About us
About Us
Taking the Lead Pet Care has been providing outstanding professional pet care & professional dog training since 2012. We are a vet recommended, in-home, pet sitting and dog walking company providing our clients with friendly, customized professional services at reasonable rates. We provide exceptional care for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and other small family pets along with small farm and equestrian care.
We are fully insured and bonded and are active members of the following professional associations including:
We believe a pet in its own home is a happy pet. As one of our clients, you can finally experience guilt-free vacations and have worry-free work days and business trips!
Pet owners understand that there is no better feeling than peace of mind when it comes to leaving your beloved pets at home. Our in-home pet sitting service provides a stable, secure environment and consistent, familiar routine for your pets.
When requesting our service it is important to keep in mind that you are hiring a team of professional pet sitters. You might not always have the same pet sitter due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, car troubles, last minute schedule conflicts etc. but we can assure you will have peace of mind knowing that your pets are happy and safe in their own environment regardless of circumstance.
– Kim M.
Meet Our Owners
Janine Ascenzo
Owner & Founder, Senior Advisor & Certified Dog Trainer
Hi! I’m Janine and I have been focused on pet care since 2001 when I started raising puppies for The Seeing Eye. After raising several puppies, including my own, I realized that I wanted to take my involvement with dogs to the next level. I became a Certified Dog Trainer in Basic Obedience & Behavior Modification in 2007.
In 2012, Co-Founder Sue Santillo and I, both realized the stress our dogs had when going to a kennel. At that time, we realized that there was a great need in our area for in-home pet care. Having pets stay in their own environment helps to keep them more relaxed and continue their day-to-day routine as normal as possible when their owners are away. In August of 2012, Taking the Lead Pet Care was formed and has been growing ever since.
I am committed to managing a team of Professional Pet Sitters and providing in-home pet care services to our area. I continue to expand my education in the field of pet care for all animals including my most recent certification as a “Fear Free” Pet Sitter. I am very blessed to have the Professional Pet Sitters that help make Taking the Lead Pet Care what it is today.
Sue Santillo
Owner & Founder, Marketing Director / Remote Support
After leaving a career in teaching I decided to turn my passion for animals into a full time career. As a lifelong animal lover, I have had all types of animals including dogs, horses, donkeys, chickens, hamsters, birds, reptiles and cats. Our goal when starting Taking The Lead was to provide clients with the highest quality pet care and provide peace of mind when pet owners can’t be there for their pets. In doing so, we have become an established reputable pet care provider with a mature, knowledgeable staff of experienced pet lovers with years of experience between us! I love and honor the relationships that we have developed with our clients, both two and four legged. Janine and I truly feel as though our clients are our extended family. We appreciate your business and the privilege of caring for your animals and your homes.
Cathy Robertella
Owner, Client Relations, Field Support
Hi there! My name is Cathy and I am so grateful to be an integral part of Taking the Lead Pet Care! In 1998, I received a Degree in Psychology and Minor in Gerontology from Stockton College. After a long and rewarding career in the nursing home/ healthcare industry, I’ve focused on other opportunities which allow me flexibility to take care of my children. Taking the Lead was the perfect fit. My husband and I have two children and 3 super loved rescue dogs. I absolutely love helping people and animals and what better way to do so than with the greatest team of pet sitters I know!
I’m the friendly voice on the phone when you call and I really enjoy talking to all of our amazing clients about their pet sitting needs! It is my pleasure to get your services set up so that your fur babies can experience outstanding, customized care while you are away!!
**Pet CPR & First Aid Certified