Hi pet parents! I’m Savannah Rivera, the heart behind Zoey & Friends. Caring for dogs has always been a part of my life, and over time, that love grew into a deeper interest in understanding their behavior and well-being.

I’m a graduate of the Animal Behavior Institute and hold certifications in Pet CPR & First Aid, Canine Training, Canine Behavior & Enrichment, Canine Health & Nutrition, Trick Training, and Canine Conditioning. I make it a priority to continue learning and staying up to date with the latest research and training methods, because providing the best care for dogs means never stopping at “good enough.”

Personality-wise, I’m naturally relaxed and laid back — but I also believe in structure and rules. With dogs, my philosophy is simple: meet their physical needs first (exercise, food, rest), and then help them work on their mental needs through training, enrichment, and guidance. Around my home, dogs are welcome to curl up on the bed or couch and enjoy plenty of freedom. As long as they respect shared spaces and don’t resource guard, they pretty much have the run of the house outside of training rotations, mealtimes, and rest breaks.

I believe dogs should be allowed to be dogs — to play, sniff, and explore — but always in a safe, structured, and controlled environment. It’s our responsibility to teach them how to navigate a human world that is completely foreign to them, and I take that responsibility seriously. My connection to dogs is different than my connection to people — I see them for who they are, and I love building trust and understanding with each pup that comes through my doors.

The idea for Zoey & Friends came from a very personal place — the stress of trying to find reliable care for my own dogs while planning my wedding in 2022. That experience inspired me to create a service that truly values communication, enrichment, and a calm, home-style environment where dogs feel safe and cared for.

My goal is simple: to give pet parents peace of mind while providing dogs with a structured, loving space that meets both their physical and mental needs. From updates and photos to enrichment activities and daily structure, I’m passionate about making sure every dog feels like part of the family while they’re here.

Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support dogs and their people — it’s more than a business, it’s a calling that brings me so much joy.