Krysty Vallejos
Founder
My love for animals began family pets, Koko (the shih tzu) and Kookie (the calico cat). They were my siblings, albeit a bit furrier than friends’ siblings. I grew up with them in Miami, FL and left my home town to pursue Law School at Penn State.
Although I loved my law school experience, once I completed my degree I realized my heart was pointing me in a different direction. Being a parent to Reilly changed my life in more ways than one, and it reinforced the love of animals Koko and Kookie engendered in me.
I have been actively learning about animals my entire life by owning and caring for family pets, working in pet-related industries, fostering rescue dogs, and continuing my educations through books, publications, and classes. I am happy to say that I wake up everyday to do my favorite thing – work with animals and help strengthen the bond they have with their humans.
Alain Vallejos
Co-Founder
I was born and raised in Miami, FL and as far as I can remember, I have been surrounded by some sort of pet. I lived with my grandmother growing up, and she always loved animals too, so throughout my life I’ve had birds, chickens, rabbits, turtles, and hamsters in our house.
I always loved dogs, so I grew up with Speky (the Maltese) and Rocky (the Rottweiler). After college, I left Miami to pursue my career with Johnson & Johnson with several relocations. This led me to Minneapolis, MN where Krysty and I spent 5 years and adopted Reilly.
He quickly became our 4-legged son. He became such an integral part of our life, that he inspired us to do more for the human-animal community. After fostering over 17 dogs in MN and helping them find homes, our hearts were set on helping humans live a better life with their FurBabies, like we have been able to do with our own. When I’m not working or spending time with my family, you’ll probably find me at the gym or researching info on fitness and nutrition – a huge passion of mine.
Scott Leung
Scott was born and raised in Chinatown, Manhattan. He loves swimming, video games, eating, skiing, programming, and tinkering. He is inspired by creative problem solving people with a sense of humor.
He has always liked animals, but the building he lives in doesn’t allow cats or dogs. Whenever he would visit friends who did have pets, they would always go straight to his dad, and he would light up. =) . Something quirky about Scott is he loves rube goldberg machines.
Lisa Aponte
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lisa has been working in the Pet Care & Service Industry for a while now. She is Urban Pawz Groomer. She loves working with animals and claims “dogs are better than people”. She loves to walk the dogs as well and you will occasionally see her out walking the Urban Pawz clients when she has a break from grooming.
In her spare time, Lisa volunteers with a Pit-bull Rescue up north and gives these rescues exercise. Her Furry Family consists of two dogs, her giant Mastiff named Kandi and her Shih Tzu named Ballerina.
Scott Rivera
ScottR was born in NYC, Chelsea to be exact. His hobbies include swimming, hiking and reading. His mom and the changing world inspire her.
He works with animals because he has been around them all his life and prefers to be with animals over humans. Growing up with animals made him realize the amount of trust and love an animal can give, which is like no other.
Abena Dinizulu
Abena is originally from Queens, but now lives in Brooklyn. She has been working in the pet industry for a little less than a year. When asked why the animal business she says “Cause it makes me so happy working with animals.
It’s like the best!” Her Furry Family consist of her black Dutch Rabbit named Robin. When Abena isn’t caring for pets, she enjoys eating and loves to go to the movies.
Cynthia Parke
Cynthia was born and raised in Brooklyn. In her spare time, she loves to bake! Baking is very therapeutic to her and she really enjoys being able to bake pastries for her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys writing. She is inspired by her parents.
She simply adores animals because they bring so much unconditional joy and love into our lives and it means a lot to her that she is able to work with animals in this way. She is delighted that through this job she gets to see animals that come from such nurturing homes and makes her believe that one day every sheltered animal will get to experience that type of love. Something quirky about Cynthia is that she can’t fall asleep in a messy room.
Lea Garay
Lea was born & raised in NYC, but now spends most of her time in NJ. She likes to read on her spare time. Helping others makes her happy.
Lea loves being able to learn and care for animals. She claims “Their personalities are the best! I learn more about me the more time I spend with them.” Something quirky about her is - She likes to only eat salad with her fingers! LOL