Team of Humans
About Us
Professional Pet Care In Lakeland + Mulberry, Florida
The ONLY Certified Professional Pet Sitters (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International + National Association of Professional Pet Sitters in Polk County!
Veterinary Recommended + Access to Veterinary Care 24/7 – 365
First Aid + CPR Trained Pet Care Specialist
Trained Veterinary Nurses On Staff.
Background Screened Employees
Bonded+ Insured + Workman’s Comp through BIC
Members of National + Local Professional Pet Organizations: PSI, NAPPS, Florida Pet Services Association and Polk Professional Pet Services Network
Active volunteers of SPCA Florida,Polk County Bully Project, ASA Service Dogs, Girl Scouts + Boy Scouts
Entrepreneur with Florida SBDC at USF (Small Business Development Center)
Donate Regularly To Animal Rescues + Benefits through resources, financials, volunteerism and support through our PB+Joyrides Campaign!

Amber
Owner/Founder
Owner / Founder
Hometown:
Alva, Fl
Pets:
10 chickens, 3 turtles, 2 fish tanks, hermit crabs, Giant Day Gecko + 2 dogs: a Corgi Mix- Cinco + a Saluki mix- Sookie
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 18 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. When not thinking all things Atta Boy! – she loves adventures with her 2 human kids and husband, book clubs, growing edible fruit trees, and volunteering with Scouts as a Troop Leader, and goverance.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Frank S.
Fleet Management + Development Coordinator
Coordinator
Hometown:
Quebradillas, PR
Pets:
10 chickens, 3 turtles, 2 fish tanks, lizard, hermit crabs + 2 dogs: a Corgi Mix- Cinco + Saluki mix- Sookie
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 full time at DOT, when not Pet Sitting. In his free time he enjoys gaming, tinkering, and going to Silvermoon Drive In!
Pronouns:
He/Him
Marissa G.
Manager/Certified Pet Tech
Manager / Pet Tech
Hometown:
Coatesville, PA
Pets:
2 dog: Marvel the Border Collie mix and Juice the Springer Spaniel, 1 cat: Halle
Interesting Fact:
I go hiking around different states, dock diving and scent work with my pups in my free time
Biography:
Marissa has been with ABAC since 2017. She been working in the animal field for over 15 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 Veterinary Technician at Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital and is working on obtaining her CVT- Certified Veterinary Technician License. When not working with Animals- she enjoys going to the beach, working out and doing Yoga!
Pronouns:
She/Her
Tonya T.
Manager/Pet Care Specialist
Manager
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
Carrie L.
Lead 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 and hangs out with her human husband!
Pronouns:
She/Her
Melissa S.
Certified Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Auburndale, Fl
Pets:
4 dogs: 3 Chihuahuas- Goose, Coby + Macy, and Akira, an Alaskan Malamute
4 cats: Millie, Penny, Simon + Timmy
Interesting Fact:
All my pets are rescues!
Biography:
Melissa has been with ABAC since 2024. When not pet sitting she works as a claim resp with GEICO, where she has been employed for 24 years! She has pet care experience with dogs, cats , small animals and farm animals. At home she has 1 human child, who is now an adult, and 8 pets. When not working she loves spots, concerts, visiting animal sanctuaries, traveling, going to yard sales, gardening and spending time with her pets + family.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Kelsey A.
Certified 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 as a Payroll expert. 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
Eric L.
Certified Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Sooke, BC, Canada
Pets:
1 dog: a whippet/pointer mix -Tonks and 2 cats: Dottie and Luigi!
Interesting Fact:
I grew up on a 300-acre Boy Scout camp!
Biography:
Eric has been with ABAC since 2024. Animals have part of his life as long as he can remember, including dogs, cats, fish, chickens, birds, guinea pigs and a rabbit. He loves meeting new animals and when he’s not doing that you can find him working full time in the health care field, spending time with his wife and their two boys, his nose in a good book, or somewhere jumping into the water.
Pronouns:
He/Him
Olivia T
Certified Pet Tech
Pet Tech
Hometown:
Winter Haven, Fl
Pets:
Dobby the brown tabby and Chai the Siamese. 1 Dog: Wednesday the terrier mix.
Interesting Fact:
II went to Space Camp 3 times growing up.
Biography:
Olivia has been with ABAC since 2025. She is currently working on prerequisites at Polk State College to eventually get into nursing school. She grew up with a massive love for all things astronomy but has always had a passion for animals. Besides pet sitting, she also works at VETS ER as a vet assistant. When not working she enjoys playing video games, watching anime and true crime shows, and spending time with her partner.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Ashley S.
