For over 7 years, we have been the trusted choice for pet parents in Simi Valley and throughout Ventura and areas of Los Angeles County. Whether it’s wag-worthy dog walks, personalized pet sitting, or overnight care, we offer reliable and compassionate services—all in the comfort of your pet’s own home. To us, true wealth is measured in tail wags, happy purrs, and the sound of paws padding across the floor. Our own furry family—Gunnar the independent Great Pyrenees, Canelo the affectionate Pit Bull Terrier, Rémi the sweet rescue Bulldogge, and Moo the bossy Blue Merle Frenchie—reminds us daily why this work is so important. PAWsome Companions was founded on that love: a commitment to providing the kind of care we would want for our own pets. We specialize in caring for animals of all ages, sizes, and needs—from playful puppies to senior pets, and from giant breeds to rescues. No matter their background, your companions are always safe in our capable and compassionate hands.
What makes us different? We’re more than passionate pet lovers—we’re skilled professionals dedicated to your pet’s health and happiness. Amber, our co-owner, holds certifications as a Professional Sitter and Walker through the PPCA (Professional Pet Care Association) and is also a certified Fear Free®️ Pet Sitter. This ensures that your pet’s emotional and physical well-being are cared for with the utmost expertise and compassion. Working alongside Amber, Douglas leads our bonded and insured team, all of whom are certified in Pet First Aid/CPCR, and advanced training programs such as Feline Behavior Management, Senior Pet Care, Loose Lead Walking, and Chaos to Connection. We believe your pets deserve nothing less than exceptional care, personalized attention, and the assurance of their safety and comfort—every step of the way.
PAWsome Companions, LLC. was established by the dynamic duo couple Amber Johnson and Doug Schmachtenberger. Driven by their mutual love for animals and a dedication to compassionate care, they created a trusted, relationship-oriented pet care company that proudly serves Simi Valley, its neighboring communities throughout Ventura County and areas of Los Angeles County.
Together, Amber and Douglas created PAWsome Companions with one simple mission: to provide pets with the same love, patience, safety, and attention they would expect for their own animals. Their lifelong connection with pets and dedication to high-quality care have shaped the company into a dependable resource for families seeking personalized, professional pet services.
Amber brings a nurturing, detail-oriented approach to every aspect of the business, focusing on client relationships, individualized pet care, enrichment, and ensuring every pet feels comfortable and genuinely cared for. Douglas shares that same dedication through his calm, dependable presence and commitment to maintaining a safe, structured, and positive experience for every pet in their care.
Together, they specialize in private pet sitting, in-home visits, dog walking, overnight care, doggy daycare, enrichment visits, transportation, adventure hikes or outings, medication support, and customized pet care services tailored to each pet’s unique personality, routine, and needs. Their philosophy goes beyond basic pet care — they believe in building trust, creating meaningful bonds, and providing enriching experiences that support both physical and emotional well-being.
As local business owners, Amber and Douglas take pride in serving their community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. They understand the importance of trust when caring for beloved pets and strive to provide every client with peace of mind through reliable communication, personalized attention, and exceptional care standards. For Amber and Douglas, PAWsome Companions is more than a business — it is a reflection of their shared passion for animals, their dedication to helping pets thrive, and their commitment to treating every pet like family.
Certified Pet Care Professional (CPCP), Fear Free Certified Pet Sitter (FFCP), First Aid & CPCR Certified (PFAC)
💕 Get to Know the Heart Behind PAWsome Companions
Hello, amazing pet parents! 👋 I’m Amber, one of the proud owners of PAWsome Companions—a passionate, pet-loving business providing professional pet sitting and dog walking services throughout Ventura County, and extending up to 40 miles into the Los Angeles area. I’m also a proud dog mom to (4) incredible fur babies:
🐶 Gunnar – my gentle 2-year-old Great Pyrenees with a heart as big as his paws
🐾 Canelo – my spirited, fawn-colored American Pit Bull Terrier who’s full of personality
💛 Remi – my sweet Olde English Bulldogge who lights up every room he enters with his bully smile & 'wiggle butt'
🐮 Moo Moo - my adorable Frenchie baby girl brings joy to everyone around her with her charming grunts, adorable snores, and playful demands!
💖 A Lifelong Love for Animals
My love for animals runs deep—it’s the heart of everything I do. Over the years, I’ve proudly worn many hats in the pet care field: from CEO of PAWsome Companions to earning certifications as a Certified Pet Care Professional and Fear-Free Certified Pet Sitter. Beyond the titles, my mission is simple:
✨ To ensure every pet I care for lives a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. ✨
I’ve completed extensive training to support pets with unique medical, behavioral, and emotional needs—including those managing health challenges like cancer, anxiety, or mobility issues. My commitment to learning never stops; I’m always expanding my knowledge to provide the very best care possible.
