The Owners
Welcome to PAWsome Companions, your trusted pet care service in sunny California! 🐾 For over seven years, we've been a favorite among pet owners in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, offering wag-worthy dog walks, personalized pet sitting, and comprehensive care services—all delivered in the comfort of your pet’s home.
Ever wondered what true wealth feels like? For us, it’s measured in tail wags, happy purrs, and the joyous sounds of paws on the floor. Our family includes Gunnar, our independent and majestic Great Pyrenees, Canelo, the sweetest and most affectionate American Pit Bull Terrier, and Rémi, our precious rescue Olde English Bulldogge. Together, they’ve filled our lives with adventure, love, and the kind of joy only pets can provide. At PAWsome Companions, it’s not just about caring for animals—it’s about cherishing the bond we share with them.
Inspired by our deep love for animals and our own experiences with other pet care services, we created PAWsome Companions to deliver the kind of exceptional care we’d want for our own furry family members. We specialize in catering to all kinds of pets, from playful puppies to senior pets, giant breeds, and rescues. No matter their size, age, or background, your pets are in safe, compassionate hands with us.
What sets us apart? For starters, we’re not just pet lovers—we’re professionals. Amber, one of our co-owners, is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International and a certified Fear Free Pet Sitter. This means your pet’s emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as their physical care. With Amber’s expertise and our shared passion, we ensure your furry, feathery, or scaly companions feel safe, happy, and loved.
PAWsome Companions is led by Amber Johnson and Douglas Schmachtenberger, two dedicated pet care professionals who continually strive for excellence. We’re bonded, insured, and certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, providing you with peace of mind and trust. But we don’t stop there—our commitment to learning means we’ve gained additional certifications in areas like Feline Behavior Management, Senior Pet Care, and even advanced training programs like Chaos to Connection. Why? Because your pets deserve nothing less than the best, and we’re committed to delivering just that.
Amber Johnson, CPPS, FFCP
CEO, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, Fear Free Certified Pet Sitter, First Aid & CPCR Certified
Hello, fellow amazing pet parents! My name is Amber, and I’m one of the proud owners of PAWsome Companions—a dedicated pet care business offering exceptional pet sitting and dog walking services across the beautiful Ventura County, with our reach extending to the Los Angeles area. I’m also a proud dog mom to three incredible fur babies: Gunnar, my gentle 2-year-old Great Pyrenees; Canelo, my spirited and stunning fawn-colored American Pit Bull Terrier; and Remi, my sweet Olde English Bulldogge who has a knack for lighting up every room he steps into.
My passion for pet care stems from my deep love for animals and my commitment to their well-being. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in this field: from being the CEO of PAWsome Companions to earning certifications as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter and a Fear-Free Certified Pet Sitter. But more than titles, my true mission lies in ensuring pets live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. To achieve this, I’ve pursued extensive training and certifications to support pets with unique needs—whether they’re coping with health challenges like cancer, require special behavioral understanding, or need to travel safely and comfortably. My love for learning is endless, and I’m always seeking new ways to enhance the care I provide for our beloved four-legged companions.
When your pets are in my care, they become so much more than “clients”; they become part of my extended family. Each furry friend is treated with the same love, respect, and attention I give to my own pets. I firmly believe that every animal has a unique personality and deserves a nurturing, tailored environment where they can thrive. Whether it’s spoiling them with their favorite treats, keeping them active with engaging playtime, or simply offering companionship when they’re feeling lonely, my goal is to provide the kind of care that makes tails wag and hearts happy.
Douglas Schmachtenberger, CCDT, CPS-DW
CEO, Certified Pet Sitter/Walker & Certified Canine Dog Trainer
Hi there! I’m Doug, one of the proud co-owners of PAWsome Companions, and I’m so excited to share how we can care for your furry family members. Working with animals truly brings me joy—whether it’s the boundless energy of a playful puppy or the quirky charm of a sassy cat. Each pet has their own unique personality, and I love building connections with every single one of them.
A little about me: I’m a Marine veteran, and my time in the service helped shape the discipline, patience, and adaptability I bring to my work today. These skills are especially valuable when handling larger dogs or pets with big personalities. I believe every animal is one of a kind, and I’m dedicated to offering care that celebrates their individuality.
As the Lead Dog Walker and Etiquette Trainer at PAWsome Companions, I provide a wide range of services designed to keep your pets happy, healthy, and engaged. Whether it’s a relaxed stroll for senior dogs who enjoy taking it slow or an adventurous hike for high-energy pups, I make sure every outing is tailored to their needs. To me, walks are so much more than a routine—they’re an opportunity for pets to explore, exercise, and socialize. My mission is to create experiences that leave tails wagging and spirits high, whether we’re exploring the neighborhood or hitting scenic trails.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is building lasting relationships with both pets and their families. I take pride in understanding each pet’s unique personality and addressing the specific needs and concerns of their owners. Open, honest communication is at the heart of what I do—I want you to feel supported every step of the way. Every day, I’m grateful to work in a field that combines my deep passion for animals with my commitment to service. My Marine values of loyalty and dedication guide me in treating your pets with the same love and care as my own. Speaking of family, I share my home with Gunnar, my lovable two-year-old Great Pyrenees, Rémi, my beloved Olde English Bulldogge and Canelo, my hoppy and energetic American Pit Bull Terrier. Together, let’s work to enhance the happiness and well-being of your beloved pets. Semper Fidelis! 💪🏻
Certifications
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!
Donna Dolore, CACW
Certified Animal Care Worker
Hello! I'm Donna, a proud Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) at PAWsome Companions. Caring for animals isn’t just my job—it’s my passion. Every day, I feel incredibly fortunate to spend time with adorable furry friends. Whether it's taking dogs for a refreshing walk, feeding playful kittens, or simply showering pets with love and attention, each moment with them brings me pure joy.
Their unwavering love and loyalty never fail to brighten my day and remind me why I love what I do. I truly believe animals have a unique way of providing comfort, healing, and happiness to our lives, and I'm honored to give them the care, compassion, and affection they deserve. Being part of the PAWsome Companions team is a dream come true, and I look forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these incredible animals for many years to come.
Ashlee Pretzia, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician & Office Administrator
Hello and welcome! My name is Ashlee, and I’m proud to serve as the Office Administrator & Manger at PAWsome Companions. But that’s not all—I’m also a Registered Veterinary Technician. Talk about a dream come true! Believe it or not, my journey with PAWsome Companions began as a client. I was overjoyed by the exceptional care and love my pets received here, and now, years later, I’m beyond grateful to be part of this amazing team. For over two years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to this incredible establishment, and it still feels surreal. When the chance came to join the team in this role, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I eagerly stepped into a position where I could combine my passion for animals with my organizational skills. From managing appointments to handling email communication and invoicing, I ensure the day-to-day operations run smoothly for our clients and their furry companions. It’s truly a pleasure to be part of such a welcoming and pet-friendly environment. Every day brings new opportunities to spread joy and care, and I couldn’t be happier to be on this journey!