Certified Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Burlington, NJ
Pets:
2 cats: Runner + Sizzle + 1 Chihuahua/Heeler/Huskey dog: Saint
Interesting Fact:
I am Certified in Scuba and was an instructor!
Biography:
Ashley has been with ABAC since 2025! Ashley is a passionate pet advocate and has been working in animal care for over 10 years! She has previous experience in dog grooming + training, and previously worked at SPCA Florida in Lakeland, Zoos + Aquariums. She has previously owned many pets including reptiles, fish and small furry things! On her free days enjoys traveling, explore State+ National Parks. She shares her home with her human husband, and pets!
Pronouns:
She/Her
Jenna W
Certified Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Orlando, Fl
Pets:
1 cat: Wednesday, 3dogs: 1 Goldendoodle: Mako, 1 Chinese Crested-Noodle + 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 has Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Polk State College. 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 Andrew’s coffee shop in Lakeland. When not working she enjoys playing instruments, and being with friends + family!
Pronouns:
She/Her
Hannah W.
Certified Pet Tech
Pet Tech
Hometown:
Lakeland, Florida
Pets:
4 dogs: Apollo-Husky, Kaia-German Shepard, Luke-Shepard mix, Ekko-Shepard mix + 1 crested gecko named Mango
Interesting Fact:
I have traveled to 17 states so far!
Biography:
Hannah has been with ABAC since 2024. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician and works at a Veterinary Clinic in the Cleveland Heights area of Lakeland. She has a passion for all exotic animals and dreams to become an Aquatic Veterinary Tech in the future! At home she has her human husband, human child and pets. When not working she enjoys shopping, and being with friends + family!
Pronouns:
She/Her
Megan H
Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Boca Raton, Fl
Pets:
Two dogs: Whiskey -Standard Poodle mix and Brandy – Standard Poodle
Interesting Fact:
I train my dogs in scent work and dock diving. Whiskey has competed in Nosework and Fast CAT and has earned titles in both. His AKC registered name and his titles are: Hennessey’s Whiskey BCAT SWN SEA
Biography:
Megan has been with ABAC since 2024. Megan has a deep-rooted passion for animals and for the past 5 years has worked in an Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida -Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. In addition to her scientific work, Megan’s hands-on experience with dog training at JohnK9, volunteering at the SPCA Florida, and fostering with the Polk County Bully Project has strengthened her dedication to animal care and behavior. Megan loves outdoor adventures with her dogs and husband, exploring new trails, and teaching Whiskey and Brandy new tricks.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Jessie K
Pet Care Specialist + Dog Trainer
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Lakeland, Fl
Pets:
1 dog: Rottweiler named Spawn and tropical fish
Interesting Fact:
I am a certified dog trainer, I also love to dirt bike and garden
Biography:
Jessie started with ABAC in 2024. She has been working in the animal field for over 15 years. She started in the field by working in the dog grooming business, then went on to gain experience in being a Veterinary Technician. She then trained as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Animal Behaviorist, she currently works as a dog trainer when not doing pet care for Atta Boy!. When not working with animals- she enjoys spending time with her daughter and boyfriend.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Erica P
Pet Care Specialist
Pet Sitter
Hometown:
Clermont, Fl
Pets:
3 cats- Woo (Sophie Willow), Smol Smol (Seymour Beans) and Mousey Moo (Miss Mouse)
Interesting Fact:
I was a Girl Scout for over 13 years
Biography:
Erica has been with ABAC since 2024. She attended USF and majored in Music Education, then taught middle school band for 11 years. She has always had a huge passion for animals and love all kinds of furry friends!Erica is also a photographer when not working with Atta Boy. When not busy with her famliy, photography or pets she love to listen to audio books and spend time at the beach.!
Pronouns:
She/Her
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
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.
Growth
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December 2013: Opened our Virtual Doors for business. Our Founder Amber was the only staff person.
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2014-2016: The team grew from a solo operation to a team + expanded from just South Lakeland to Central Lakeland.
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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
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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!”
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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: 19,400 visits completed! Our Peanut Butter + Joyrides Non Profit Campaign launch was a success with over 1,000 of services of peanut butter donated, donated over 100 runs to local rescue dogs
- 2024: 23,756 visits complete! Our largest staff number- team of 14 employees!