My love for animals has been a core part of my identity since childhood, starting with my first dog, Bingo, and growing up with breeds like German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Known as the “animal whisperer,” I often brought home strays or found animals waiting for me. Despite my grandmother’s fear of animals, once I rescued a mouse from a glue trap! Though I initially pursued a medical degree, my passion for animals eventually led me to leave the field and focus on animal care full-time. Now, I’m a proud “mommy” of two kids: four rescue cats (2 adopted from the amazing Astro Foundation Inc.); two dogs, Chase (4) and Daisy (7) (foster fails); and various foster animals at any given time.

I started my pet care business in 2015/2016 in the Bay Area after noticing a significant lack of reliable sitters who genuinely cared about pets. Since relocating to the Central Valley to be closer to family, my business has only expanded. My Bay Area clients continue to travel long distances to see me, and I’ve also welcomed hundreds of new clients in the Central Valley.

I offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to the needs of both cats and dogs, ensuring they receive the best care possible. My full grooming services include everything from one-on-one basic grooming to creative grooming, allowing your pets to feel their best and showcase some personality and flair. In addition to grooming, I provide pet sitting, doggy daycare, dog walking, and drop-in visits, ensuring your pets are cared for whether you're away for a few hours or an extended period. I aim to offer a one-stop solution for all your pet care needs, providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for your furry family members.

What sets my business apart is the personalized care and attention each pet receives. I only take one grooming client at a time, allowing me to give my undivided attention to that pet. This approach is especially beneficial for anxious or aggressive pets, as it creates a calm, focused environment where I can work on training and help them feel more comfortable. For doggy daycare and boarding, I limit the number of dogs to a small group of 3-4, ensuring that each dog receives the individual care and attention they deserve. This intimate setting allows for a more relaxed, home-like atmosphere where every pet can feel safe and secure. My commitment to providing tailored, high-quality care makes my business unique.

My business is deeply rooted in the community, and I’m passionate about giving back. I offer free services, participate in raffles, and collaborate with local businesses on giveaways. Supporting animal shelters and rescues is central to my mission—I provide discounts for adopters and invest in training and medical care through private rescue work. I also help pet owners keep their pets or find them new homes and educate new owners on welcoming a furry family member. My goal is to care for animals while enriching and supporting our community.

Building my business has come with its fair share of challenges, but each hurdle has led to significant growth and development. All required relentless dedication, consistently delivering exceptional service, and exceeding to ensure every pet was treated like family. I invested in specialized training and adapted my approach to ensure each pet received the personalized care they needed. This helped me gain a reputation as a trusted expert in handling challenging pets and allowed my business to thrive as more clients sought my services.

My advice for residents is always to prioritize the well-being and happiness of their pets. Whether you're a new pet owner or have had pets for years, continuous learning and understanding your pet's needs are crucial. Doing thorough research before choosing a specific breed is essential to ensure it fits your lifestyle and home environment. Please invest in proper training, regular grooming, and quality care to keep your pets healthy and happy. If you're ever in a situation where you're struggling with your pet's behavior or care, seek out professional help—there's no shame in asking for support. Your love and commitment make all the difference in your pet’s life.

Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!

- Nikki and the Play n' Stay Crew