🐕 A Heart for Specialized Care
Every pet is special, and their care should be too. I take a personalized, fear-free approach to every visit, ensuring your pets feel comfortable, secure, and loved. Whether it’s helping a senior dog move more easily, comforting a shy rescue, or administering medication with gentle patience—I’m here to make sure each pet receives the thoughtful, professional care they deserve.
❤️ Pets Are Family — Always
When your pets are in my care, they’re not just “clients.” They’re family—cherished, loved, and treated as if they were my own. From fun playtime and walks to quiet companionship and cuddle sessions, I tailor every visit to your pet’s personality and needs. My goal is to create joyful, stress-free experiences that make tails wag, whiskers twitch, and hearts happy. Because at PAWsome Companions, every wag, purr, and nuzzle matters. 🐾
🌟 My Promise to You
When you trust PAWsome Companions with your beloved pets, you can expect:
✅ Reliable, professional, and compassionate care
✅ Consistent communication and photo updates
✅ A sitter who treats your pets like their own
Since 2017, I’ve been proudly serving Ventura County and Los Angeles pet parents, giving them total peace of mind knowing their pets are cared for by experienced, loving professionals.
🐾 PAWsome Companions — Loving Care for Pets, Peace of Mind for You. ❤️
Certified Pet Sitter & Dog Walker (CPS-DW), First Aid & CPCR Certified (PFAC)
Meet Doug, our Lead Canine Adventure Specialist — a proud Marine veteran with a heart devoted to animals and a passion for creating meaningful connections with every furry friend he meets.
🐕 From the Marines to Pet Care
Hi there! 👋 I’m Doug, one of the proud co-owners of PAWsome Companions, and I’m thrilled to share how we can care for your beloved furry family members. Working with animals is one of my greatest joys — whether it’s the boundless energy of a playful puppy or the cool confidence of a sassy cat, every pet has its own personality, and I love discovering what makes each one special.
As a Marine veteran, my service taught me invaluable skills like discipline, patience, and adaptability — all of which serve me well in pet care, especially when working with larger dogs or pets with strong, dynamic temperaments. I truly believe every animal is one-of-a-kind and deserves personalized care that celebrates who they are.
🚶♂️ Lead Dog Walker & Etiquette Trainer
As Lead Dog Walker and Etiquette Trainer here at PAWsome Companions, my mission is to keep your pets happy, healthy, and engaged. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll for a senior dog or a high-energy adventure for an active pup, every walk is customized to fit your pet’s needs. To me, walks are far more than daily routines — they’re chances for dogs to explore, exercise, and socialize in safe, enriching ways.
Every outing is designed to bring joy, structure, and mental stimulation, so tails wag and spirits stay high — whether we’re exploring your neighborhood or heading out on scenic trails.
❤️ Building Trust & Lasting Bonds
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is forming lasting relationships with both pets and their families.
I take time to understand each pet’s unique personality and the specific needs of their owners. Open, honest communication is at the heart of my approach because I want every client to feel supported, informed, and confident in the care their pets receive. Every day, I’m grateful to combine my love for animals with my commitment to service. My Marine values of loyalty, respect, and dedication guide everything I do — and I treat every pet as if they were my own.
🐾 A Family Devoted to Pet Care
At home, I share life with my partner and co-owner Amber, along with our (4) incredible rescue companions:
🐶 Gunnar – our gentle giant Great Pyrenees
🐾 Rémi – our sweet and affectionate Olde English Bulldogge
💪 Canelo – our energetic, playful American Pit Bull Terrier
🐮 Moo Moo - our youngest girl embodies the true spirit of a Frenchie, complete with adorable grunts and charming snores.
Together, we’ve built a home (and a business) full of joy, love, and wagging tails — and we can’t wait to share that same warmth and happiness with your pets.
🌟 Dedicated to Enrichment & Well-Being
Beyond my love for walks and training, I’m passionate about helping pets thrive physically and mentally. I believe in:
✅ Thoughtful nutrition choices
✅ Engaging enrichment and playtime
✅ Positive reinforcement and training that builds confidence
Every pet deserves a life filled with purpose, joy, and adventure — and I’m here to help make that happen.
Let’s work together to enhance the happiness and well-being of your cherished companions. Semper Fidelis! 💪🏻
Here at PAWsome Companions, we take immense pride in providing exceptional, top-notch care for your cherished and beloved pets, and that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and talent of our incredible team. Each member of our staff brings not only a unique set of skills but also a shared, unwavering passion for animals, ensuring your pets receive the love, attention, and high-quality care they genuinely deserve. From our highly experienced and reliable walkers to our attentive sitters and skilled trainers, every single team member is fully committed to creating a safe, happy, and nurturing environment that your furry friends will thrive in.
