about us
Meet the Metro Dogs Team
Our dedicated Metro Dogs team of pet care professionals is proud to be Fear Free Certified, ensuring that every interaction is rooted in compassion and understanding, minimizing stress and anxiety for our canine companions. With a collective expertise in dog behavior and well-being, the Metro Dogs team are committed to providing a supportive, enriching environment tailored to meet the unique needs of your beloved pets. Meet the faces behind the exceptional care at Metro Dogs, and discover how we strive to create a safe, joyful experience for every dog we serve.
Wendy (she/her)
– Owner
Wendy has surrounded herself with dogs, cats, and horses, her whole life. After several years in the corporate world, including a stay at 3M as a packaging engineer, she decided to sniff out a different career, so to speak.
With the purchase of Dog Days in 2004, Wendy has been able to realize her passion for helping dogs and the people who love them. Wendy purchased Metro Dogs in February 2018. She actively oversees both companies while maintaining a great management team that runs the day-to-day operations.
Her three previous Wheaten Terriers initially helped drive the business, but have passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Wendy is now the proud dog mom to Luke, a Goldendoodle rescue, to Olivia, a Wheaten Terrier, and to Crosby, a 3-legged cat who thinks he’s a dog.
Taylor (she/her)
– General Manager
Although new to Metro Dogs in 2021, Taylor is no stranger to the Metro Dogs team. She had worked at our sister company, Dog Days St Paul, for 6 years! Her other professional jobs have included working at an animal shelter for many years, dog training, doggy daycares and boarding facilities, and at a veterinary clinic. Taylor received her Bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science from the U of MN. You could say animals have been her actual entire life.
Taylor’s favorite part about Metro Dogs is that the goals of the business align with her own personal philosophies on dog care. Taylor lives in Northeast with her partner, her two cats, Ed and Otis, and her golden retriever and CIC Therapy Dog, Dory (@dory_of_mpls). You will often find her with a RAGOM foster pup in tow, too. Taylor spends her time outdoors in any weather (Dory loves them all, rain, snow, or shine), enjoys local restaurants and breweries, and home cooking.
Taylor is an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and AKC Puppy S.T.A.R trainer. She is CPR and First Aid Certified through Pet Emergency Education.
Taylor is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Beth (she/her)
- Head Trainer
Beth is a Fear Free certified professional.
Sydney (she/her)
- Trainer
Sydney has been working with dogs since 2017, but she has always had an affinity for animals for as long as she can remember! She has spent the last three years exclusively pursuing her love for dog training. This transition helped spark her passion for not only teaching, but also helping create a healthy bond between dogs and their pet parent!
Sydney is currently in the process of earning her degree in behavioral psychology and plans to continue her educational journey within the dog training community, as well. Sydney believes that it is critical to keep current on the ever-changing science and techniques used within the dog industry in order to best set pet parents up for success.
Sydney is a Fear Free certified professional.
Jason (he/him)
– Confidence Club Manager
Jason is a Fear Free certified professional.
our pack leaders
Angela (she/her)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Angela is a Fear Free certified professional.
Zephyr (they/them)
– Team Lead
Zephyr joined the Metro Dogs team in 2019! They came to us with experience from other doggy daycares, but stuck with Metro Dogs due to the level of care provided to the dogs and the staff. Zephyr feels that Metro Dogs staff take extra effort to ensure dogs have a happy, healthy time at Metro Dogs. Zephyr strongly relates to the Golden Retriever personality, but as a favorite breed, chose the French Bulldog. They don’t own any dogs, but do have two cats, Masaru and Mystic Max.
While Zephyr finds the dog care industry something fulfilling and plans to continue down the path, they also enjoy arts and performing! They said “Music and dance as well as most forms of artistic expression absolutely thrill me.” You can find Zephyr out in nature, dancing like a fool to their favorite tunes, or performing in a Duluth based burlesque troupe!
Zephyr is a Fear Free certified professional.
Sammie (she/her)
– Overnight Lead & Team Lead
Sammie originally went to school for massage therapy, but later realized dogs were more her passion and changed career paths. She joined Metro Dogs in July of 2021 after working at other dog care facilities. She realized that the honest care and attention to detail Metro Dogs provides the best possible environment for the dogs and jumped on board. You will see Sammie working as a daycare teacher, staff trainer, and team lead!
Sammie LOVES the Aussie breed, but you’ll see her loving every dog here. Sammie takes time to get every dog’s personality to blossom. Sammie is so passionate about continuing education so that she can create the most beneficial environment for the dogs here. At home, Sammie has two wonderful cats, Gin and Luna, who love to watch scary movies with her. Her favorite local restaurant is Ono Hawaiian Plates!
