Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Villanueva.
Hi Nadia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had an enormous love of animals of all kinds! I was the barefooted, wild-haired girl in the neighborhood. My parents nurtured that love by allowing me to bring home anything I caught: beetles, grasshoppers, snakes, lizards, cats, dogs and mice. They also enrolled me in school programs that allowed me to spend time in nature. This quickly turned into a desire to study animals; first marine biology, next veterinarian medicine.
I graduated from Fayetteville State University, NC with highest honors in Biology, but priorities changed with marriage and children. I spent the next 15 years homeschooling our children, Aaron and Ethan, and nurturing the same love of creation as my parents did.
Have you ever heard of Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus?! That was me! I headed the science lessons in our homeschool group for ten years. We dissected frogs and pig hearts, created circuits and mixed chemicals (some of which we probably shouldn’t have). I really enjoyed that time with them and learned how much I loved teaching!
Once our boys graduated from high school, I went on to volunteer as a Bible educator and contracted as a first aid and CPR instructor. I also became certified to teach and instruct pet first aid and CPR. I got to spend time with pet owners, search and rescue providers, dog trainers and rescue employees!
Three years ago, my family and I moved to the Raleigh-Durham area. I decided to continue to use my certification to walk dogs, provide skilled in-home pet care and help with training basics.
My friends, family and growing client base joke that I have what they call the “Snow White Effect”. on pets with sensitivities and reactivities. Really, I think a lifetime of experience and good training has allowed me to have a special level of comfort with animals of all sizes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When we moved to this area, my intention was to continue to instruct for both human and pet first aid and CPR, but this area has different requirements for the field. So instead of doing contract work, I started my own registered and insured business, Pet Agree LLC.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I walk dogs, provide in-home pet care for all types of pets and drive a pet shuttle. I have even whisked a flower girl DOG away from a wedding ceremony!
One of my favorite parts of my job is to provide enrichment for each furry client.
Outside, canines enjoy what | call
“walkabouts” off the beaten path. There, they can explore, sniff and navigate obstacles with me in tow. Inside, we play games and work on puppy etiquette.
Spending so much time with other people’s furry family members has helped me discover a creative outlet that I really enjoy! I am an amateur pet photographer and offer snapshots and a printing service to clients regularly.
In addition, being trained to know how to respond in a pet first aid or emergency situation gives my clients a level of comfort that makes Pet Agree unique.
Any big plans?
My husband, Philip, and I own some land and may have a small kennel built right outside our home to provide private boarding services. | already have a name for it: Pet Agree Private Boarding. Sounds upscale, right?!
I plan to also use the space for pet first aid and first-time pet owner classes.
Pricing:
- Pet Sitting starts at $50
- Pop-in Visits start at $15
- Meal Visits start at $35
- 30 Minute Walks start at $25
- Pet Shuttles start at $15
Contact Info:
