Our Team
Barbara Link, Owner
Paula, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Taylor, Senior Pet Specialist
Years ago I got a scary call while on vacation that made me realize asking friends or family to care for my pets was not the best answer. That was the start of my dream - to provide the most personalized, professional pet care for all pets, large and small, here in the New River Valley.
My background includes a B.S. degree in Animal Science from Virginia Tech, over 30 years caring for all types of pets, 28 years working with the largest pet products manufacturer in the world, and establishing an animal rescue in Giles County that played a major role in the county building a new shelter.
One of our core values is to always continue to improve how we do what we do so that we can improve the lives of the pets in our care. We are constantly taking webinars and classes to stay up to date on the latest in training, health and welfare.
Taylor, Senior Pet Specialist
Paula, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Taylor, Senior Pet Specialist
Hi, I'm Taylor! I'm the proud mother of two wonderful little boys and two sweet fur babies. I've loved animals my whole life. According to my mom, I would spend hours outside, caring for our pets when I was small, and be watching Animal Planet when I wasn't outdoors. Our animals are members of our family and I believe all animals should be treated as such.
Currently, I have two kitties, Norbert, who prefers being indoors and receiving cuddles, and Killian Jones, who we rescued six years ago and recently started enjoying going for walks on a leash.
Paula, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Paula, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Paula, Senior Pet Care Specialist
My name is Paula. I grew up on a farm and have always had pets of one type or another, whether it was cows or dogs and cats. I grew up taking care of my family's animals. Currently, I have an Australian Cattle Dog, named Dodger who enjoys keeping me on my toes! I enjoy my job because I get to take care of all kinds of pets. I have been responsible for caring for everything from millipedes to reptiles and farm animals to pets like cats and dogs.
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Hi, I'm Karen! I moved to the NRV in 2009 after bringing my horse to the Virginia Maryland Regional School of Veterinary Medicine for medical treatment. I have rescued and rehomed over 40 dogs and cats from Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. My soft spot is for senior and disabled animals. I have rescued and rehomed two tripod dogs since moving to Virginia.
Haley, Pet Care Specialist
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
My name is Haley! I have a degree in Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech and I previously spent fourteen years as a professional wildlife rehabilitator, where I provided daily care to injured bald eagles, orphaned baby bobcats, endangered species and more. My experiences with animals are vast - in addition to being a rehabber and having my own pets, I have worked at an exotic veterinary clinic, in remote places outdoors as a field biologist, and as an occasional pet sitter before joining New River Valley Pet Sitting!
While I love all animals, I have a huge soft spot for birds. My future goal is to become a veterinarian who can provide high quality care for all types of creatures, both domestic and wild, with an emphasis on birds and exotics, here in the New River Valley.
Abigail, Pet Care Specialist
Karen, Senior Pet Care Specialist
Abigail, Pet Care Specialist
Animals and their wellbeing are my passion! I love all animals from the creepiest of crawlies to the largest of livestock. I’ve always had a soft spot for all creatures, even the bugs and reptiles!
I was raised on the back of a horse and pride myself in the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years. For many years I have been a volunteer at local horse rescue where I have worn many hats. From first aid and medications to feeding and grooming to trail rides and customer service. I still even train myself and horses there twice a week! I try my best to stay open minded and learn as many new things as possible. I feel my place here as a pet sitter is to learn and experience as much as I can! Alongside making animals happy and comfortable of course!
With two senior pups of my own I have lots of experience with tricky seniors and all their special needs. Along with some persnickety cats who have taught me many valuable lessons about life and trust.
These experiences in life have taught me patience, empathy, consistency, and how to build trust with animals. Whether I’m caring for dogs, cats, or farm friends, I treat every pet like my own and make sure they feel comfortable, happy, safe and loved while you’re away.