Sammie is a Fear Free certified professional.
Chloe (she/they)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Chloe joined the Metro Dogs team in August of 2022! Chloe always wanted to work with dogs, and when she saw Metro Dogs – the daycare that emphasized kindness, fun, love and care for each and every dog – had an opening, she knew she needed to go for it. Chloe quickly realized this was a true passion and doesn’t see ever leaving this industry!
Chloe says, “My favorite part is the connection I get to make with the dogs. Every dog is different, and it is amazing to see the relationships that I get to develop with every one of them.” You’ll see Chloe doing a little bit of everything at Metro Dogs, front desk, team lead, overnight care, daycare teacher, and grooming. Chloe is Fear Free certified.
Chloe’s two favorite dog breeds are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. Outside of dogs, Chloe plays many instruments, is a movie buff, and crochets! She sells crochet and vintage clothes on Depop!
Chloe is a Fear Free certified professional.
Courtney (she/her)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Courtney has been with Metro Dogs since March of 2022! After working at a different dog care facility, Courtney realized she loved working with dogs, but not the environment she was previously in. Courtney found Metro Dogs! The Fear Free methodology struck her at her core, and now Courtney is proud to be a Fear Free certified dog care professional.
Courtney has two senior dogs, Frankie and Bug, who you may meet behind the front desk! As a teenager Courtney convinced her mom to foster Shih Tzus (the only breed her mom would allow), and since then has been dedicated to working with animals. She is especially fond of senior dogs and loves to advocate for them.
Outside of work, Courtney can be found knitting, cross stitching, or out hunting agates with her partner Chieu. Courtney is an all around team member here at Metro Dogs, working in daycare, overnight care, grooming and Front Desk!
Courtney is a Fear Free certified professional.
Emily (she/her)
– Front Desk
Emily found Metro Dogs in November 2021 on Instagram! She was hooked after seeing what a fun and positive environment we had. Emily has previously worked in the dog care industry, but Metro Dogs is the only one that utilizes Fear Free methodologies.
In addition to Metro Dogs, Emily works seasoning at Grampa Tony’s on Madeline Island. Her hobbies include dog photography, reading, dog training and soon, dog sports! Emily has a cattle dog mix named Falon who is 3 years old and an 8-month-old Brittany Spaniel named Nessie. Her favorite breed is the Black Lab. When asked her favorite part about working with dogs, Emily said “Building a bond with the dogs & the way they make me smile & laugh every day. Whether it’s a silly playful moment or sweet & cuddly, they always boost my spirits.”
Emily graduated from NDSU with a degree in Zoology and continues to stay educated on all things dog science, body language, training techniques, breed traits and reactivity.
Emily is a Fear Free certified professional.
Matthew (he/him)
– Confidence Club
Matthew was feeling burnt out working at a mall job and felt the need to reconnect with animals, which he always felt passionate about. Matthew found Metro Dogs and fit right in! Matthew has two rats, Ducky and Mouse. In his spare time, he draws and paints, as he went to school for studio art at UW Stout. He mainly works in ink and gouache. He loves drawing animals and people with a surrealist approach. He also loves traveling with his boyfriend and his favorite local restaurant is Vegan East!
Since starting at Metro Dogs, Pomeranians have stolen Matthew’s heart. But not just that, Matthew said “My favorite thing about working with dogs is working with the anxious ones! Seeing a dog go from anxious to goofing around makes my heart so full and is the reason I work with dogs. I love to be a part of that transformation.”
Maura (she/they)
– Confidence Club & Front Desk
Maura joined the Metro Dogs team in February 2023. You might catch her walking around Minnehaha Falls or Lake of the Isles, snagging a coffee from Bob’s Java Hut or some pho from Quang, or maybe even enjoying the NE cidery, Sociable. More likely, you know her for the one who gives every dog a good brush and pampering during their play day.
Maura loves forming bonds with each of the dogs here and enjoys knowing they feel safe with us. In fact, Fear Free methodology is something that Maura finds important and unique about Metro Dogs. While she graduated from St Catherine University for Political Science and International Relations, Maura has always felt a calling for the dog care industry.
Her favorite breed is the Golden Retriever (she grew up with two!) but since her roommate’s dog, Theo, isn’t a social guy, you might consider all the dog’s at Metro Dogs her favorite.
Maura is a Fear Free certified professional.
Dani (she/they)
Dani joined Metro Dogs in May 2024 driven by her passion for the Confidence Club program, where she loves seeing dogs transform through socialization and positive experiences. With a strong belief in Fear Free methods, Dani is also working to become a professional dog trainer.
