10 Women In the Pet Industry Redefining Leadership
Last updated on March 31st, 2025 at 06:29 am
Women in the pet industry are redefining leadership, but I’ll admit—walking into this space can feel intimidating, especially when surrounded by men. That’s why finding these incredible women meant so much to me.
They not only lead with innovation and passion but also create a sense of community that makes others feel welcome. In this roundup, I’m excited to highlight ten inspiring CEOs, founders, and experts shaping the future of pet care.
Special thanks to the BlogPaws community, with six members contributing to this list, and to the amazing women I’ve connected with on LinkedIn who continue to lead with strength and kindness.
1. Susan Nilson, The Cat And Dog House
Type of Business: Online educational resource to help cat and dog parents better understand their pets’ behavior
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: 20 years
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
What I love most about running The Cat And Dog House is knowing that my work helps keep more pets in their forever homes.
My journey into animal behavior began when one of my rescue cats started urinating outside the litter box, which led me to study feline and canine behavior professionally.
Now, I use my expertise to educate pet parents, helping them understand the “why” behind their cat or dog’s behavior so they can create a less stressful, more harmonious home.
As a long-time rescue advocate and pet parent to five rescue cats and three rescue dogs, I know firsthand how frustrating pet behavior challenges can be—but I also know how much positive change is possible when you have the right knowledge and approach.
What does being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry mean to you?
Being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry means using my expertise to create real change, ensuring pet behavior issues are met with empathy and solutions rather than frustration and rehoming (not to mention, aversive training tools and methods).
I started The Cat and Dog House to bridge the gap between pet parents and their pets’ often misunderstood behaviors, offering practical, science-backed advice with a compassionate approach.
Women are making a huge impact in the pet industry, particularly in animal behavior, advocacy, and education, and I’m proud to be part of that movement—empowering pet parents with the right knowledge to help them feel more confident while keeping more pets in loving homes where they belong.
2. Amy Arthur, Tackleberry Dobermans
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ YouTube ⎪ X ⎪Instagram ⎪ Bsky
Type of Business: Doberman Breeder, Trainer, and Educator
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: Since 2021
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
Foundationally, while I manage a farm that includes all sorts of animals, Dobermans are my passion. To explain, Dobermans have a way of bonding with you like no other animal I’ve ever worked with before.
Likewise, their keen intelligence and extremely loving nature leave you with the sense that they can look right into your soul and understand your needs.
As a result, my life’s mission is to help those searching, to find the companionship of a Doberman that best fits their individual needs. Indeed, every Doberman has a different personality and would be best suited in an environment that matches their unique strengths.
For example, some are more confident and prey-driven, as a result, they’d thrive best in the protection field. While others have a softer nature and would perform best as a therapy companion or family pet.
What does being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry mean to you?
As a female entrepreneur, I can in no way diminish the value of a male-owned business. However, I am proud to take part in a competitive world to offer my services.
Above all, it is an honor to have the freedom and ability to provide for my family with my small business.
3. Lina Chero, Lina Chero Animal Communication and Energy Healing
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Instagram
Type of Business: Animal Communication and healing through EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping for humans and animals) Pranic Healing – also for humans and animals. Remote and in person.
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: Since 2021
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
What I love about animal communication and energy healing for animals and humans is that I have the opportunity to serve as connector to enhance the loving relationship between them and support a healthier body and mind for both.
I get to witness the shifts into happier, healthier bonds, what a privilege that has been for me!
What does being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry mean to you?
In an industry where Animal communication and energy healing is still difficult to understand it means that I am part of the army of women setting up the path that had been hidden for a long time and bringing it to the light for the good of all! No better power than women who love to do just that!
4. Tiffany Smith, Pennies, Places, and Paws LLC
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Tiktok ⎪ Bsky
Type of Business: Pet Products and blog/website with pet care, travel, and
training tips
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: 6 years in the Pet Industry,
but 20 years in the animal industry (retired zoo keeper and animal
trainer)
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
Being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry means combining my passion for animals with the drive to make a positive difference in the world.
