Our Team
oUR FOUNDER, CONNOR SHEPARD
Meet Connor: Founder and Animal Advocate
Born and raised in the heart of Florida, Connor has always had a profound connection with animals, shaping her life's journey and career path. Growing up surrounded by pets, her first cats, Abby and Alex, and her cherished dog, Oliver, ignited her passion for animal care at an early age. Later on, Chloe the cat and Charlie the Lab further deepened her love for furry companions, leaving a lasting impact on her heart. She now has 2 dogs; Molly and Riley. Along with two cats, Dexter & JayKay.
Connor's dedication to animals extended beyond her personal life. As a Girl Scout for seven years, she actively participated in various animal-focused activities, nurturing her compassion and understanding of pet welfare. Her professional journey in the pet care industry began with a year at Pet Paradise, followed by three years at Keys and Collars, where she honed her skills and knowledge in providing exceptional care for pets.
Driven by her enormous heart and unwavering commitment, Connor founded Paws and Claws Pet Services Florida to ensure every animal feels comfortable, cared for, and cherished. Her passion lies in creating environments where pets are not just looked after but thrive with happiness and joy. Through her work, Connor continues to bring love, compassion, and a sense of security to pets and their owners, significantly impacting the pet-sitting field
OUR CO-FOUNDER, MICHELLE SHEPARD
Meet Michelle: Co-Founder and Animal Enthusiast
Michelle, originally from Columbus, Ohio, has called Florida her home for the past 43 years. Her love for animals has been a lifelong passion, shaping her career path and personal interests. Michelle currently thrives in her role at Paws and Claws Pet Services Florida, where she dedicates herself to providing top-notch care and attention to pets in the community. With her deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare and years of experience in pet care services, Michelle continues to make a positive impact in the lives of furry companions and their owners alike.
professional pet cuddler, CALISTA LAHOCINSKY
Meet Calista
Calista was born and raised in sunny Florida, where her love for animals blossomed from a young age. Her passion for animal care led her to pursue a career with Paws and Claws Pet Services Florida, where she thrives in providing exceptional care for pets across the community.
At home, Calista shares her life with three beloved dogs: Elle, a playful Labradoodle known for her boundless energy; Bear, a charming Pomeranian with a big personality; and Chewy, a lovable Pug who brings endless joy to her life. Calista's dedication to her own pets mirrors her commitment to ensuring the happiness and well-being of every animal she cares for through her work.
With her compassionate nature and extensive experience in pet sitting, Calista continues to make a positive impact by nurturing strong bonds between pets and their owners, making her a valued member of the Paws and Claws team.
our territory manager, Emily Callahan
Meet Emily
Emily brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for animal welfare to her role at Paws and Claws Pet Services Florida. Growing up, she developed a profound understanding of animals' needs through her ownership of exotic pets. This early exposure not only enriched her knowledge but also fueled her dedication to ensuring the well-being of all animals.
Emily's commitment to animal welfare extends beyond her professional life. As a parent, she nurtures a love for animals in her child, hoping to pass down her compassion and respect for all creatures. At home, Emily cares for two rabbits, Winston and Willow, and shares her life with Leah, a beloved dog who brings joy and companionship to her family.
Previously, Emily provided loving care to three sugar gliders, showcasing her dedication to animals of various species. Her experience with exotic pets has further enhanced her ability to understand and meet the unique needs of every animal she encounters.
At Paws and Claws Pet Services Florida, Emily continues to channel her passion into ensuring that every pet receives the utmost care, comfort, and attention. Her compassionate nature and extensive knowledge make her a valued member of the team, dedicated to creating positive experiences for pets and their owners alike.
professional pet cuddler, Jennifer
Meet Jennifer
Hi, I'm Jennifer, and I bring over 20 years of experience as a dedicated high school teacher to my passion for pet care. Throughout my career, I've nurtured and educated young minds, and now I extend that nurturing to our beloved furry friends. As a pet owner myself with three dogs and a lifelong love for cats, I understand the importance of trusted and compassionate care for your pets. Whether it's walking, feeding, or providing companionship, I ensure a safe and loving environment while you're away. Let me give your pets the attention and care they deserve!
professional pet cuddler, Michael
Meet Michael (Bio coming soon!)
professional pet cuddler, Jack
Meet Jack (Bio coming soon!)
professional pet cuddler, marina
Meet Marina
Hi, I'm Marina, and I've proudly called Florida home for the past 10 years. As a lifelong pet owner, my passion for animal care has always been at the heart of what I do. I have over three years of experience working as a veterinary technician, where I gained a wealth of knowledge in animal care and welfare. Currently, I'm furthering my education at the University of Central Florida with a dream of one day opening my own animal sanctuary. My goal is to provide the highest level of care to every pet I look after, treating them as if they were my own. At Paws and Claws, your pets are in loving, knowledgeable hands. I can’t wait to meet your furry family members!
