Our Team
Our team is made up of fully vetted, professionally trained dog walkers and pet care specialists who uphold the highest standards of care. Every team member is equipped to follow detailed care instructions, ensuring your pet receives consistent, loving, and reliable service — every single visit.

Laura Nelson (Owner)
With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, Laura is a seasoned professional in dog training and pet sitting. Her journey began in 2010, where she dedicated herself to caring for homeless cats and dogs in downtown Chicago.
Driven by a passion for understanding animal behavior, Laura further honed her skills under the mentorship of a world-renowned dog trainer at a prominent training facility. Her expertise extends to rehabilitating pets, training service dogs, and imparting knowledge to fellow trainers from across the country.
Having garnered top-rated sitter status, Laura has been providing exceptional pet sitting services for over a decade. Today, she proudly leads Prefurred Pets Nashville, steering the team towards excellence in pet care and development.

Laura K.
"Hi! My name is Laura and I was born and raised in Nashville. I have traveled around the world, but never have left this place I call home. I have a bachelor's degree in K-8 education from Tennessee Tech University and used to be a kindergarten teacher. I'm a mom to the seven most amazing humans on the planet and the four best/most fun/naughtiest dogs. I work really well in the chaos. I have always adored dogs. Some of my earliest memories are of me creating dog scrapbooks from my Dog Fancy magazine subscription surrounded by my stuffed dog collection and walls littered with dog posters on my 101 Dalmatians comforter bed set. It was a slight obsession. In my free time I love to read, create art, handletter & journal, make all the coffee drinks & cocktails, bake sweet treats and love on all my people and pups. I promise to take the best care of your sweet fur baby and love on them to pieces."

Kent
"Hello kind humans and pet friends, my name is Kent Measell (pronounced Mah-zelle). Me, my wife, and our Staffy, Lucy, moved from Michigan to Nashville in 2017 to get some more sunshine. Prior to moving I did professional pet care for 3 years as an "Athlete" (aka Dog Runner) for GR Dog Adventures. At my peak I was running 40 miles a week with my pack! Great relationships were formed during my time there. So much so that to express my appreciation I sketched pet portraits of the dogs and gave them to my clients as Christmas gifts. And that actually launched a little side gig drawing pet portraits! It was all a wonderful experience and it's led me to Prefurred Pets Nashville.
I love communing with Nature in a variety of ways, and especially with animals. I hold certifications in Nature-Connected Life Coaching as well as Forest Therapy Guiding, and I hope to someday integrate those modalities into also working with pets. I'm looking forward to getting outside with your pups!"
Dana
"Hi, I'm Dana! I currently live in Nashville but I'm originally from New Jersey! I moved here for a fresh start and to figure out what I want to pursue career wise. I've worked in the food and beverage industry most of my life. I love making people feel seen, appreciated, and well taken care of. I decided to join Prefurred Pets because I'm a huge animal lover, and I strongly believe I can apply and grow my hospitality skills within this job. I grew up with 2 dogs and I have experience in pet sitting for family, friends, and neighbors. I also live with my roommate's dog. He is pit-lab mix! I love and treat him as if he's my own. I strive to give pets a positive, loving experience in and outside their home. I can't wait to provide the best care for your pets!"


Zaylee
"Hi there! I’m Zaylee, a 24-year-old lifelong animal lover and proud fur mom to my dog Phineas Finn Darrell (6) and two rescue cats, Everest (2) and Nova (1). They’re my whole world and the reason I pour so much heart, patience, and care into every animal I look after.
Growing up on farms taught me early on how to connect with animals of all kinds and truly understand their needs. From high energy pups who love long walks to shy cats who need a gentle touch, I know how to make each pet feel safe, loved, and right at home.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me volunteering at my local animal shelter, reading, writing, or exploring new parks with Finn. I believe pets deserve the very best care and that’s exactly what I provide: reliable, attentive, and loving companionship when you can’t be there yourself.
Brina
"I’m a reliable dog lover with experience caring for my own pets as well as dog sitting for friends. My dog Pixie (who I helped raise from a puppy to a fifteen year old senior) was diabetic, so I’m comfortable paying close attention to routines and caring for dogs with special needs.
I’ve cared for all kinds of personalities, from a super mellow Shih Tzu to an anxious and energetic Goldendoodle, so I’m used to adapting to whatever each dog needs to feel comfortable and happy.
I also have plenty of experience with people thanks to a background in customer service, so communication, reliability, and trust are very important to me. You could say I’m good with both dogs and their humans! I look forward to working with you and your furry friend, and I will do whatever I can to give you both the best experience possible."


Isabel
"Hi, I'm Isabel! I recently moved to Nashville, though I'm a Michigan native. I love spending time outdoors and enjoying nature, especially with my pup, Millie. She's a sweet tripawed, and it has been such a rewarding experience watching her grow, adapt, and thrive with three legs. I've always had a deep love for animals and enjoy getting outside and exploring with them. One of my favorite things about pets is how each one has their own unique personality. I believe every pet deserves compassionate, attentive, and high quality care. I can't wait to meet your pups and give them the love and care they deserve!
Nikki
"Hi everyone! My name is Nikki. My husband, 3 pups, 2 reptiles and I moved here from Texas almost 2 years ago. I have been professionally working with dogs since moving to Nashville, and I’ve been pet sitting for friends and family since I was little. For as long as I can remember there has always been family dogs and other pets in my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way! I will always take care of other people’s fur babies like they are my own."


Gabby
"I'm Gabby! I'm originally from Texas, but currently in Tennessee since 2023. My life has always had a pet in it from dogs, cats, to even a crab! I have 2 dogs of my own, Luna & Fredrick, who are both rescues. They have been across the U.S. with me. Other than being an animal enthusiast, I am a mom. Professionally, I have a lot of customer service experience with handling questions and concerns. I understand that every experience is personal from one person to the next. This experience has taught me how to create space to take great care of the humans and animals in my life. Outside of my caretaking roles, I am an astrologer and find meaning in everything I do.
Prefurred Pets felt like a purr-fect fit! I will take great care of your pets as well as I take care of my own. There won't be a shortage of kisses, tail wags, and tummy rubs!"
Emily
"Hi! I'm Emily and I am a retired seminary professor whose passions alongside teaching and nature and pets. Growing up, we've always had wonderful dogs, but somehow, I married into a cat family, so sharing time with your pet will make me as happy as I hope it makes them!
I am a trained volunteer with Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, so I have specific experience with older dogs and I have companioned my beloved cats Magic (18 years old) and Pico (14 years old) through kidney failure and epilepsy until they passed. I a certified in Pet CPR and First Aid.
My best vacations have been hiking and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest and White Mountains of New Hampshire. And though I refuse to show photos, I've done a few sprint-distance triathalons!
Whether we play inside or walk the neighborhood, I would love to help you create the best life for your pet!"

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