I want to prove that a business with a main focus of making a positive impact can be successful. I want to inspire deeper connections between animals and people.
What I love most about running an animal-centered business is helping families find new and unique ways to connect with their pets.
I love showing pet parents just how easy it is to make their animals a true part of their family—whether it’s bringing them along on vacations, including them in holiday celebrations, or making everyday moments more special.
5. Rev. Dr. Heather Shea, Everyday Knowings
Everyday Knowings ⎪ Animal Knowings ⎪ LinkedIn ⎪ Facebook
Type of Business: Animal Communications, Intuitive Business Coach, Energy Healing (Reiki, EFT, Scalar), End of Life Transitions and Support, Pet Behavior Modification
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: 3 years in the industry. A lifetime working with animals
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
As an animal communicator, I serve as a bridge between humans and their pets, helping to uncover the deeper reasons behind an animal’s behavior.
Through telepathic connection, I uncover their thoughts and feelings, helping resolve behavioral, emotional, physical, social, or transitional challenges to foster harmony.
In addition to working with animals, I guide people as an Intuitive Business Coach, helping clients access their inner wisdom and intuition.
By clarifying their desires and aligning with their true path, I support them in achieving both personal and professional growth.
What does being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry mean to you?
.For me, being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry is about tuning in and getting to the heart of what truly matters for both people and animals.
It’s pure joy. Having worked globally with leaders in business, politics, and entertainment, and being recognized as one of the Top 50 Speakers in the field of women in leadership, I now bring my expertise to the pet industry, where I’ve found my true purpose and passion.
6. Melissa Sherman, Calming Creek
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Substack ⎪ YouTube
Type of Business: Animal Communication & Intuitive Services, Energy Healing & Body Work, Nutrition Consulting, Palliative & End-of-Life Transition Care, and Emotional Support for Pets and Their Families
How Long You’ve Been in the Pet Industry: I have worked with animals my entire life, but professionally, it’s been 3 years.
What do you love most about running a business centered around animals?
What I love most about running a business centered around animals is the deep connection I share with each pet and their family.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to help animals live healthier, more balanced lives while fostering a stronger connection between them and their human companions.
Being able to offer holistic care and emotional support not only enhances the well-being of the animals but also strengthens the bond between pets and their families. Every day is a reminder of how meaningful and transformative these connections are.
What does being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry mean to you?
Being a female entrepreneur in the pet industry means embracing my passion for animals while creating a business that reflects my values of compassion, healing, and connection.
It’s empowering to pave the way for other women in this field and to show that you can follow your heart, combine your expertise, and make a difference in the lives of both animals and their families.
It’s about being a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves and building a supportive community along the way
7. Lorena Suarez, Pets2Vets
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Instagram ⎪ LinkedIn
Type of Business: Local pet/taxi emergency service
8. Nicky Kaplan, Mimi & Munch Australia
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Instagram ⎪ LinkedIn
Type of Business: All natural, human-grade dog treats
9. Tarryn Michie, CEO & Co-founder of Pet Biz Creatives
Website ⎪ Facebook ⎪ YouTube ⎪ Instagram ⎪ LinkedIn
Type of Business: Pet Biz Creatives is an agency helping pet brands in Australia with strategic marketing.
10. Michelle Sima MS, RVT, RDMS Owner Co Founder of Focused Ultrasound Resources
Website ⎪ LinkedIn ⎪ Facebook ⎪ Instagram
Type of Business: Mobile ultrasound, teleradiology, internal medicine and FNA ultrasound guidance
Final Thoughts
These women in the pet industry are not just redefining leadership—they’re creating spaces where innovation, passion, and community thrive.
Stepping into this industry can feel intimidating, but connecting with these inspiring leaders has shown me the power of support and collaboration.
From the incredible women I’ve met through BlogPaws to the founders and CEOs on LinkedIn, I’m grateful for the way they continue to uplift and inspire others and myself.
Their work is shaping the future of pet care, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
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