Outside of work, she enjoys painting, video games, concerts, and shopping, and has a soft spot for Huskies. Too bad she can’t have one, her two cats are NOT fans of dogs! Dani also works at Unleashed Hounds and Hops and is always on the lookout for great sushi spots!
Meet the Metro Dogs Team
Our dedicated Metro Dogs team of pet care professionals is proud to be Fear Free Certified, ensuring that every interaction is rooted in compassion and understanding, minimizing stress and anxiety for our canine companions. With a collective expertise in dog behavior and well-being, the Metro Dogs team are committed to providing a supportive, enriching environment tailored to meet the unique needs of your beloved pets. Meet the faces behind the exceptional care at Metro Dogs, and discover how we strive to create a safe, joyful experience for every dog we serve.
Wendy (she/her)
– Owner
Wendy has surrounded herself with dogs, cats, and horses, her whole life. After several years in the corporate world, including a stay at 3M as a packaging engineer, she decided to sniff out a different career, so to speak.
With the purchase of Dog Days in 2004, Wendy has been able to realize her passion for helping dogs and the people who love them. Wendy purchased Metro Dogs in February 2018. She actively oversees both companies while maintaining a great management team that runs the day-to-day operations.
Her three previous Wheaten Terriers initially helped drive the business, but have passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Wendy is now the proud dog mom to Luke, a Goldendoodle rescue, to Olivia, a Wheaten Terrier, and to Crosby, a 3-legged cat who thinks he’s a dog.
Taylor (she/her)
– General Manager
Taylor is Metro Dogs General Manager. Outside of that role, Taylor has an interest in dog training! As a young child, she taught dogs, cats, and even rabbits! Her interest has always been on training fun tricks. Tricks strengthen the bond between dog and owner and are a low pressure way to work on engagement, grow the relationship, and build resiliency during every day life.
Taylor’s dog Dory has a repertoire of tricks she showcases during Canine Inspired Change therapy sessions, so if you want some real show stoppers for children or students, you’re in the right place!
Outside of trick training, Taylor teaches Canine Good Citizen Prep classes and is an AKC approved evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine Good Citizen, AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, and AKC Trick Dog programs.
Taylor is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Beth (she/her)
- Head Trainer
Beth is a Fear Free certified professional.
Sydney (she/her)
- Trainer
Sydney has been working with dogs since 2017, but she has always had an affinity for animals for as long as she can remember! She has spent the last three years exclusively pursuing her love for dog training. This transition helped spark her passion for not only teaching, but also helping create a healthy bond between dogs and their pet parent!
Sydney is currently in the process of earning her degree in behavioral psychology and plans to continue her educational journey within the dog training community, as well. Sydney believes that it is critical to keep current on the ever-changing science and techniques used within the dog industry in order to best set pet parents up for success.
Sydney is a Fear Free certified professional.
Jason (he/him)
Jason is a Fear Free certified professional.
our pack leaders
Angela (she/her)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Angela is a Fear Free certified professional.
Zephyr (they/them)
– Team Lead
Zephyr joined the Metro Dogs team in 2019! They came to us with experience from other doggy daycares, but stuck with Metro Dogs due to the level of care provided to the dogs and the staff. Zephyr feels that Metro Dogs staff take extra effort to ensure dogs have a happy, healthy time at Metro Dogs. Zephyr strongly relates to the Golden Retriever personality, but as a favorite breed, chose the French Bulldog. They don’t own any dogs, but do have two cats, Masaru and Mystic Max.
While Zephyr finds the dog care industry something fulfilling and plans to continue down the path, they also enjoy arts and performing! They said “Music and dance as well as most forms of artistic expression absolutely thrill me.” You can find Zephyr out in nature, dancing like a fool to their favorite tunes, or performing in a Duluth based burlesque troupe!
Zephyr is a Fear Free certified professional.
Sammie (she/her)
– Overnight Lead & Team Lead
Sammie originally went to school for massage therapy, but later realized dogs were more her passion and changed career paths. She joined Metro Dogs in July of 2021 after working at other dog care facilities. She realized that the honest care and attention to detail Metro Dogs provides the best possible environment for the dogs and jumped on board. You will see Sammie working as a daycare teacher, staff trainer, and team lead!
Sammie LOVES the Aussie breed, but you’ll see her loving every dog here. Sammie takes time to get every dog’s personality to blossom. Sammie is so passionate about continuing education so that she can create the most beneficial environment for the dogs here. At home, Sammie has two wonderful cats, Gin and Luna, who love to watch scary movies with her. Her favorite local restaurant is Ono Hawaiian Plates!
Sammie is a Fear Free certified professional.
Chloe (she/they)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Chloe joined the Metro Dogs team in August of 2022! Chloe always wanted to work with dogs, and when she saw Metro Dogs – the daycare that emphasized kindness, fun, love and care for each and every dog – had an opening, she knew she needed to go for it. Chloe quickly realized this was a true passion and doesn’t see ever leaving this industry!
