The heart behind
The Velvet Leash.

"Hi, I'm Kelly — founder of The Velvet Leash, and a lifelong animal lover. These are my babies. And when you trust me with yours, they become mine too."

With over twenty years of professional experience across veterinary care, grooming, rescue, training, and boarding, I founded The Velvet Leash because I believe every pet deserves more than just someone to fill their bowl — and every owner deserves true peace of mind while they're away.

My journey began in high school at a local doggy daycare. That after-school job quickly deepened into a vocation. Eventually I found myself managing a dedicated team of thirty professionals at a premier facility — learning what excellence looks like at scale, while realizing my true passion was the small details: the quiet, individualized attention only a boutique service can give.

I specialize in dogs, cats, and exotic or special-needs animals, and I have a particular soft spot for the ones who are a little unsure. There is nothing more rewarding to me than earning the trust of a scared or traumatized animal — watching them soften, relax, and realize they're safe. It takes patience, knowledge, and a genuine love of animals. I bring all three, every single time.

At home, I share my life with my beloved Pit mix, Bane (age 13), who reminds me every day why this work matters. At The Velvet Leash, our clients don't stay clients for long — they become family. We maintain close, personal connections long after the stay is over, because that's the kind of care we believe every pet and every owner deserves.