About Pura Vida

I am an animal lover! I have been working in the animal industry for the past 10 years and have gotten to see it from all sides. I originally fell in love with working with animals when I was volunteering at shelters in high school, I then moved onto working at a boarding facility before I found my love for veterinary medicine. I currently fill my time with creative grooming and my 5 dogs at home. I look forward to meeting your furry friend! ​

After a nearly 20-year career in nonprofit operations, I recently decided to leave the world of full-time executive level roles to start my own consulting business. I have also been volunteering in animal shelters since 2016 -- five years in Boston where I lived, and then at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) since moving to Tucson in early 2022. In Boston, part of my volunteer work was on a behavior helpline and I learned so much about dog and cat behavior. I have my own two dogs and a cat, and have done lots of walking and sitting over the years as well.

I am Danna, an energetic Geology student and office assistant at my college, where I was nominated as Student Employee of the Year in 2024. My professional experience with pets begins three years ago in Las Vegas doing dog-walking for my neighborhood and raising my own 4-year-old Labrador with lots of love, training, and exercise. Being detail-oriented and raising an anxious dog and cat had taught me so much about body language with animals and how to approach them. I love meeting new pets and getting to know them and their unique personalities.

Hi! My name is Delaney. I'm an artist and lover of animals! I've cared for a variety of different animals throughout my life from dogs to cats to birds to turtles. My best friend is my cat Ricky, who likes to talk and play with his roommates. I'm so excited to meet your furry friends as part of the Pura Vida Team!

Hi, I'm Bex . I worked in the animal industry for a little over six years now I have worked with Pima animal care center's (PACC) community cats program to help spay and neuter Ferrell cats for two years as well as doggy day camp and pet resort/boarding. I have owned and worked around many types of animals and reptiles big and small. Im a happy pet Mom to 6 dogs, 4 cats, a hedgehog, a guinea pig, as well as 10 reptiles. My passion has always been to work with and help animals. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur family.

“I’m Sam! I’m a life long animal lover, I even started bringing home stray everything as soon as I could walk. I have worked with Horses professionally for the last 15 years before shifting my focus to dogs. I’ve worked in the pet care/rescue scene for 10 years, and while I love every animal I meet. I’m currently studying all things dog behavior and training so I can help as many dogs as possible! For fun I participate in dog sports with my (3) German Shepherds and (2) Belgian Malinois! I am ecstatic to meet everyone’s furry, four-legged best friends!”

Hello! I have been working with fur-babies for 3 years and have worked with both daycares and personal clients. I have a Pit Bull/Boxer mix named Bear who is about 5 years old. I am looking forward to working with you through Pura Vida Pet Care and connecting with and creating a safe space for your pets as well as creating a bond of trust with families and friends.

Hello, my name is Vinnie. I started Professional Dog walking about 5 years ago in the  Palm Springs California area. I retired from Cleveland Ohio after working for 41 years in the pharmacy business. I always had deep compassion for my 4 legged Friends and I am enjoying my retirement walking my four legged friends. God Bless!

I have always had a special bond with dogs, a passion that has been a constant in my life since childhood. I am currently a dedicated doctoral student focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology. In the midst of my academic endeavors, My aspiration is to one day own a ranch and establish a sanctuary for dogs, with hopes of winning the Powerball lottery to help realize that dream. When I'm not immersed in work or classes, you’ll likely find me having fun playing fetch with my five-year-old border collie, Ollie. 

Hi! I'm Paula, a passionate animal lover originally from Brazil, now living in Tucson with my wonderful husband, our playful cat Figaro and our sweet dog Lua. I love spending time in nature, whether it's hiking or just enjoying the great outdoors. I’ve been caring for dogs for about 20 years and animals have always been a huge part of my life. I understand the importance of keeping your pets happy, safe, and well-loved while you're away. I can't wait to meet your furry friends and give them the attention and care they deserve!

Hello, my name is Alexica but you can call me Alex. I’m a dog mom of 4, I have a fitness lifestyle, love to travel & I’m an animal lover since I was born. I’m a full time dietitian, currently working for the UofA as a manager. I also have around 7 years of experience with animals (dogs, cats, snakes, rabbits and birds). I’ve always believed working with animals is the dream job. I would describe myself as passionate, empathetic & caring about animals, so I look forward to meeting your fur baby! “

Hi, I’m Rylee, and I’m so excited to work with you and your pets! I grew up on a farm  where I developed a deep love for animals through raising and showing livestock professionally. For the past two years, I’ve worked in dog daycare and recently transitioned into training and canine behavioralism. My passion for animals runs deep, especially for working dogs—my Shepherd, Kiwi, rescued from PACC, is my personal service dog and the reason I’ve been able to pursue my education. I also share my home with my two other rescue babies, Calypso, a Great Dane, and Mochi, my amputee (tailless) cat.

Hello, my name is Jacob! Before joining the Pura Vida team, I spent 5 years in the United States Marine Corps and have since worked in a few different fields including security and customer service. Aside from my wonderful wife, the thing that always recharges me after a long day is my two golden retrievers, Oliver and Honey! Spending time with my pups always takes an incredible weight off my shoulders.
I joined the Pura Vida team to allow me to spend time with all sorts of amazing critters every day while I also get my degree! I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time!