About Our Team

Meet the Owner of York Professional Pet Sitting

Morag

Morag

OWNER - LEADER OF THE PACK

Hello, I am Morag, owner and operator of York Professional Pet Sitting Inc. since May 2000. I am hoping this page gives you an opportunity to get to know a bit more about me and my extraordinary team of pet care professionals who are entering your home and caring for your beloved pets when you can’t be there.

All team members are bonded and insured under the company policy and all have been carefully chosen for their love of animals, reliability, responsibility, and compassion.

Many people think that pet care is easy. You just go in and walk the dog, or feed the cat right? NO – very wrong. There is an enormous responsibility in caring for someone else’s pet and home.  Many pets get anxious when their “pet parents” are away. Being in their own familiar environment helps tremendously, however, it is the caring, compassionate and nurturing nature of our team that helps make your pet less stressed and less anxious. We know they are missing you and that we will never take your place but we put ourselves as the role of “grandparents” (although we are all too young for that :-)) by giving them lots of undivided attention, exercise, TLC and most importantly keeping their routine as close to normal as possible. Apart from that, it is a 365 day a year job in all and any kind of weather. My team is dedicated to their job and the well being of the pets they are caring for and respectful of your home.

We are proud to have WON the Era Banner Readers Choice Award consecutively from 2013 to 2019.   The Toronto Pet Daily Readers Choice Award for Best in “Dog Walking” and “In-home boarding” in 2012 and 2015.    We were honoured to receive the “Round of A-Paws” award and the “Pet’icularly Awesome Award” from the town of Newmarket for being part of building our community.

Now a bit about me. I was born and raised in South East London, England, and moved to Canada with my parents in 1972. I am blessed with 2 amazing adult children, and recently an adorable grandson and cute as a button grand-daughter.

York Professional Pet Sitting is my passion and I am enjoying watching it grow and meeting wonderful new people and pets on a regular basis. I love hearing that Pet Owners no longer worry about their “fur kids” when they are away because we are taking care of them.   I work hard to make sure we are up-to-date on the latest in the pet world and love to be able to give back to our community.   Giving back to our community is important and wherever possible try to give back to our wonderful community.   We sponsor a night at Inn From the Cold, have done fundraising events for the Women’s Centre, Breast Cancer, several rescues and the Newmarket Food Pantry.    We have sponsored the Jr. Rookie team at the Newmarket Baseball Association.

Although I have had a variety of pets over my lifetime.   Since the beginning of the business my husband Glenn and I have been owned by 2 amazing Labrador Retrievers, Bob and Ben.   You can read more about them and their legacies in their own bios. I also enjoy swimming, reading, writing, dining out (especially patios in the summer); I am an active member of the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, Petsittingology, Pet Sitters International, PIJAC ( Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada) and the Model A Owners Club of Canada.  Glenn and I love touring in the old cars during the summer months. Travel is also a passion of mine, whether local or further afield.  We have not had much opportunity to do that since I started York Professional Pet Sitting Inc, as growing and maintaining a new business is more than a full-time job. However, I am hoping to travel more in the future with such great team members to entrust the business too while I am gone.

I look forward to meeting you and your pet one day.

 

Meet our Team of Exceptional Professional Pet Care Providers!

All of our team members are Bonded, insured and trained in Pet 1st Aid and CPR. They continue to take courses to improve their knowledge of pet behaviour, health, and safety. They have been carefully chosen for their love of animals and their dedication to providing pets with the same love, care and dedication they give their own pets.

