Meet Noelle
A certified veterinary assistant, technician and dog trainer with a deep love for all animals.
Youth
Noelle hails from the Kootenays, and was brought up with animals — the usual horses, dogs, cats and rabbits as well as a variety of rodents. She spent most of her time in the barn or out in the fields with the horses and dogs — and even slept outside with them as often as she could, weather and parents permitting.
Education
Noelle left the mountains to attend UBC in 1998, and graduated with a degree in Genetics, Animal Physiology and Nutrition (double major) in 2003. But animals were always her deepest passion so she later studied to be a Veterinary Assistant, then Vet Tech through online courses followed by practicum at local clinics. Noelle then completed her CPPDT certification (Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainer). Noelle is currently working on her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed).
History & Experience
Pet sitting since the age of 12, she has been providing full-time pet care since 2007, working at various veterinary clinics in Vancouver as an assistant and technician as well as through her growing private pet care business.
In 2010, Noelle decided to leave the clinic she was working at to devote all her time to her business — prompted by the huge demand from her clients. Now self-employed, and much more content, she works seven days a week and is never seen without a small herd of happy dogs at her side.
Meet the team
Sandy Yates
As a dog behaviour therapist for over 20+ years, Sandy Yates has worked with thousands of dogs, puppies and their owners in both Canada and her native Australia. Aside from the infinite rewards of rehabilitating dogs with behavioural issues and setting mischievous puppies on a path to being good natured and respectful family members, Sandy’s most important role is educating owners on how dogs view their world and how they communicate – both to us and with each other.
Sandy has been the resident dog behaviour expert on Global Noon News and Global Weekend Mornings since 2005.
She specializes in behavioural issues in adolescent and adult dogs, while her puppy training program is designed to prevent these very issues arising…. An ounce of prevention?
It really is worth it!
Vincent
Vincent has always had two passions in life: art and animals. They grew up always around animals, and have lots of happy memories holding armfuls of kittens and catching frogs out at the family farm every summer. After moving from Saskatchewan to Vancouver in 2019, they started to pursue a career in the film industry as a concept artist.
It became clear to Vincent that wasn’t where their heart truly was, and in 2021 they obtained a Pet First Aid certificate, thus kickstarting their petcare career. They didn’t grow up with many dogs, and originally wanted to specialize in exotic pets as they kept fish for several years and currently own a delightful corn snake. But after working with dogs they just fell in love and haven’t looked back. They gained experience at a busy dog daycare/hotel, then worked as a veterinary assistant for several months. They are always happiest when surrounded by lots of sweet doggy faces.
Vincent hopes to become a certified dog trainer in the near future, and still continues their art on the side. They are currently completing their Canine First Aid and hopes to begin her CPPDT soon!
Brett
Ivette
Ivette was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Vancouver 25 years ago.
She loves to observe nature and specially animals in their natural habitat. She grew up with lots of pets like ducks, turtles, a snake, a cat and a dog and even a chameleon.
Her heart always warms up when she gets to hugs and pet animals and specially pet dogs and cats.
She likes to learn new things all the time there for her jobs have been of all sources from costumer service, 1st Aid Attendant, to tv performer, caregiver and professional driver, but she has always comeback to dog walking days outs.
She worked for a dog walking company many years ago and she fell in love with the experience. She is currently studying to get her Dog Training Certification and eventually Canine First Aid too.
She is so happy to have found Noelle’s Pet Love and be part of a team where there is nurture for dog and humans everyday.
Yuka
Yuka is a dedicated and compassionate dog sitter and caretaker, bringing her expertise and love for canines to every interaction. Born in Southern Japan, Yuka’s passion for working with dogs has been a lifelong pursuit, ever since adopting her first of many dogs at the age of 8. Over 20 years ago, she made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada, where she has continued to nurture her bond with four-legged companions.
With over 20 years’ experience in dog caretaking, Yuka has developed a unique skill set in handling dogs with PTSD and other behavioural challenges. Her patient and empathetic approach helps create a safe and supportive environment for these special dogs, enabling them to heal and thrive. Yuka’s commitment to understanding each dog’s individual needs allows her to tailor her care and create personalized experiences that enhance their overall well-being.
Dan
Since a young age, Dan has harbored a deep love for all animals: Dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and insects. He has a passion for canine companionship cultivated over years of personal experience and professional dedication.
His beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Maxx, was not just a pet but a cherished member of my family for a decade. Through their journey together, from puppy training sessions to daily walks and playtime, He learned invaluable lessons in leadership, trust-building, patience, consistency and the power of positive reinforcement in fostering a healthy relationship with our furry friends.
He delved deep into research to ensure he was fully prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership. This dedication to understanding the needs of dogs extends to his approach in the doggie day care setting.
He believes in exercise, discipline, and affection as pillars of a fulfilling canine-human bond. He is committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment where every dog receives the care, attention, and guidance they need to thrive.
Whether it’s leading a pack on a group walk, gently correcting behavior, or showering our furry guests with affection, He is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and fostering meaningful connections with each and every dog entrusted to our facility.
Renata
Renata has always been a dog lover, having rescued her own dog herself over four years ago, a stray dog called Filo. As a dog owner, she has gained firsthand insights into dog behavior, needs, and positive reinforcement. This hands-on experience has given her a deep sense of responsibility, patience and a love for animals. Coming from Brazil, Renata recently embarked on a new chapter in her life by moving to Vancouver. Despite her background in architecture, she loves to learn more about dog training and taking care of dogs became her hobby, and now her job.
