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Team of Humans

About Us

Professional Pet Care In Lakeland + Mulberry, Florida

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We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, breed, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
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The ONLY Certified Professional Pet Sitters (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International + National Association of Professional Pet Sitters in Polk County!

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Veterinary Recommended + Access to Veterinary Care 24/7 – 365 

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First Aid + CPR Trained Pet Care Specialist

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Trained Veterinary Nurses On Staff.

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Bonded+ Insured + Workman’s Comp through BIC

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Members of National + Local Professional Pet Organizations: PSI, NAPPS, Florida Pet Services Association and Polk Professional Pet Services Network

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Active volunteers of SPCA Florida, Girl Scouts + Boy Scouts

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Entrepreneur with Florida SBDC at USF (Small Business Development Center)

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Donate Regularly To Animal Rescues + Benefits through resources, financials, volunteerism and support through our PB+Joyrides Campaign!

About Us
ABAC Team 2019

Hello!

 Atta Boy! Animal Care  was founded in December 2013,  when our Founder Amber Van Denzen ( Hey, that’s Me!) saw an essential need for a client-oriented, trained, professional full-time Pet Sitting + Dog Walking pet care service company in Lakeland, Fl.

The image of a company that was a family oriented, animal educated, welcoming and friendly with small + large pet families alike, which would focus on providing the quality of care and service anyone would want for their own home and furry family members came to my mind over and over. I used my 13 year career as a Trained Emergency Veterinary Technician and took my skills learned from my Animal Science Bachelors Degree from University of Florida to create such a company for YOU!

My husband and I were constantly traveling as couple, and then during our adoption process and now family travels.We always were trying to schedule for our dogs to go to one of our parents home (and having to drive them over 2 hours away!) or ask a neighbor to watch our chickens and turtles. We also had a dog that was epileptic (he had seizures) and was on seizure dog medication that was required  to be given 3 times a day on a routine schedule- so having someone able to be available for those times and able to successfully give them medications was critical.  

Eventually the drive, the having to constantly ask neighbors or family to watch the pets, and then coming home and our pups had been fed food that upset their tummy ( because they were so cute and begging for those treats, of course!),  medication missed by accident, plus if we were running behind or early and having to schedule pick up/drop off, and then of course all the extra hair in the car/their food/their toys/their beds – it got to be TOO MUCH!  

We looked around for a professional pet sitter that had veterinary medical knowledge and that didn’t charge by pet -because with 3 dogs, 3 turtles, and 14 chickens- that just wasn’t going to be financially do-able. We soon realized MANY families and individuals locally in Lakeland, Mulberry, Bartow, and surrounding areas had the same needs! 

…and that is exactly what Atta Boy! Animal Care has created! Hopefully you will find what you are looking for here with us at Atta Boy!- where we always say  “Happy Pets, Happy People!”

– Amber V.

Meet Your Professional Team

Each human of the Atta Boy! Animal Care team is an employee that goes through a 4 step demanding hiring process, is background screened, covered by our insurance + bonding + Workmans Compensation and has over 13 hours of Pet Safety + Knowledge Certifications

Continuing Education is provided to our humans on a consistent bases throughout the year. This ensures that each team sitter lives up to the standard set by our company to ensure your pets and home are the happiest and safest they can be.

We  HAND SELECT  a team of sitters for you and your pets needs. Having a team of employees to take care of your pets ensures we can cover all the dates you need, last minute requests, emergency backup  and allows our employees to have a quality work schedule without having to be available 7am-9pm 7 days a week- which means higher quality staff, long term staff, happy staff and constant care for your home and pets.

We have two types of Humans on Staff:

  • Pet Care Specialists: Pet Care Professionals that can handle all animal species!
  • Pet Techs TM  (Half Pet Sitter/Half Veterinary Technician!): For our high medical needs, special needs, senior or elderly clients
    Amber

    Amber

    Owner/Founder

    Owner / Founder

    Hometown:

    Alva, Fl

    Pets:

    10 chickens, 3 turtles, 2 fish tanks, hermit crabs, Giant Day Gecko + 3 dogs: a Corgi Mix- Cinco, a Saluki mix- Sookie, + Bichon Mix- Willow

    Interesting Fact:

    I jumped off a 25 foot cliff into the Ocean in Negril, Jamaica!

    Biography:

    Amber is the founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care. She been working in the animal field for over 16 years. She started in the field by working in the horse industry – stable hand and pet sitter. She then trained as a local Veterinary Kennel hand, Veterinary Assistant and then an Emergency Veterinary Technician for both small and large animals for over 13 years. She has a bachelors of Animal Science from University of Florida in Small Animal and Equine Management

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    Pet Sitter Lakeland Atta Boy! Animal Care

     Michelle P.