Meet Our Management Team

Lorrie - Operations Manager

Lorrie

Operations Manager/ Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

+ READ BIO

Meet Our Professional Staff

Debra

DEBRA

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Lindsay Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Lindsay

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Rose York Professional Pet Sitting

Rose

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Jessica York Professional Pet Sitting

Jessica

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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leigh our professional team page (2)

Leigh

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

+ READ BIO

Alexie Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Alexie

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Josée Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Josée

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Deborah Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Deborah

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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April Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

April

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Angela Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Angela

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Maddi York Professional Pet Sitting

MADI

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Paula Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Paula

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Lisa Pet Care Professional York Pet Sitting

LISA

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Janet Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Janet

Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

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Honourary Team Members

Glenn - Dog Walker

Glenn

Co-Founder/Husband

+ READ BIO

Our Ben

Our Ben

Social Director/Goofball/ Winter Desk Foot warmer

+ READ BIO

Bob the Dog

Bob The Dog

Original Founder and Best Dog EVER

+ READ BIO

Lorrie - Operations Manager

Lorrie

Operations Manager / Professional Dog Walker/ Pet Care Provider

Meet Lorrie!

Lorrie has lived in and around this area since she was 2. She’s always known she wanted to work with and be around animals and is most happy when doing so. She’s had many pets over the years, including horses, dogs, cats, and fish, plus the grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles that she kept in terrariums in her family’s basement and shed. Shhh, don’t tell her father, he still doesn’t know to this day.

Lorrie started working part-time at the Ontario Humane Society, while still in high school. After 8 years of employment, spent between the shelter and vet clinic, and becoming shelter supervisor, the Aurora location closed down and Lorrie moved on. She worked at a dog boarding facility until becoming pregnant and staying home to raise her son, she also had a bad car accident and injured her back. Unfortunately, her horseback riding days were over. Looking to get back into working again, Lorrie took a position at a Thoroughbred horse farm. After a couple of years, she was managing the farm of 23 Thoroughbreds, some mares and foals, 4 Quarter horses, as well as overseeing the horses at the track. Sadly, her employer sold the property and new owners took over. Lorrie stayed with them for 4 years and then left to work at a horse boarding facility in Uxbridge. Herniated discs caused Lorrie to resign and look for something better for her back in 2015, and joined the team at York Professional Pet Sitting. In 2018 Lorrie’s back got the better of her again and she had to stop her dog walking duties. Being such a valuable team member she was given the role of operations manager where she oversees all team members and scheduling clients visits.

Lorrie is married to a great guy, Ray, who she’s still trying to house train, and has a fantastic son, Nicholas and an adorable grandson, Tyson. Lorrie volunteers with the Canadian Cancer Society, WWF, Heart, and Stroke and is a blood donor. If there’s an animal around, you’ll find Lorrie. Yes, she is that crazy lady in the middle of the road making sure the turtle gets to the other side safely!

Debra

Debra

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Debra!

I was so lucky that Deb found us in 2008.  She has been a valuable team member ever since.

Deb was born in Montreal and has been married to Jeff for over 20 years. Jeff is from Worcester Ma. They have a son David who recently graduated from Adrian College in Michigan.

They have lived in Newmarket since 1994 and have been very active in the community working for various sports organizations. The whole family loves sports and Deb plays baseball and golf.

Deb has loved nature, wildlife, and animals since she was a young girl. She is passionate about protecting the habitats of all animals and has been a member of the world wildlife fund and humane society for many years. Deb has had many pets in my life including hamsters, rabbits, fish, birds, dogs, and cats and they are currently live with 2 cats named Kingpin and Fox which her son named when he was 4 years old.

Deb has enjoyed traveling to many countries to experience native birds and animals and hopes to travel to Africa on safari one day.

She is a wonderful addition to our team and when she is caring for the pets her passion shines through and they know it.

Deb has a regular route of Monday-Friday clients and is always willing to help out with any extra clients on weekends and holidays when needed.

Lindsay Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Lindsay

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Lindsay!

Animals are the purest, greatest joy in the world and that is why I feel so fortunate I get to spend my time with them.

leigh our professional team page (2)

Leigh

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Leigh!

My life is better when dogs are part of it! I love spending my afternoons being outdoors exercising, exploring new trails and neighbourhoods, and connecting with all my doggie friends.

Being part of their day brings me joy and I hope to bring joy to their lives. 🐾

Alexie Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Alexie

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Alexie!

Hello my name is Alexie and I am very passionate about all sorts of  animals! I grew up with a mom who is a breeder and I was always attending dog shows and helping in the ring!

