabies & Friends to schedule your complimentary meet & greet!
What to expect from a pet sitter at FurBabies & Friends is a vetted, background checked, bonded and insured pet professional for the best pet care in Glendale, AZ.
What to expect from a pet sitter at FurBabies & Friends is a vetted, background checked, bonded and insured pet professional for the best pet care in Glendale, AZ.
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Interested In Joining the Professional Pet Care Team? Apply Below or Via Contact UsRecognized and Trusted in Glendale and the West Valley
FurBabies & Friends has earned consistent recognition across Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley for outstanding pet care, dog training, and customer experience. These awards reflect the trust our clients place in our team and the consistent standards we deliver.
Community Recognition Awards
Glendale Community Votes – Platinum & Gold Winner (Pet Training, Kennels) – 2024, 2025, & 2026
Glendale Community Votes – Gold & Platinum Winner (Pet Sitting, Pet Grooming) – 2024, 2025, & 2026
Industry Recognition
Best of Glendale – Reader’s Choice Award (2024 & 2025)
ThreeBestRated® – Top Dog Trainers & Dog Walkers in Glendale (2023, 2024, & 2025)
Multi-Service Recognition
Best in Phoenix – Dog Training, Pet Sitting, and Grooming (2024 & 2025)
Local & Community Recognition
Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave (2023 & 2024)
Recommended Business – Loc8NearMe
Recognized across multiple service categories, including dog training, pet sitting, and grooming.
Community Recognition Awards
Glendale Community Votes – Platinum & Gold Winner (Pet Training, Kennels) – 2024, 2025, & 2026
Glendale Community Votes – Gold & Platinum Winner (Pet Sitting, Pet Grooming) – 2024, 2025, & 2026
Industry Recognition
Best of Glendale – Reader’s Choice Award (2024 & 2025)
ThreeBestRated® – Top Dog Trainers & Dog Walkers in Glendale (2023, 2024, & 2025)
Multi-Service Recognition
Best in Phoenix – Dog Training, Pet Sitting, and Grooming (2024 & 2025)
Local & Community Recognition
Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave (2023 & 2024)
Recommended Business – Loc8NearMe
Recognized across multiple service categories, including dog training, pet sitting, and grooming.
GOAL: Live your IDEAL life with your best friend, furry or not.
Our Mission, Values, and Beliefs
Motto
"A TIRED Dog is the BEST Dog"
To us, this means more than physical exercise. A truly fulfilled dog is mentally engaged through training, emotionally supported through a strong relationship, and physically exercised in a way that meets their individual needs. When those needs are met, behavior improves, confidence grows, and both dogs and their people thrive.
Mission
We help pet parents live their ideal life with their best friend, whether furry, feathered, or scaled, through exercise, training, grooming, and compassionate in-home pet care.
Our goal is to help pets thrive by supporting their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs using positive reinforcement and force-free methods.
Our goal is to help pets thrive by supporting their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs using positive reinforcement and force-free methods.
Values
What Guides Everything We Do:
1. Safety always comes first
2. We RESPPPECT all beings, both human and animal alike
3. We listen openly and communicate honestly
4. We support keeping pets in their loving homes
5. We believe in enjoying life with your pet
1. Safety always comes first
2. We RESPPPECT all beings, both human and animal alike
3. We listen openly and communicate honestly
4. We support keeping pets in their loving homes
5. We believe in enjoying life with your pet
Beliefs
Every pet deserves to be part of a loving family
Animals deserve proper care, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and companionship
Pets are not disposable, families should have the support they need to keep them
Dog training should never involve prong, shock, or pain-based tools
Respect between humans and animals creates better relationships
A healthy relationship with a pet improves life emotionally, physically, and mentally
What Pet Parents Are Saying
Join the FurBabies & Friends Pet Care Team
Love working with animals and want to be part of a trusted, professional pet care team in the Glendale and Phoenix West Valley area? FurBabies & Friends is always looking for reliable, compassionate pet sitters and dog walkers who are committed to providing safe, consistent, and high-quality care.
Who We’re Looking For
* Reliable and punctual with strong communication skills
* Comfortable working with dogs, cats, and other household pets
* Able to follow detailed care instructions and routines
* Has reliable transportation and a flexible schedule
* Committed to providing safe, force-free, and positive experiences for pets
If this sounds like a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Complete the application below to get started.
* Comfortable working with dogs, cats, and other household pets
* Able to follow detailed care instructions and routines
* Has reliable transportation and a flexible schedule
* Committed to providing safe, force-free, and positive experiences for pets
If this sounds like a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Complete the application below to get started.
We’re looking for reliable, compassionate team members who can provide consistent, high-quality care for pets in our community. Please complete the application below and we’ll be in touch if it’s a good fit.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted for next steps.