Hi! My name is Kayla and I've been with the company since 2022.

I grew up on a farm with dogs, pigs, and horses, so I have always loved animals. I went to SDSU and got a degree in Animal Science with minors in Agricultural Business, Agricultural Marketing, and Equine Studies. Although I thought my heart was with livestock animals, it has become clear that I have a great passion for small animals. I got my first dog of my own, Jellybean, two months before college graduation, and he is what kept me sane when navigating my way out of college and into "real" world. Currently, my pets consist of Jellybean (Poochon), Peanut (Cava-poo), Josie (Quarter Horse), Chicken (Nigerian Dwarf Goat), and Waffles (Nigerian Dwarf Goat).

Post-graduating, many prayers were needed to help me figure out where I would feel fulfilled working. When I came across Paws and got to experience the environment and the positive impact that is made around the world, I knew this was the place for me! I have impacted so many lives around the community and world through volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and donation drives; while also being poured into personally and professionally through our Leadership group, educational opportunities, and a community of people who invest in each other's growth.

Hi! My name is Allison. I started as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Paws Pet Resort in 2020 after having worked in the dog industry for multiple years.

I’ve always loved working with animals and connecting with new people, so I love my role at Paws! I’m married to my best friend, Austin, and we have a daughter and two rescues—a dog named Kona and a cat named Frankie. They are bright spots in our world, and we love playing and snuggling with them. I’m a big family person and love spending time with my nieces and nephews.

I love being part of the Paws team. They are always going the extra mile—going above and beyond to provide the best for our clients and their furry family members. One of the reasons I love working at Paws is because of our generosity. This organization gets to provide more than just care and playtime for dogs and cats. They aim to be a blessing to those around them—to local charities and global organizations. What a powerful, God-honoring thing to be a part of!

Hi, my name is Ariana. I've been with Paws since 2021 and am the Manager of the Daystay Department!

I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls, SD, and found my forever in my wonderful Husband, Max. Together, we have what we like to call our zoo! We have 3 dogs (Molly, Poppy, and Rosie), 2 Cats (Anastasia and Blueberry), and 3 Reptiles (Athena and Clio - Bearded Dragons and Apep - Ball Python). They are our world! I have always felt my heart drawn toward animals from an early age. Through the years, my passion for working with animals has grown immensely, and I believe God brought me to Paws to make this dream a reality.

One of my favorite things about working at Paws is witnessing a nervous dog or cat come out of its shell, seeing its sweet personality shine through, and melting its fear away! They go home so differently from when they first arrive. It warms my heart when they come back, recognize you instantly, and want your attention.

I'm Sam, and I've been with Paws since 2020. I enjoyed several roles here, flourishing in the daycare and boarding departments before transitioning to the lobby. Once I began working in the lobby, I found my true passion: client care. I LOVE ensuring our clients get the absolute best experience possible!

Growing up, I always had dogs to call family, and now I have two sweet Pugs named Lucy and Gibby. I have always wanted to volunteer and help in the community, but I was unsure how to find opportunities. Working at Paws, I have monthly opportunities because of our mission-minded business and mission statement of "being a blessing to others in the world around us!"
I have always had a passion for working with dogs, and I’m so blessed to get to do it daily as my job!

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, I am passionate about bringing a personal touch to the retail experience. I have 10 years of Customer Service Experience, starting at 14 years old. I have been with the Paws team since 2020!

As an Assistant Retail Manager, I focus on supporting both our team and customers, ensuring everyone feels valued and appreciated. I have graduated from the Leaders of Tomorrow program, and with our leadership group here at Paws, I have been equipped with the skills to lead with empathy and efficiency.

I’m so proud to work for a company with a bigger purpose—one that emphasizes giving back through donations, volunteering, and promoting growth both within ourselves and in others. This aligns perfectly with my passion for helping people and positively impacting our community.

Outside of work, I’m an unapologetic “cat lady” with two cats, Simba and Zazu, and have recently welcomed a Papillon named Cowboy to my family. I love to travel whenever I can, but my heart is always at home with my family & friends, who mean the world to me.

Hi, I’m Hailey. I've been with Paws since 2021. I’ve always been an animal lover. Growing up in northern Minnesota, we always had lots of dogs, so Paws makes me feel right at home. I love coming to work to see all the smiling faces, both human and animal!

Hey there! I'm Phillip, or Phil—whatever you prefer, it’s all good with me. I worked at Paws from June 2019 until August 2021, then decided to explore something different. But that didn’t quite work out and I felt a calling for something bigger, so I came back to Paws in June 2024. I started in daycare, then moved over to boarding, and that’s where my passion for caring for animals really took off. Since joining Paws, I've added two dogs (Beth and Maggie), a cat (Bonnie), and six fish to my family!

Hi! I’m Kaytlyn, and I’ve been working with Paws since 2024.

I have always loved animals, but dogs have had a soft spot in my heart for as long as I can remember. I grew up having multiple dogs in our home, both pet and hunting dogs, but what changed everything was when I purchased my very own puppy at 13. Sadie Ann was an English Springer Spaniel, and she is what really started my passion for dogs and how they learn.

From there, I have pursued many different occupations with dogs, including a hunting kennel, a groomer, a daycare manager at two different boarding facilities, and a certified veterinarian’s assistant at an animal hospital.

I came to Paws for the first time in 2021 for their Annual Dock Diving event with Sadie, and then again in 2023 with my Dalmatian Pilot. From the staff to the clientele, I knew this place was special, and decided to make the move from Minnesota. Working here now not only allows me to fulfill my passion for working with dogs, but it gives me a sense of community and the desire to help the world around us.

Outside of work, you can find Pilot and me walking around the city, hiking the trails, or at a dog sporting event, where we dabble in just about everything.

Hi, my name is Sophie and I am the Assistant Training Manager at Paws! I've been here since 2021.

I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls, and I have two Golden Retrievers, Murphy and Maggie. I’ve always been passionate about animals, and I love meeting new dogs and discovering their unique personalities. I received my degree in Veterinary Technology, and I can’t wait to continue serving others and their pets in the future using both that knowledge and my extensive training knowledge. When not working, I love to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and my dogs. I love trying new things with my Goldens, such as dock diving, obedience classes, dog sports, and more.

My name is Taryn, I've been with Paws since 2018!

Growing up I had a huge love for animals. Being surrounded by dogs my whole life helped guide my way into dog training. My first job was working at a K9 daycare and boarding facility when I was 17. In my almost 2 years there, I received hands-on exposure to dog body language and behavior. My passion grew from there, and in 2015, I completed my 1-year online program through Animal Behavior College for Canine Obedience. At 19 years old, I accepted my first dog training job at Petco. After completing a dog training instructor program, I was promoted to Senior Dog Trainer, and for 3 years, I continued to get hands-on exposure to puppy socialization, solving problem behaviors, clicker training, leash walking, and teaching AKC Canine Good Citizen classes.

While at Paws Pet Resort, I spent several months working under our head trainer, Sami Jo. Now, I enjoy offering a variety of classes to our clients, all of which I love! I am also a dog owner with my Australian shepherd, Frost, and my German Shepherd, Kira.

Hi, my name is Tasha and I work in daycare here at Paws and have been here since 2019. Paws is such a fantastic place, I am so glad to be a member here. When I was young I was able to take care of a range of animals such as bunnies, chickens, dogs, cats, and even hamsters. I enjoy working with animals of all kinds! I was born in New Mexico I came to Sioux Falls eight years ago. When I'm not working I love spending time with my family and friends.

Bio Coming Soon!