Your Fur Babies are in good hands as I understand what it feels like to love your pets so much… sometimes more than people!

My fiancé and I have 5 kids, 2 American bulldogs pocket size, Pearl and Pretty and one old tabby cat, Franklin 🙂 We all love all sorts of animals! I am a registered nurse and believe animals are the best therapy! I can’t wait to meet your pet and have some amazing adventures!

Josée Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Josée

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Josée!

I was born and raised in Gatineau, a town just outside of Ottawa, but I have now called Newmarket my home for many years. One of my favourite things to do is exploring new neighbourhoods and hiking trails while meeting up with new furry friends. I love being around animals and taking care of them, and I look forward to meeting all your beloved pets!

 

Deborah Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Deborah

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Deborah!

After a long-standing career as a Senior Account Manager in the placement industry, I now look forward to my part-time role, knowing each day that I am making your dogs/pets day brighter.

My love for dogs goes without saying! I grew up with dogs my whole life, and became even more fond of them as I grew older.  I am very passionate about promoting the physical and emotional well-being of your pet and love getting to know their personalities along the way while enjoying the active lifestyle that comes along with it.

April Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

April

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet April!

I grew up in the country where my love of animals began. We always had cats and dogs and the occasional bird in our home. 

That carried into my adult life where my family and I had been blessed with loving two adopted cats and an amazing dog named Shadow. Currently we have 2 very handsome and spoiled dogs, Cooper and Hudson, both rescues. 

Since I started working with Morag and this great team, I have enjoyed spending time with so many adorable furry kids and exploring all of the neighborhoods and trails with your pups and spending time with your cats as well. 

My day is always brighter when I’m spending it with your furry family members!

Angela Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Angela

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Angela!

Growing up in Holland Landing with Boston Terriers, Echo, Max, Twiggy and Justin, a
rescue cat, named Fred, and a host of fish, hamsters, Jazz and Bella, I had the
opportunity to learn early on that I like all kinds of animals, and that I always wanted to
be with them.

As a young adult I chose to stay close to home to attend university, studying Fine Art at
York, so that I could commute and wouldn’t have to leave my furry family members for
any extended length of time.

With the loss of my parents at 27 I moved from the Newmarket area to Toronto where I
met my husband and we adopted our first dog, Gabby. She made us a family. I took
some time to figure out what I wanted to do next and discovered a strong desire to take
care of those around me, which changed my career focus from art to real estate. In that
field, I help families plan for growth, with life changes, and with finding yards for kids
and pets.

Moving back to Newmarket 14 years ago with my husband, Mike, we have had the joy
of raising 3 dogs, Gabby, who we sadly lost at the ripe old age of 14 almost 3 years ago
now, our now senior Pug/Boston cross, Mia, who is a bit surly at 14.5 years old, but
she’s earned that privilege and our newest furry family addition, 2 year old Charlotte,
our tiny Boston Terrier.

14 years ago is when we discovered York Professional Pet Sitting, and Morag. As a client I experienced firsthand the devotion to exceptional care that her team puts into their work with each visit they make. That is what drew me to join the team. I have been so lucky in my life that I am able to spend so much time working flexible hours, affording me the ability to spend time with my pets, and now I look forward to spending my time with yours too!

Paula Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Paula

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Paula!

Hi my name is Paula and I live in the Aurora area. I am married and have two adult children. I graduated with a Kinesiology degree and worked several years before becoming a stay at home mom.

I love everything outdoors, especially paddle boarding . Currently I teach part time spin and fitness classes at a local gym.

I have always loved animals and did enjoy the time spent with my parent’s pet dog.

I am at a stage in life where I now have more time to devote to caring for animals. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wake up with a smile knowing that I’m going to see these precious animals today. They fulfil my heart and my day.

Janet Pet Care professional York Pet Sitting

Janet

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Janet!

I have lived in the Aurora/ Newmarket area with my husband for over 30 years. I recently had the opportunity to take an early retirement from the corporate world where I was the Director of Customer Service for a natural supplement company.

