Meet the team at PAWsome Companions! 🐾
For more than 7 years, we’ve been the trusted choice for pet parents in Simi Valley, and across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. From wag-worthy dog walks to personalized pet sitting and overnight care, we provide reliable, compassionate service—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 on the floor. Our own furry family—Gunnar the independent Great Pyrenees, Canelo the affectionate Pit Bull Terrier, and Rémi the sweet rescue Bulldogge—reminds us every day why this work matters. PAWsome Companions was built from that love: a promise to provide the kind of care we’d want for our own pets. We specialize in caring for pets of all ages, sizes, and needs—from playful puppies to seniors, giant breeds to rescues. No matter their story, your companions are always safe in our capable, compassionate hands.
What makes us different? We’re not just pet lovers—we’re trained professionals. Amber, co-owner and certified Fear Free Pet Sitter, ensures every animal’s emotional well-being is cared for alongside their physical needs. Together, Amber and Douglas lead a bonded, insured team certified in Pet First Aid, CPR, and advanced training programs like Feline Behavior Management, Senior Pet Care, and Chaos to Connection. Because your pets deserve nothing less than the best, we’re committed to delivering expert care, heartfelt attention, and complete peace of mind—every single time.
Our Owners
Amber Johnson, CEO, CPCP, FFC-PS
CEO, Certified Pet Care Professional, Fear Free Certified Pet Sitter, First Aid & CPR Certified
💕 Get to Know the Heart Behind PAWsome Companions
At PAWsome Companions, we believe great pet care begins with genuine love and connection. Meet Amber, one of our proud owners — a lifelong animal lover whose mission is to make every pet feel happy, safe, and loved.
🏡 Meet Amber — Owner of 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 three 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.
💖 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. ❤️
Douglas Schmachtenberger, CEO, CPS-DW
CEO, Certified Pet Sitter, Certified Dog Walker
🐾 Meet Doug — Co-Owner & Lead Dog Walker at PAWsome Companions
At PAWsome Companions, we believe every pet deserves care that’s compassionate, consistent, and tailored to their personality. Meet Doug, our co-owner and Lead Dog Walker — 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 three 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
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! 💪🏻
Our Puptenders
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 here to go above and beyond in giving your pets the best care imaginable because, at PAWsome Companions, their happiness, well-being, and comfort are at the very heart of everything we do! Our commitment doesn’t stop at exceptional care—we also prioritize building meaningful relationships with pet parents. We believe in keeping open lines of communication, sharing updates, tips, and advice to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. After all, your trust and peace of mind are just as important to us as your pet’s happiness.
Kylie Sluder, CDW
Hi there! I'm Kylie, your trusted pet sitter and dog walker. Whether it's adventurous dog hikes, group walks, or personalized care, I bring a lifelong passion for animals to every interaction. Growing up on a farm in the picturesque town of Fillmore, my love for animals blossomed early, and it has only deepened over the years. Caring for your furry family members isn’t just a job for me—it’s my true calling. I consider it a privilege to provide them with the love, companionship, and attention they deserve, every step of the way.
I know how much your pets mean to you—they’re not just animals; they’re cherished members of your family. That’s why I am committed to ensuring their happiness, health, and safety while they’re in my care. From leisurely neighborhood strolls to exhilarating hiking adventures or simply spending quality cuddle time, I tailor my approach to meet your pet’s unique needs. When you trust me with your beloved companions, you can feel confident knowing they’ll be treated with the same love and devotion I give to my own Frenchie, Kiko who we also call 'Blingers'.
She is affectionately known as “Bling” for her lively, bright, and captivating personality. She is such an integral part of my life. Her radiant presence and infectious zest for life are truly infectious—whether she’s making a statement with the other pups or enchanting a room with her charm. Her fascination and affection with people perfectly reflect her vibrant spirit: always finding beauty and brilliance in her surroundings. Just like Kiko, I strive to bring the same level of care, energy, and dedication to every pet I look after. 💎
Donna Dolore, CACW
Hello! I’m Donna, a Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) at PAWsome Companions. Caring for animals isn’t just my job—it’s my passion and my purpose. Every day, I feel incredibly fortunate to spend time with the sweetest furry friends. From taking dogs on energizing walks to feeding playful kittens or simply showering pets with love, every moment I spend with them fills my heart with pure joy.
Their unconditional love and loyalty never fail to inspire me and remind me why I’m so devoted to this work. I truly believe animals have an extraordinary ability to bring comfort, healing, and happiness into our lives. It’s an honor for me to ensure they receive the care, compassion, and affection they deserve. Being part of the PAWsome family is more than a job—it’s a dream come true. I’m excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of these incredible animals for years to come.
Ashlee Pretzia, RVT
Welcome! I’m Ashlee, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Office Administrator & Manager at PAWsome Companions. I’m also a proud Registered Veterinary Technician—truly a dream career for an animal lover like me! My journey with PAWsome Companions began long before I joined the team. I first experienced this amazing place as a client, where I was blown away by the love and care my pets received. Fast forward to today, and I’m incredibly grateful to now play a role in providing that same exceptional care to others. For over two years, I’ve been privileged to contribute to this wonderful organization. When the opportunity to join the team came along, I didn’t think twice. It was the perfect chance to blend my passion for animals with my knack for organization. From scheduling appointments and managing emails to handling invoicing, I work hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly for our clients and their beloved pets. Being part of such a welcoming and pet-focused environment is truly 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!
