Dawn Vanderwel, ABCDT, serving Northern Orange County California.
As the owner/operator of Wagg'n Tails Petsitting, Dog Training and Behavior Consultation services, I have dedicated my life and education to helping and caring for animals.
I started training dogs in 9th grade as my FFA project and I knew I had found my calling. I continued my education by earning my BS in Animal Science from Cal Ploy Pomona. I then went on to earn my Dog Training Certification from the Animal Behavior College. During that time I worked as a veterinary technician where I gained invaluable experience as well as being given the chance to work with a dog trainer who trained out of our office. Upon graduating college, I then started my own dog training, behavior consultation and petsitting business.
I work with the Animal Behavior College to provide and teach an externship program for students to earn their dog training certification. I am also an Alumni member of Cal Poly Pomona where I participate in their mentoring program.
My mom, Linda Killinger, who shares my passion for working with animals, has been running a Doggie B&B and Doggie Day Care service up in Big Bear California for over 10 years now. Prior to that she had a successful Petsitting business for 7 years in Chino Hills California.
Another member of my family who is an animal enthusiast is my brother Eric. Although we share a common love of dogs, his passion is in breeding and caring for his ever growing reptile collection which now consists of numerous varieties of snakes, geckos, tarantulas and even a moody monitor named Chubs. You can view his collection on the last page of this web site.
Dawn, Kodie and Carl
My husband Carl, and son Kodie have been extremely supportive as well as helpful with the day to day operations of the business. Without them, I would never have been able to put the time and dedication needed to run a successful training, consultation and petsitting business which now requires my attention full-time.