At this stage of my life, it was the perfect opportunity to find a career that truly made my heart sing. I have always had a dog in my life, and find such joy, peace and mindfulness when walking my dog that I thought ‘What a perfect career that would be for me’.

In connecting with YPPS, I knew this was the opportunity I was looking for to combine my belief in exceptional customer service with my passion for making a difference in the lives of our furry friends.

Lisa Pet Care Professional York Pet Sitting

Lisa

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Lisa!

I’ve lived all over the world, growing up in London UK, working in France and living in Japan for 3 years. As a child I wanted to become a national geographic photographer but ended up  as a wedding photographer in BC  before moving to Ontario . After all of my travels, was clear to me that pets are like people. Every pet is unique, just like people. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences. Some prefer fancy treats, expensive toys and some prefer sticks and bits of rag.

I am owned by Barbie, a 7 yr old Border Terrier, who loves to play with the ragged remains of once lovely squeaky stuffed toys. When I’m not feeding squirrels and birds, or puttering in my garden, I am with my husband and my two young sons. I have always identified as a dog or animal person first, then a people person. I remember people in my neighborhood according to who their dog is.  I truly treasure meeting animals and I look forward to taking care of your pet in the manner that they (and you) prefer.

Maddi York Professional Pet Sitting

Madi

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Madi!

I’ve always had a love for animals. I can’t remember a time when animals weren’t one of the most important parts of my life. From my first rabbit to my rescue dog, Roo, who has been with me through thick and thin, I can’t imagine what I would do without my furry companions.

 I’ve lived in Newmarket my entire life. One of my favourite thing to do when I am not caring for others pets ,has to be exploring and trying to find new trails to walk with Roo! We love going on new and exciting adventures!

Caring for animals has always been a joy to me, so working here is a perfect fit!  I am looking forward to getting to know each of your furry friends’ personalities and making sure they have a fun and safe visit every time. It’s such a joy to me to help bring happiness to your pets and give them all the extra care they deserve! 

Jessica York Professional Pet Sitting

Jessica

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Jessica!

Hi, I’m Jessica! As a proud pet parent to two wonderful cats, Nigel and Noelle, I know firsthand how important it is to find someone who truly cares for your furry (or scaly) friends. With experience both as a pet parent and from working in a pet store helping new and life long pet parents. I’ve had the pleasure of caring for all types of pets, from playful dogs and cats to small animals like hamsters, fish, and even lizards.

 

When I’m not snuggled up with my own cats, you’ll likely find me reading or enjoying some quiet time indoors. I know how much trust it takes to leave your pets in someone else’s hands, and I always treat them like my own, with plenty of love, attention, and care. I’m here to make sure your pets are happy, comfortable, and well looked after while you’re away!
Rose York Professional Pet Sitting

Rose

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER/ PET CARE PROVIDER

Meet Rose!

Hello, I’m Rose, it’s so nice to virtually meet you!
 
I am one of the many dedicated pet care professionals working with YPPS, I bring a lifetime of experience caring for dogs, cats, and other animals (ask about my spiders haha).
 
I’m passionate about providing personalized dog walking and pet sitting services that meet each animal’s unique needs. Whether it’s a midday walk or vacation care, you can trust that your pets will receive attentive, loving care in my hands.
 
I treat every pet like my own, because who can’t help but fall in love with every single pet they meet?!
Bob the Dog

Bob The Dog

ORIGINAL FOUNDER AND BEST DOG EVER

Meet Bob the Dog!

Sadly Bob has now passed on and crossed over the rainbow bridge to run free with all the other pets that have gone before him. He was the best dog and lived a long and happy 14 1/2 years.

Bob was our social director from the beginning of York Professional Pet Sitting in March 2000 – September 2012.
He was an adorable Chocolate Labrador Retriever that Glenn brought home when he was just 6 weeks old and they were inseparable. 

Bob’s favourite food was FOOD – anything, anytime. He started reminding us that dinner time is at 5:00, at about 4:00.