    Staff Relations Manager/Pet Care Specialist

    Manager

    Hometown:

    Wellesley, Mass

    Pets:

    2 cats- Mango + Roxy

    Interesting Fact:

     I am a Guardian Ad Litum for Polk County to help kids that are in foster care.

    Biography:

     Michelle has been with ABAC since 2020. She previously has volunteered with SPCA Florida in Lakeland, and Raining Cats + Dogs Rescue in Plant City, Florida. She is a Trained Volunteer with Florida SARC- Small Animal Emergency Rescue.

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    Frank

     Frank S.

    Fleet Management + Development Coordinator

    Coordinator

     Hometown:

    Quebradillas, PR

    Pets:

    10 chickens, 3 turtles, 2 fish tanks, lizard, hermit crabs + 3 dogs: a Corgi Mix- Cinco, Saluki mix- Sookie + mix breed-Willow

    Interesting Fact:

    I am currently perfecting my archery + knitting skills!

    Biography:

    Frank has been with Atta Boy! since the beginning as he is the husband of our Founder Amber in 2013! He has been in the animal field for over 10 years. He graduated from University of South Florida with an engineering degree and currently works as an engineering inspector.

    Pronouns:

    He/Him

    Marissa

    Marissa G.

    Client Relations Manager/Pet Tech

    Manager / Pet Tech

    Hometown:

    Coatesville, PA

    Pets:

    2 dogs: Marvel the Border Collie mix + Petra the Weimaraner 1 cat: Halle

    Interesting Fact:

    I go hiking around different states with my dogs in my free time.

    Biography:

    Marissa has been with ABAC since 2017. She been working in the animal field for over 10 years. She started in the field by working in the horse industry – stable hand and then trainer. She then trained as a Veterinary Technician for both small and large animals. She currently works as an Emergency Veterinary Technician and is working on obtaining her CVT- Certified Veterinary Technician License.

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter lakeland

    Beth N.

    Pet Tech

    (Half Pet Sitter /  Half Veterinary Technician)

    Pet Sitter

     Hometown:

    Wild Rose, Wisconsin

    Pets:

    2 dogs: Fenrir- French Bulldog, Erwin- English Bulldog, 3 cats: Frank, Chips and Fizz, 1 Angentina Tegu Lizard- Sam, 1 Cockatoo- Pretty Bird, and 1 Parakeet- Cheepers

    Interesting Fact:

    I used to own horses, love to hike and do puzzles!

    Biography:

    Beth has been with ABAC since 2023. She has been working in the Veterinary field for over 20 years and currently works at a local clinic full time. She  previously also worked in the human Education field as she has a Bachlors in Marine Biology and Masters in Education. At Home she has a human husband. When not working, she enjoys any water activity or being in nature with her family.

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    Carrie

    Carrie L.

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Niceville, Fl

    Pets:

     3 cats (all special needs/medically needy): Sophie – Maine Coone, Sarranna – Bombay , and Mischa – Russian Blue.

    Interesting Fact:

    The Kemp’s Ridley turtle was named after my great great uncle, Richard Kemp who was the first to submit the species identification in 1906.

    Biography:

    Carrie has been with ABAC since 2019.Carrie has 10 years of pet sitting experience and working with rescue domestic and wild animals. She just moved to Lakeland from a small town called Niceville, in the FL panhandle, with her significant other, who is prior military. She loves to fish and hunt but has a large amount of respect for wildlife and animals. She has a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and when not working with animals as a pet sitter, she works at a local school as a 4th-grade teacher.

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter lakeland

    Kelsey A.

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Winter Haven, Fl

    Pets:

    All the Atta Boy! clients she cares for

    Interesting Fact:

    I played softball from 7 years old until I was 20, and I can state the alphabet backwards.

    Biography:

    Kelsey has been with ABAC since 2021.  She has grown up with animals, has experience in dog walking and pet sitting dogs or cats, and currently does not have a fur baby due to her boyfriend’s high allergies, but hopes for a hypoallergenic dog one day!  She graduated from Polk State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2020,and when not pet sitting works at CertiPay Payroll.  She enjoys going to the beach or being on a boat, visiting amusement/water parks, baking, and hanging out with family, boyfriend, and friends

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    April

    Tonya T.

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Bartow, Fl

    Pets:

    3 cats: Tux, Luna, + Carter, 4 dogs: Ellie- Border Collie, Remi-Dachshund, Dover-Teacup Chihuahua + Patty-Applehead Chihuahua and a 160 gallon freshwater aquarium.

