Meet Our Pack

TRUSTED PET CARE

Your Pets, Our passion!

At the Pet Care Club, our commitment to top-quality pet care is brought to life by our exceptional team. Each member is trained, insured, and bonded, and deeply embraces our core values. We believe in empowering our employees, creating a collaborative and supportive culture where their passion for animals flourishes. This dedication translates directly into the loving and expert care your pets will receive. We invite you to learn more about the individuals who make the Pet Care Club a trusted choice, a team built on a foundation of genuine care that started with our own furry family.

Licensed

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Bonded & Insured

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LGBT Owned

Vet on Staff

Team-Based Care

Background Checked

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Family Owned

Meet Your Pet Care Club Team

Erik

OWNER

Hi, I’m Erik, the Pack Leader of Pet Care Club, a 100% locally owned and operated business. I started this company because of my own special-needs rescue dog, who taught me firsthand that pets thrive far more on their own routines at home than they do in a stressful facility. I fundamentally believe that when we build our team up and treat them with real respect, they pass that top-notch care right along to your pets. At home, I take my daily marching orders from my rat terrier, Jax. When I’m not working to make the Club a little better, you can usually find me experimenting with new gluten-free pasta recipes or locked in a highly competitive game of Splendor. I also love unwinding with an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and getting to hang out and welcome dogs into our own house is still one of my absolute favorite parts of the day.

Katelyn (She/Her)

Community Development Coordinator

I have always loved connecting with others, whether it’s with people or animal companions! I have had two cats, a dog, and a hamster. When I have free time, you’re likely to find me outdoors (especially if it’s sunny out!). I love getting outside to move around, whether it’s to going on a run, enjoying a game of volleyball, or taking my skates out for a spin. I look forward to meeting your pets and giving them all the love! 

Kari (She/Her)

Lead Pet Sitter

Fostering dogs is what turned me into a true animal person, and caring for other people’s pets with a locally owned company like Pet Care Club is the perfect fit. I’ve worked with plenty of nervous and fearful foster dogs, so I know some pets need a little extra patience and time, and when a shy pet finally trusts you, it’s one of the best feelings there is. At home I have Bella, a 10-year-old mini schnauzer who’s full of personality and keeps us on our toes. Off the clock, I’m with family and friends, traveling, or soaking up as much sunshine as I can.
Pet care professional Paige smiling at the camera while wearing a blue Pet Care Club shirt.

Paige (She/Her)

Lead Pet Sitter

I recently retired from corporate America, and I’m excited for this new chapter! I’m a wife and mom of five, plus two dogs, Lola and Gemma. I love animals, the outdoors and staying active, which makes dog walks and cat visits a perfect fit. I’ll always treat your pets with the love and care I give my own.

Pet care professional Jennifer smiling at the camera while wearing a blue Pet Care Club hoodie.

Jen F. (She/Her)

Lead Pet Sitter

I love animals and thoroughly enjoy being around them, and knowing we give someone else’s babies the best care possible is what makes this work so rewarding. I’m excited to spend my days making sure animals are well taken care of, and I especially love daycare days, where it’s wonderful to see all the different personalities and have so much fun together. At home I have a dog named Kylo, a cat named Kashew and a snake named Pineapple. When I’m off the clock, I’m cooking, gardening, reading, or watching a little too much Food Network.

Pet care professional Cat smiling at the camera while wearing a plaid shirt.

Cat (They/Them)

Lead Pet Sitter

My passion is giving the best care to cats and dogs, and the little ones too, like reptiles and fish! All pets and pet parents deserve A+ service and care. At home I have two beautiful black cat daughters, Squid (in the picture!) and Kimchi, a tortie girl named Streusel, and a handsome Shiba Inu named Hewie. I’ve been with my partner for over 11 years and married for 3, and let me tell you, every day is an adventure with our fur-kids and their personalities. I look forward to giving that same love, care, and energy to your fur-kids (or scaly-children)!

Erik and Ian owners of DSM Pet Care Club

Erik and Sophie

OWNERS

Pets are our passion!  As long time pet owners, we wanted to start a business that centered around high quality pet care and an exemplary company culture.  We believe that when a business takes care of their employees, the employees will then be enabled to go above and beyond for their customers, and our customers are your pets!  Our goal is to make sure your pets are happy, healthy, and in good hands with one of our trusted sitters. 

Alison - Pet Care Club - Pet Professional

Alison

Pet Professional

I’ve been a pet owner and sitter for years, with family dogs growing up and cats I’ve pet sat along the way. Spending my time with pets is a win-win for me. When I’m not on a visit, I’m drawing, writing or playing video games, and missing my own big dog while I’m away at college.
Pet care professional Amanda wearing a black Pet Care Club hoodie and looking at the camera.