Bob’s favourite toys were his orange treat ball with some kibble in it, bones, and he loved his stuffed penguin and a bunny rabbit.

Bob’s favourite thing to do until he was about 13 was to go on Glenn’s route with him and hang out with us. If we were in two separate rooms of the house, he would lay in the middle as he could never pick who he would rather be with. He used to love riding in the rumble seat of our Model A Ford, but as he aged it got very hard for him to get up and in it anymore, so the front seat it was.  

He will forever be in our hearts.

Our Ben

Ben

SOCIAL DIRECTOR/ GOOFBALL/ WINTER DESK FOOT WARMER

Meet Ben!

The one whole stole my heart and broke it

After Bob left us, it wasn’t long before we missed the pitter patter of little paws around the house. Even though we feel we have hundreds of “grand-dogs” with our clients’ pets, we just could not get used to coming home and not being greeted by a wagging tail and kissy dog. Watching TV at night without a dog curled up at our feet was just not the same.

After much consideration and research, Glenn decided on a puppy from Cawara Labs in Newmarket. Luckily there was a litter due in October 2013 and on October 24th, Ben’s Mum “Molly Maid” gave birth to a lovely litter of Black Labs. Ben and Glenn were inseparable and like Bob, Ben loved to travel with Glenn in the Model A, sitting like a perfect gentleman, and he was the hit of local car shows. Ben also took a liking to dock diving, and being a Lab, it didn’t take much convincing for him to jump in the water and retrieve a toy.

Ben was a crazy knucklehead. He drove me nuts at times with his counter surfing, bouncing and pulling.

For 5 years he kept the kitchen floor spotless (except for his never ending shedding), he kept us entertained with his goofiness, he cleaned make up off my face and any lotion that was on my legs was gone in a minute. I couldn’t do my nails in front of him because for some bizarre reason he clearly thought the nail file was hurting me. Glenn and I couldn’t hug or kiss, yell, get angry or cry – because it was Ben’s job to make sure the house was peaceful and that he was the centre of attention. Unless of course the doorbell rang then it was his job to protect us from everything or anything … oh who am I kidding, he thought it was the pizza man bringing us food and wanted to greet him.

He was lovingly called a bucking bronco, goofball, knucklehead, Tigger and crazyman.

One toy in Ben’s mouth was never enough. 2 was always preferred but the more toys he could fit in his mouth the better and he entertained us trying to get them all in his mouth at once.

He was so handsome and he knew it. His jet black coat was so shiny and his big block head, no matter where we took him, people just had to comment on his good looks.

At all the are car shows he went to with Glenn, the eyes didn’t really care about the car it was the handsome dog in the passenger seat who got all the attention

Sadly at the young age of 5 Ben developed Osteosarcoma in his ribs. He very quickly went from a happy, bouncy, goofy young lab to a very tired and sick boy. It was devastating to watch him go down hill so quickly at such a young age. Despite our best efforts to keep him pain free and with us just a little longer, we could not allow him to suffer anymore so on September 30th 2019 we said a very tearful goodbye and sent him across a rainbow bridge.

To this day thinking of him brings tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart, then I remember his goofiness and smile.

Glenn - Dog Walker

Glenn

CO-FOUNDER/HUSBAND

Meet Glenn!

Glenn was instrumental in starting the business.   He was directly involved in setting up the structure of the business, designing logo’s etc., even before he moved to Canada to marry Morag.    Once Glenn moved here in 2002 he enjoyed his own route of furry friends for him and Bob to enjoy walking while staying involved in the administration side.

In 2012, Glenn retired from the business to start his own Professional Pet Photography Business (Glenn Willcox Photography)  focusing on pet photography and specifically getting wonderful shots of rescue dogs to give them a better chance of adoption.   He was very successful and enjoyed giving back to the community.

In 2018, Glenn retired from his photography business to be dragged out occasionally to provide professional photographs for York Professional Pet Sitting’s Yappy Hour with Santa. We hope to continue to drag him out for many years to come.

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