We’re dedicated to providing your pets with unparalleled care because, at PAWsome Companions, their happiness, health, and comfort are our top priorities. But our commitment doesn’t end there—it extends to building strong, lasting relationships with pet parents like you. We focus on open communication, keeping you informed with updates, helpful tips, and expert advice so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way. After all, your peace of mind and trust mean just as much to us as your pet’s well-being and joy.
Administrative Manager
I’m Ashlee, and I am proud to serve as the Administrative Manager at PAWsome Companions. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I’ve found my dream career in a field I am truly passionate about—all types of animals! My journey with PAWsome Companions began long before I officially joined the team. As a client, I was amazed by the love and care my pets received. Fast forward to today, and I am incredibly grateful to contribute to that same exceptional care for others.
For over two years, I have had the privilege of being part of this wonderful organization. When the opportunity to join the team arose, I jumped at the chance. It was the perfect way to combine my love for animals with my organizational skills. From scheduling appointments, managing emails, handling invoicing and collecting payments, I strive to ensure everything runs smoothly for our clients and their beloved pets. Being part of such a welcoming and pet-focused environment is incredibly rewarding. Each day brings new opportunities to make a positive impact and share joy with our clients and their furry companions. I couldn’t be happier to be on this journey with PAWsome Companions!
At PAWsome Companions, our dedication to outstanding pet care begins at home with our cherished dogs, whom we treat like family. Each of them plays a crucial role in shaping our approach to caring for our clients' pets, teaching us the values of patience, empathy, and the importance of personalized attention. With all of them under the age of four, they keep us active and serve as a daily reminder of what professional and compassionate pet care truly means. Our dogs are the heart and soul of PAWsome Companions. They influence our standards, our training, and our commitment to you. Meet them all below!
Meet Gunnar, our beloved 2.5-year-old Great Pyrenees and the very 1st cherished member of our expanding family pack. A gentle giant with his calm and steady temperament, Gunnar truly embodies the essence of trust, reassurance, and protective care—qualities we wholeheartedly aim to bring to every pet and home we enthusiastically serve. Beneath his fluffy and luxurious exterior lies an intelligent, sweet-natured soul that captivates everyone around him. While he may occasionally play hard to get during moments of fun, his heart is pure gold, and we couldn’t love him more than we already do!
Meet Rémi, our cherished 3-year-old rescue Olde English Bulldogge. He’s not just a pet; he is the heart and soul of our family and an extraordinary companion in every way. His remarkable journey is a testament to love, resilience, and the vital importance of second chances. Rescued from a dire situation just hours before his scheduled euthanasia, Rémi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that every pet, regardless of their past, deserves compassion, patience, and understanding. No matter the challenges they have faced, each animal has the potential to enrich our lives. With his unwavering spirit, unending joyful demeanor, and adorable wiggle butt, Rémi inspires our commitment to Fear Free handling and positive reinforcement methods. We wholeheartedly embrace each pet for who they are and celebrate the unique qualities they bring into our lives.
Canelo—affectionately known as "Nelly"—is our irresistibly charming 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, a vibrant bundle of joy wrapped in muscle and endless wiggles. From the moment we met him at just 5 months old through one of our very first clients, it was love at first sight. Living his puppy life practically full-time in a crate and the thought of him possibly being sent to Mexico for training as a fighting dog was simply too heartbreaking. His gentle spirit and sweet temperament were far too precious to face such a devastating fate.
Filled with affection, infectious playfulness, and unwavering loyalty, Nelly embodies the pure happiness and boundless energy that pets bring into our lives each day. It is this profound love and steadfast devotion that drives us to treat every client's beloved pet as if they were our own cherished family member.
Meet Moo-Moo, our delightful 2-year-old Blue Merle French Bulldog rescue and the only girl in our pack. She was saved from a perilous and abusive situation where her very existence was at stake. We fought tirelessly and passionately to bring her into our lives.
From the moment we first laid eyes on her, we felt an undeniable connection. Our hearts instinctively knew that this sweet girl was longing for help, affection, and a safe haven to thrive in. Moo-Moo embodies everything we love about French Bulldogs, from her charmingly quirky loud growls & grunts, to her thunderous endearing snoring that fills our home with warmth!
She has brought boundless laughter and pure joy into our lives, and we cherish her immensely every single day. Without fail, she showers us with love and unwavering gratitude for the second chance at life that she truly deserves. And as the only girl in the pack, it’s no surprise that she is absolutely spoiled and very much a Daddy's girl!