Amanda (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Laid-back, caring, and always giving your pet my very best. I don’t have pets of my own yet, so yours get all of my attention! When I’m not on a visit, you’ll find me hanging out with friends, dancing, crafting, or out on a hike.
Bailey - Pet Care Club - Pet Professional

Bailey (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Growing up, there was always an animal in the house, and my parents were big on rescues, so I have a big, big heart for fur babies. Working with animals isn’t for everyone, but I always knew it was for me, and I’ve never been happier than since joining Pet Care Club. At home I have Simba, my 7-year-old orange tabby; Houston, a 3-year-old golden retriever who’s a big baby in disguise; and Lucy, my little orphan tortie. Someday I’d love to work in the vet field. Off the clock I’m walking Houston, doing diamond art, thrifting, decorating, or watching a horror movie (or a comedy). I always love learning your pet’s favorite tips and tricks, so never hesitate to share them in the app!

Chase (She/Her)

Pet Professional

I’m a former middle school teacher of six years, now working on my master’s in biomedical sciences so I can teach at the community college level. My own crew is a big one: Lilly the cat, Biscuit the bearded dragon, Sweet Potato the blue-tongue skink, Mango the leopard gecko, Hop the poison dart frog, a colony of mourning geckos named Hide, Tic, Tac and Toe, and two degus, Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice. I love working with animals, and this job fits perfectly around grad school. Free time is rare these days, but when I have it, I’m with my partner or playing video games.

Christine - Pet Care Club - Pet Professional

Dr. Christine Hedrick (She/Her)

Pet Professional

I’m a retired veterinarian from West Des Moines, and I still feel a calling to help pets and their owners whenever I can. I live with my husband of 36 years, our three affectionate cats and a playful little dog. The four friendly beasts follow me around the house like a furry parade and make my heart happy. We have two grown kids in the Des Moines area, and we love hiking, camping and playing board games together. I’m a nature nerd to the core and teach biology part-time at a local college. I feel privileged to help with the medical needs of the pets in Pet Care Club’s care.

David

Pet Professional

I grew up thinking I was a cat person, until I knew the love of a dachshund. Now I share my home with three doxies, Fitz, Rosie and Oliver. I know how important it is to have someone good looking after your pets while you’re away, because I’ve been there. Dogs and cats almost always like me, and I’m a bit of a softy. In my spare time, it’s nerdy things and naps with the dogs.

Dezzy (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Pets are forever family, and I’d love to take care of yours while you’re out and about. My three lovely cats, Jasper, Sebastian and Milo, taught me just how strong that bond is. I’m patient and happy to go at your pet’s pace. In my free time I’m doing arts and crafts, exploring new places outdoors, and taking pictures of everything, because I love the little moments.
Heidi - Pet Care Club - Pet Professional

Heidi (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Animals have always been part of my life. I grew up with dogs, and I’ve had seven cats as an adult, including my current pair, Salt Sapphire and Pepper Pearl. Our pets are part of the family and count on us completely, and I’ve given my own cats all kinds of medications over the years, so pets with extra care needs don’t faze me. Outside the Club, I run the website, social media, live stream and video for my church, play in the worship band, help lead Girl Scouts, and do just about any art or craft you can think of. Fun fact: I’m allergic to both cats and dogs, but I have great allergy meds!

Jennifer - Pet Care Club - Pet Professional

Jennifer (She/Her)

Pet Professional

As a lifelong pet parent, I know how much it matters to leave home knowing everyone there is happy and healthy, whether you’re off on vacation, a work trip, or any other adventure. My favorite part of this job is getting to know the furry friends we care for and their families, and your pet’s health and safety always come first with me. Outside of work, I volunteer with several charities and spend time with my cats and my friends.

Pet care professional Jenny sitting on a couch with a black, white, and brown dog.

Jenny (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Just a Kansas girl living in a Nebraskan world! I’ve loved animals my whole life, mostly cats, but I’ve also cared for dogs, chameleons, tarantulas, a gerbil, a rat and even two ducks, and I learned everything I needed to care for each of them. I wanted to be a vet as a kid, and I’m very observant of a pet’s behavior and condition, so I notice the little things. At home I have Comrade, an 11-year-old rescue Australian Shepherd. As a pet parent myself, I want to make sure both your pets and you are taken care of.
Pet care professional Katie kneeling beside a Siberian Husky on a leash.

