About Us
Karla Cano
Owner
Hi, I’m Karla Cano, the proud owner of Karla’s Pet Care, LLC. Animals have been a constant joy in my life for as long as I can remember. From cats and dogs to parakeets, hamsters, and even pollywogs scooped from streams in Southern California, my love for animals started early. My mom always joked that I’d grow up to be the ambassador of the San Diego Zoo!
While I initially pursued a career in the human medical field, my passion for animal care eventually led me down a different path. After moving to Elk Grove in 2000 and spending 12 years in the medical field, I decided to follow my heart. In 2001, inspired by countless hours watching Animal Planet and my growing interest in veterinary care, I enrolled in the Cosumnes Veterinary Technician program. During my studies, I discovered the concept of professional pet sitting—and the idea of Karla’s Pet Care, LLC was born.
In 2003, I launched my in-home professional pet sitting business, officially establishing it as Karla’s Pet Care, LLC in 2004. That same year, I graduated with an Associate of Science degree, completed the vet tech program, and became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). It was a whirlwind year, but every step brought me closer to living my dream.
As my pet sitting business grew, I faced challenges—including being laid off from my veterinary job during an economic downturn. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I decided to dedicate myself full-time to professional pet sitting, and the rewards have been beyond anything I could have imagined. Helping pet owners enjoy their time away without worrying about their beloved companions has been deeply fulfilling.
What started with just a few clients has grown into a trusted business serving over 400 clients and 8 team members by 2025. I’m incredibly grateful to my family, friends, and clients for their unwavering support and trust. It’s been an honor to care for so many pets and to share my expertise through features in the Elk Grove Citizen and other publications.
At Karla’s Pet Care, LLC, we understand that pets are family. Whether it’s daily visits or special needs care, we’re committed to providing the same love and attention your pets receive at home. Thank you for letting us be part of your pets’ lives!
Our Team
Kayla
Pet Sitter
Kayla has six years of experience in professional pet care, including pet sitting, dog walking, and in-home care. She has cared for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals, and has experience giving medications and watching for changes in behavior. Kayla’s hands-on training includes animal behavior awareness, safe handling, and recognizing signs of illness. She pays close attention to safety, checking doors, gates, leashes, and the pet’s overall condition during each visit. Kayla treats every pet and home with care and respect, communicates clearly with updates, and focuses on keeping pets comfortable, secure, and stress-free while their owners are away.
Matthew
Pet Sitter
Matthew has received thorough training through Karla’s Pet Care, built on years of hands-on experience and veterinary knowledge within the team. Safety is always his top priority. He has experience working with dogs who may be prone to accidental biting due to nervousness or high energy, and he pays close attention to body language to prevent problems before they escalate. Matthew understands that dogs from different breeds and backgrounds need different handling styles. During visits, he makes sure all pets are safe, accounted for, and following their normal routines. His attention to detail, calm approach, and strong team support help him provide reliable care every time.
Tami
Pet Sitter
Tami joined Karla’s Pet Care in July 2023 and has experience caring for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock like sheep and cows, and exotic pets such as birds, fish, bearded dragons, and hedgehogs. She is comfortable working in everything from quiet homes to busy, multi-animal settings. Through ongoing team training, Tami has learned skills like giving oral medications and insulin, reading animal body language, and using positive reinforcement. She pays close attention to routines and notices when something seems off. Before joining the team, Tami was actually a Karla’s Pet Care client herself, so she understands how hard it can be to leave pets behind and is dedicated to providing the same peace of mind she once received.
Joe
Pet Sitter
Hi, I’m Joe, Karla’s husband. I joined Karla’s Pet Care, LLC in 2015 as a volunteer, helping out wherever I could. In 2020, I officially became part of the staff and now enjoy providing midday walks for dogs while their humans are at work.
As the team trainer, I’m responsible for ensuring our staff delivers the high level of care our clients expect. I also assist Karla in the office whenever needed.
In my free time, I like to take my boat out and go fishing with Niko, our pomsky and go traveling with my wife.
It’s been a privilege to work alongside my wife and contribute to a business that brings so much joy to pets and their families.
Natalie
Pet Sitter
Natalie has worked in professional pet care for just under a year and also has extensive hands-on experience volunteering with dogs and cats at the Sacramento SPCA. Through that work, she received training in handling reactive animals, breaking up dog fights, and helping stressed pets feel safe. Natalie has cared for many types of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, fish, hermit crabs, and large livestock, and she has experience assisting pets who are injured or need insulin. She has completed Karla’s Pet Care safety training and follows our care standards closely. Natalie pays close attention to pets, homes, and yards, noticing small changes in behavior or safety issues so they can be addressed quickly.
Renzy
Pet Sitter
Renzy has been working in pet care for just under two months and primarily cares for dogs and cats. She has completed the required training for her role with Karla’s Pet Care and also has experience pet sitting for family and friends. Renzy is thoughtful when working with shy or nervous pets, giving them space so everyone feels safe and comfortable. She pays close attention to cleanliness and organization, making sure pets are well cared for and homes are left neat and tidy. Renzy understands how important it is for pet parents to feel relaxed while they’re away, and she takes her responsibility seriously by providing calm, attentive care at every visit.
DeJahnae
Pet Sitter
Dede has worked in professional pet care for about three years and has experience caring for pets at all life stages, from newborn kittens and puppies to elderly and critical cats and dogs. She also works as a veterinary assistant in an emergency hospital, where she regularly helps care for post-surgery pets. Through yearly training at her veterinary job, Dede has learned how to safely handle aggressive pets and read animal body language. She is especially patient with cats, giving them space and allowing trust to build naturally. During visits, Dede carefully observes both the pet and the home to notice anything out of place. She truly loves working with animals and feels deeply connected to caring for them.
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Outreach
There are around 70 million homeless pets in America. Animal shelters and pet-rescue organizations nationwide are in constant need of pet food donations. Elk Grove’s Animal Control Unit is no different and they are also in need of such donations; specifically for cat food, as the area’s feral and stray cat population continues to grow. Donated pet food from the community helps the unit assist local feral cat colony caretakers. With the community’s contributions, the breadth of these rescue efforts can reach much further to help the animals in need.
“When cats are out there alone they will establish colonies so that they can live together in certain areas. They find that building up in numbers helps them survive,” said Maureen McCann, unit supervisor. “Good Samaritans stumble upon these colonies, trap the cats, and provide them with what they need. The caretakers are providing us with a tremendous service because if they weren’t out there doing what they do the cat overpopulation would be much worse than it is.”
As a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, Cano joined the annual effort that collects pet food for shelters each year.
Karla Cano, owner of Karla’s Pet Care, LLC in Elk Grove, annually hosts the Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive to benefit the Animal Control Unit’s need. PSI members organize local pet food drives that benefit their communities’ animal shelters and pet-rescue organizations. The Hungry Bowl Food Drive has succeeded in donating 1,700lbs of pet food, plus needed supplies since 2014. Thanks to everyone who has made these donations possible!
Membership