    Interesting Fact:

    I love singing but cannot carry a tune!

    Biography:

    Tonya has been with ABAC since 2022. She has been a state employee with a variety of positions over the past 17 years. In high school she worked in a Veterinary Clinic and developed her love for animal care. She has 3 human children, and 7+ pets at home. When not working she loves going to car races around the state since her son competes!

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter dog walker dog anxiety dog in Lakeland, Florida.

    Hailey F

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Military Kid- the entire world!

    Pets:

    Interesting Fact:

     

    Biography:

    Hailey has been with ABAC since 2022. 

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter dog walker dog anxiety dog in Lakeland, Florida.

    Amaryllis R

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

     Hometown:

    Lakeland, Fl

    Pets:

    2 Dogs- CJ+ Havoc, 1 cat- Albert, 1 Chicken- Pigeon

    Interesting Fact:

     I have swam with nurse sharks in Mexico!

    Biography:

    Amaryllis has been with ABAC since 2023! Born and Raised in Lakeland and have had pets my entire  life including many farm animals.  When not pet sitting she works at Geico full time, enjoy taking out the boat with her husband and taking pictures of her pets!

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter dog walker dog anxiety dog in Lakeland, Florida.

    Jenna W

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Orlando, Fl

    Pets:

    1 cat: Wednesday, 1 Goldendoodle: Mako and 1 Poochon: Zero

    Interesting Fact:

    I job shadowed with Disney’s Animal Programs at Animal Kingdom and got to help with a Surgical Procedure with a wild turtle!

    Biography:

    Jenna has been with ABAC since 2022. She grew up with a passion for animals, spending a lot of time of her youth with Disney’s Animal Programs with where they cared from anything from Lions to Goats! Besides pet care, she also works at a local coffee shop in Lakeland. When not working she enjoys playing instruments, and working towards her Criminal Justice Degree.

    Pronouns:

    She/Her

    pet sitter dog walker dog anxiety dog in Lakeland, Florida.

    Johnny S 

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Norfolk, VA

    Pets:

    Currently Looking for a New Addition!

    Interesting Fact:

    I have donated over 15 GALLONS of blood!

    Biography:

    Johnny has been with ABAC since 2022. He has had the luck of owning many pets throughout the years of many species and breeds. Recently retired from a career with Corporate Publix. When not Pet Sitting, he now uses his time to be a Crossing Guard for local schools, volunteering for Camp Brave Heart for grieving Children for the last 3 years, Boy Scout as a Leader for 16 years+, Camping, Swimming, playing Pickleball + traveling with his human wife.

    Pronouns:

    He/Him

    pet sitter dog walker dog anxiety dog in Lakeland, Florida.

    Keyton E.

    Pet Care Specialist

    Pet Sitter

    Hometown:

    Lakeland, Fl

    Pets:

    3 dogs: Valentina-mixed, Treeing- Walker Coonhound + Marley- Pit Mix

    Interesting Fact:

    I have lived in California, Illinois and Florida!

    Biography:

    Keyton has been with ABAC since 2023. He has been around animals his entire life – the more dogs the better! He has a degree in Advertising + Public Relations from FSC and works in recruiting for a local company. When not pet sitting, you will find him cheering for his favorite sports teams- Florida State, St Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays and Bucs.

    Pronouns:

    He/Him

    Growth

    • December 2013: Opened our Virtual Doors for business. Our Founder Amber was the only staff person.

    • 2014-2016: The team grew from a solo operation to a team  + expanded from just South Lakeland to Central Lakeland.

    • 2017-2018: The company’s service area was able to increase and improvements in coordination, scheduling, and invoicing were brought on board with the implementation of the online client portal. Clients schedule appointments, communicate with the team, pay and much more directly through this easy and convenient site! GPS tracking and Daily Updates via email are added

    • 2019: Re-branded from our previous multi-animal and key design and slogan of “We are the KEY to your pets comfort + care” to a fun, current dog design with a slogan of “Happy Pets, Happy People!”

    • 2020: 5,000 visits completed! In the past 6 years of business we have cared for hundreds of pets- dogs, cats, horses, goats, geese, chickens, pigs, rats, snakes, fish, aquariums, turtles, geckos, chameleons, hamsters, guinea pigs, tortoises, and more! We look forward to adding you and your pets to the Atta Boy! family

    • 2021:12, 000 visits completed! We were able to offer all our Independent Contractor Staff – Employee status!
    • 2022:  16,500 visits completed! We  started our Mobile Dog Treadmill Gym!
    • 2023: 19,000 visits completed! Our Peanut Butter + Joyrides Non Profit Campaign launch was a success!