Katie (She/Her)

Pet Professional

I’ve loved animals since I was little, and I care for every pet I visit the way I care for my own cat, Malcolm. Spending time with the fur babies is what makes this job so fulfilling for me. When I’m not on visits, I love being outside in nature, finding new things to do and new places to explore.

Pet care professional Kim holding a small tan dog in her arms indoors.

Kim (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Cats, bunnies, dogs, you name it: I’ve loved pets of all kinds since I was a kid. For years I pet sat on the side, staying with pets in their own homes for a weekend or a few weeks at a time, and I learned how much the little extras matter, like bringing in the mail, turning on lights, and tidying up. There’s real peace of mind in knowing someone is looking after the whole household. Now that I’m retired, you’ll find me walking my pup Louie, reading, catching a movie, having lunch with friends, or traveling with my husband. And your babies? I’ll love them like they’re my own.
Pet care professional KJ smiling at the camera while wearing a Pet Care Club shirt.

KJ

Pet Professional

Hey! I’m KJ. I just turned 31, which means I’m officially “in my thirties,” which is so rad. I’m interested in almost everything, because the only requirement is that it’s interesting. My favorite animal is the wombat, and my favorite critters are pollinators, because what a cool job to have, dude. I love the furry friends, but my heart belongs to the scaly, feathered and many-legged critters, and my favorite part of pet care is enrichment, like snuffle mats and lick mats. I’m a certified yapper, so if you ever need some mostly useless but incredibly fun facts, I’m your guy.

Pet care professional Kris smiling at the camera while wearing a blue Pet Care Club shirt.

Kris (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Dogs are the most loving creatures, but without a yard of my own, I get my dog time by hanging out with yours! At home it’s me and my cat, Cooper. I’m an avid walker, so your pup and I will get along great, and I also enjoy gardening, reading and singing in my church choir. It would be an honor to give you peace of mind that your pets are safe and well cared for while you’re away.

Laura (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Tabby Cat was our first family cat, there before I was even born. My mom had a gift for training, gentling and connecting with animals, and she taught us those things along with a deep respect for animals. I care about every pet’s safety, health, enrichment and training, and I bring gentle but clear direction, plus plenty of fun. At home it’s me and Bella, my mini panther (a cat), and when I’m not with pets I’m sewing, singing, crafting or cooking.
Pet care professional Lydia smiling while holding a large black-and-white dog by a lake at sunset.

Lydia (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Industrial design major and lifelong animal lover. I spend a lot of my time drawing, modeling and doing creative work, and the rest of it outdoors with my dog, Leo, and my family. I’ve always cared deeply about the wellbeing of animals, and I love being able to give other people’s pets that same care when they need it.
Pet care professional MacKenzie smiling at the camera while wearing glasses.

Mackenzie

Pet Professional

Ten years in education, and now I’m working toward my veterinary assistant certification, so every visit is hands-on experience I love. I’m always up for a laugh, and I’m the person who stops to say hi to every pet on the walk. When I’m not with the Club’s pets, I’m working out, golfing, out on a walk, or trying new foods.
Pet care professional Mackenzie smiling at the camera in a professional headshot.

Mercedes (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Two cats, a dog and a horse keep me busy at home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’ve worked with cats, dogs, large animals and small exotic pets, and I’ll treat your animals like my own, so you can feel at ease knowing they’re getting the best care right in their own home. When I’m not with the Club, I’m spending time with my own animals.

Sophia (She/Her)

Pet Professional

Time with animals is my favorite break from a busy life, and they bring me so much entertainment and joy. At home I have two cats, Chance and Charm. When I’m not buried in schoolwork, I’m reading, playing with my cats, heading out on spontaneous adventures, or just relaxing. I treat every pet I meet like one of my own and make sure they feel loved while you’re away!

Pet care professional Star smiling at the camera with a large tan dog.

Star

Pet Professional

I love all animals, and I want to help my community keep their pets safe and cared for, because I know how hard it can be when you don’t have anyone to help with pet care. Every animal around me gets all the love, care, and attention they need. At home I have a dog named Hans and a cat named Luna. When I’m not with pets, I’m painting, reading, playing video games, or practicing the piano, which I’m learning right now!

Troy (He/Him)

Dog Trainer

I manage an urgent care veterinary clinic and studied Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. I know every dog learns at their own pace, so I’ll get to know your dog’s personality and work with you on everyday goals like loose-leash walking, impulse control, and calmer greetings, then share what we practiced so you can keep building on it at home. Outside of work, I show Borzoi in conformation, and I have three of my own at home. I’m excited to offer dog training with Pet Care Club and help pets and their people build stronger, happier relationships!

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