Chloe says, “My favorite part is the connection I get to make with the dogs. Every dog is different, and it is amazing to see the relationships that I get to develop with every one of them.” You’ll see Chloe doing a little bit of everything at Metro Dogs, front desk, team lead, overnight care, daycare teacher, and grooming. Chloe is Fear Free certified.
Chloe’s two favorite dog breeds are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. Outside of dogs, Chloe plays many instruments, is a movie buff, and crochets! She sells crochet and vintage clothes on Depop!
Chloe is a Fear Free certified professional.
Courtney (she/her)
– Team Lead & Front Desk
Courtney has been with Metro Dogs since March of 2022! After working at a different dog care facility, Courtney realized she loved working with dogs, but not the environment she was previously in. Courtney found Metro Dogs! The Fear Free methodology struck her at her core, and now Courtney is proud to be a Fear Free certified dog care professional.
Courtney has two senior dogs, Frankie and Bug, who you may meet behind the front desk! As a teenager Courtney convinced her mom to foster Shih Tzus (the only breed her mom would allow), and since then has been dedicated to working with animals. She is especially fond of senior dogs and loves to advocate for them.
Outside of work, Courtney can be found knitting, cross stitching, or out hunting agates with her partner Chieu. Courtney is an all around team member here at Metro Dogs, working in daycare, overnight care, grooming and Front Desk!
Courtney is a Fear Free certified professional.
Emily (she/her)
– Front Desk
Emily found Metro Dogs in November 2021 on Instagram! She was hooked after seeing what a fun and positive environment we had. Emily has previously worked in the dog care industry, but Metro Dogs is the only one that utilizes Fear Free methodologies.
In addition to Metro Dogs, Emily works seasoning at Grampa Tony’s on Madeline Island. Her hobbies include dog photography, reading, dog training and soon, dog sports! Emily has a cattle dog mix named Falon who is 3 years old and an 8-month-old Brittany Spaniel named Nessie. Her favorite breed is the Black Lab. When asked her favorite part about working with dogs, Emily said “Building a bond with the dogs & the way they make me smile & laugh every day. Whether it’s a silly playful moment or sweet & cuddly, they always boost my spirits.”
Emily graduated from NDSU with a degree in Zoology and continues to stay educated on all things dog science, body language, training techniques, breed traits and reactivity.
Emily is a Fear Free certified professional.
Matthew (he/him)
– Confidence Club
Matthew was feeling burnt out working at a mall job and felt the need to reconnect with animals, which he always felt passionate about. Matthew found Metro Dogs and fit right in! Matthew has two rats, Ducky and Mouse. In his spare time, he draws and paints, as he went to school for studio art at UW Stout. He mainly works in ink and gouache. He loves drawing animals and people with a surrealist approach. He also loves traveling with his boyfriend and his favorite local restaurant is Vegan East!
Since starting at Metro Dogs, Pomeranians have stolen Matthew’s heart. But not just that, Matthew said “My favorite thing about working with dogs is working with the anxious ones! Seeing a dog go from anxious to goofing around makes my heart so full and is the reason I work with dogs. I love to be a part of that transformation.”
Maura (she/they)
– Confidence Club & Front Desk
Maura joined the Metro Dogs team in February 2023. You might catch her walking around Minnehaha Falls or Lake of the Isles, snagging a coffee from Bob’s Java Hut or some pho from Quang, or maybe even enjoying the NE cidery, Sociable. More likely, you know her for the one who gives every dog a good brush and pampering during their play day.
Maura loves forming bonds with each of the dogs here and enjoys knowing they feel safe with us. In fact, Fear Free methodology is something that Maura finds important and unique about Metro Dogs. While she graduated from St Catherine University for Political Science and International Relations, Maura has always felt a calling for the dog care industry.
Her favorite breed is the Golden Retriever (she grew up with two!) but since her roommate’s dog, Theo, isn’t a social guy, you might consider all the dog’s at Metro Dogs her favorite.
Maura is a Fear Free certified professional.
Dani (she/they)
Dani joined Metro Dogs in May 2024 driven by her passion for the Confidence Club program, where she loves seeing dogs transform through socialization and positive experiences. With a strong belief in Fear Free methods, Dani is also working to become a professional dog trainer.
Outside of work, she enjoys painting, video games, concerts, and shopping, and has a soft spot for Huskies. Too bad she can’t have one, her two cats are NOT fans of dogs! Dani also works at Unleashed Hounds and Hops and is always on the lookout for great sushi spots!
Dani is a Fear Free certified professional.