Dana Strickland

Dana Strickland started Peaceful Pets Petsitting Services in November 2005 after being a veterinary technician for 8 years. Dana found it was time to make a change, she wanted to be able to experience the joy of animals outside of a clinical setting. Starting Peaceful Pets has allowed Dana to give her clients the one-on-one time and attention they deserve.

Dana also worked for ALL Dog Training teaching basic obedience commands to owners and their dogs. In addition she is currently a board member of the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) for Western Career College's Citrus Heights location. The IACUC oversees and evaluates the Veterinary Technician Program's animal use policies, procedures, and facilities to ensure the humane care and use of their on site animals.

"Dana takes such great care of our pets. She leaves great notes on each visit so we know exactly how are pets were doing each time she saw them. She spends quality time with them and always leaves them feeling loved and cared for." - Marty A.

In 2004, Dana volunteered for a group called Cheetah Conservation Botswana. For a month, Dana lived and worked in Botswana, Africa alongside other volunteers. Their tasks included: setting up traps to lure cheetahs, obtaining DNA samples and performing exams, fitting cheetahs with radio collars, tracking cheetah locations within the park, building a sterile lab facility, locating and marking exit and entry points along the fence line of the game park, creating an accurate map of the surrounding game park, and establishing relationships with farmers in the surrounding areas. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you would like to make a donation to Cheetah Conservation Botswana, email Dana for more information.

James McKellips

James feels blessed to fulfill a lifelong dream of working with animals. In September of 2006 James joined Peaceful Pets fulltime after working for 6-1/2 years teaching life skills to Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children in a level 14 facility. Feeling that pet sitting is more of a lifestyle than a job, James continues to give compassionate care to families' loved ones. James has owned and cared for various animals over the past 20 years. He tailors exercise to the needs of the animals, depending on age and fitness ability. He looks forward to helping pets be happy and healthy while their loved ones are away.

"I have fostered several animals which added more chores to James' daily visits to our home - he graciously gave his time and energy to go above and beyond my expectations." - Errin H.

Our expanded team

To better serve you, we've added three dedicated animal caregivers to join the Peaceful Pets Team: Dana Brooks and Shawn & Judy Colvin. Our pack members are available during peak periods, weekends and overnights.