Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Salerno.
Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been entrepreneurial. Even as a child, I was starting little businesses—tutoring, babysitting, dog walking, and creating pet-centric gift baskets. From a very young age, my love of animals was clear; as a toddler, I would “run away,” and my mom would always find me curled up and sleepy with our dog by my side. My grandfather, a successful restaurant owner with a broad reputation, was a huge influence, always telling me, “Do what you love and the rest will follow.” That advice stuck with me through school and into my career. I studied Marketing at Canisius University in Buffalo, and after graduation, I began my professional journey at Blockbuster Video. I loved that job—my mentor, Leonard Cyphers, who had started multiple businesses, gave me room to be creative and let me run marketing programs and employee incentives. It was there that I learned both the practical and human sides of running a business and began realizing that I wasn’t made for corporate life—I was meant to be an entrepreneur.
After Blockbuster, I took marketing leadership roles, including as Director of Marketing for New River Technologies, which ultimately planted the seed for starting my own business. What finally pushed me to take the leap was my brother, Michael. He was my biggest fan and supporter, always encouraging me and telling me how proud he was. When I hesitated about leaving the security of a corporate job, he told me I needed to do it now, to follow my passion. Tragically, Michael passed away before I completed building TripsWithPets.com, but his presence continues to guide me—especially in moments of doubt or challenge, I feel his strength and support with me, and it gives me incredible courage.
My love for animals, especially dogs, has always been at the center of my life. I adopted my first rescue dog in my early 20s, and since then I’ve been blessed with my precious furkids who have been with me every step of this journey. That love inspired me to start TripsWithPets.com—not just to create a resource for pet-friendly travel, but to help pet parents take their pets with them wherever they go. Beyond that, I wanted to give back to pets in need. Through PAWS—Partners for Animal Welfare Series—we hold events that support both local and national 501(c)(3) organizations, raise awareness about their mission, shelter crisis, and bring people and their dogs together in celebration. Seeing happy dogs and people enjoying those moments, while supporting shelters and rescues, and other 501c3s has been deeply fulfilling.
I’ve also been inspired by my mother and sister. My mom raised three kids on her own, working three jobs to support the family and put us through college. Her determination, work ethic, and unwavering support taught me never to give up. My sister Dana has built and led multiple banks as a founder and CEO. Watching her follow her passion and succeed while balancing life and family has been inspiring. Together, my family, my brother’s memory, my mentors, and my dogs have shaped who I am and why I do what I do today. TripsWithPets.com isn’t just a business—it’s the culmination of a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, guided by love, purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful impact.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth—like any entrepreneur/business, there have been ups and downs. I’ve navigated economic ups and downs, a pandemic, and the occasional challenge with finding the right team along the way. Each obstacle has been a learning experience, and the support of my family, mentors, and the incredible pet community has kept me motivated and determined to keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are REDESIGNING OUR SITE to make traveling with pets even easier, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Our new site will feature tools, resources, and listings designed to help pet parents plan trips with confidence.
What Sets Us Apart
RoutePaws: our one-of-a-kind pet travel planner. We help pet parents taking long road trips find pet-friendly accommodations along their route. We help a lot if families relocating with their pets—as it’s a real pain point for many—making one less thing to worry about.
PAWS initiative: which supports local and national animal welfare organizations.Every booking helps to support pets in need through our PAWS events.
Detailed pet policies for hotel chains
Robust listing of pet-friendly vacation rentals: Each with a dedicated page providing everything pet parents need to know—from policies and amenities to property amenities.
Personal Assistance: If users have questions or need help with anything related to pet travel, they can call and talk directly to us for guidance and support.
The site also offers key features such as a blog with in-depth pet travel information and a Pet Moving Guide—just a few of the tools and resources designed to make traveling and relocating with pets as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
I’m most proud that TripsWithPets.com combines travel, community, and purpose—helping pet parents plan trips with their furkids while supporting animals in need. Our platform is more than a booking site; it’s a resource, a guide, and a way to celebrate the bond between people and their pets.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role in my life and business, both good and bad. On the good side, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, like Leonard Cyphers at Blockbuster, who gave me the freedom to learn, grow, and take risks early in my career. I also had the unwavering support of my brother Michael, whose encouragement gave me the courage to leave a stable corporate job and start TripsWithPets.com.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way—unexpected setbacks or obstacles that felt like bad luck at the time. Those moments taught me valuable lessons, strengthened my resilience, and helped me grow as an entrepreneur.
I see luck not just as chance, but as recognizing opportunities, having the courage to act, and being open to the people and experiences that guide you along the way. In that sense, I’ve been very lucky, and I try to pay it forward every day through TripsWithPets.com and PAWS, helping pets and pet parents wherever I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tripswithpets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripswithpets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tripswithpets