Dad
Dad moved in with Noelle 10 years ago and has been working full time for her ever since. Dad is retired and able to help out lots at the house as well as handling much of the accounting and bookkeeping and pickups/dropoffs. (Dad was an accountant most of his working career). Dad played a very important part in helping encourage Noelle to become an animal lover as he didn’t put up much of a fight when Noelle continuously brought home stray cats and dogs and insisted on starting work at 12 years old so she could afford to buy a horse (with whom she spent most of her days and nights.) Dad encouraged Noelle’s passion for animals and her obsession with spending all of her time with them. Dad is especially fond of the wee dogs and usually has 4 or 5 of them on his bed at all times plus a couple in his lap while he watches TV.
Client Love
A few woofs and meows from our clients, translated through the words of their owners!
Oggy
I have been taking my Jack Russell terrier to Noelle for nearly 3 years, and I have been impressed with her flexibility, understanding of his medical needs & typical terrier traits. If it was not for Noelle and her dog care service I am not sure that my fur-baby would be in the happy, healthy place that he is.
Tawney
Noelle has been looking after Tawney for several years. She has always been there even when I had emergency family visits away. She notices things and keeps me alerted to any changes in my senior cat. She has been a great find and allowed excellent peace of mind.
Nina
Noelle’s been reliable and flexible and has gone the extra mile for us. She has always made it easy to arrange daycare and boarding. She has provided quality veterinary technician services at a fraction of the cost of a veterinarian.
Artemis
Artemis loved to be with Noelle and visit with the other dogs. We felt secure in knowing that Noelle cared for her in the best possible way. The love that Noelle gave to our pet made us feel that Noelle helped raise this puppy into a loving member of our family. Highly recommended! We have referred our friends to her care.
Mishka & Kara
Noelle's Pet Love has been taking competent and kind care of our two large dogs who need regular, mid-day, “rain or shine” walks. She also accommodates short-notice requests for weekend walks, boards our dogs when we are away, offers expert advice and provides on-site veterinary care when required. Noelle is always pleasant, professional and calm, and has proved many times over that she understands the behavior of large, protective dogs and knows how to handle them.
Todd
Being a nurse and working shift work I found it very challenging to find daycare for my 3 year old Mexican rescue dog, as I worked 12 hour days and started very early. My dog Todd is easy-going but needs company when I am at work, and a typical daycare facility was too overwhelming for him. Todd instantly loved going to Noelle’s place and he feels right at home there.
Bonita
I often have to work long hours for days on end and Bonita sometimes stays for many nights. It is hard for me but I know she is in great hands, can’t imagine a better person to take care of Bonita in my absence, plus she sends me pictures and videos, which is such a lovely touch when you miss your pet. I feel so lucky to have someone like Noelle and so does Bonita.
Snickers
Our dog, Miss Snickers, does not react well when she does not get to go out and socialize during the day and hates to being kenneled as she came from a shelter in Greece. She has helped Snickers socialize with big and small dogs and she is much more calm when we get home. We highly recommend Noelle and the loving care she provides to pets!
Johnny
As the founder of a dog rescue, I have two dogs of my own and new foster dogs are continually coming in. My own dog is special needs and some of the foster dogs have medical or behavioural issues but I know the dogs are in capable hands with Noelle. He is always so excited to be dropped off so I never worry about him! I really appreciate that Noelle is so flexible with her dog walking service. I wish there were more animal lovers like her in this world.
Jesse
My boy Jesse has been going to Noelle’s place (camp, school, sleeps, etc) since March 2011. Jesse loves to go ‘on vacation’ and weekend stays when I’m up at Whistler, he absolutely adores Noelle; Deservedly so, she is a wonderful caregiver. Noelle was a veterinary assistant before starting her pet sitting business that she now is dedicated to full-time; That was actually a big factor for me, as when I left Jesse with her the first time, he was still recovering from a routine surgery and needed attention and care.
Kitty
As well, with Noelle’s experience as a licensed veterinarian technician, she had given us invaluable advice as a preemptive measure in ensuring optimum health for our kitty. And last but certainly not least, when we arrive home our cat is groomed, well fed with ample water available and her eating area and litter box are very clean.
Major
I have had the pleasure of knowing Noelle since May 2010 when she began visiting my senior cat, Major. He suffers from kidney disease, as do many senior cats and the twice weekly sub-cutaneous fluids, administered by Noelle have stabilized his condition. He now also has a Vitamin B12 injection to boost his metabolism. She is also very good at nail clipping; and does it quickly with more confidence than I can muster.
Teddi
The first thing I would like to say about Noelle is that she is a dog-lover. It is a rare combination when someone has technical expertise in an area that they love. Noelle was fostering Teddi when Teddi and I "made a connection." Noelle was instrumental in this transition time, and also in teaching me how to look after Teddi. She showed me technical basics like how to clean out Teddi’s ears and how to manage her allergies.
Loki
My cat has often been referred to as ‘the most difficult animal we have ever had to deal with’ by vets throughout Canada and the US – to the point where she must be sedated for many office visits. However, Noelle is able to bond with her with ease resulting in a much less stressful situation for the aged creature. Noelle has assisted with her care for over ten years now, and as a result my cat is a healthy (if cantankerous) 18 years old and doing very, very well!
Sasha
As a cat with advanced kidney failure, Sasha requires more care than the average pet. In addition to special dietary supplements and medication, she is administered sub-cutaneous fluids daily to keep her in good health. Noelle’s experience as a veterinary technician is invaluable to maintaining Sasha’s level of care when we are out of town and has given us peace of mind that she is in good hands.
Fred
It means a lot of have someone like her to depend on for the care of my rabbit, Fred. Her clear love for animals and attention to the details of their behaviour and needs is a remarkable asset. I can rest easy while I’m away knowing that he’s being looked after by capable hands. She has been flexible in response to my schedule and is happy to pick and drop Fred off, which saves me a great deal of time and effort as I’m preparing to leave town.