Tonya Putney, Owner of Tail Wags & Walks LLC
Hey there! Thanks for visiting our site! This page is an introduction about who I am and a bit of background as to why I started this pet sitting and dog walking business.
My name is Tonya. I have been living in Duluth, MN almost my entire life! I currently own two rescues: a husky/cattle dog named Bowie and a tabby cat named Epi.
We always had pets while I was growing up and the majority of the pictures from my childhood were of me with some four-legged friend. It was clear from the beginning that I have always been a HUGE animal lover.
My first job working with animals was at a boarding kennel where I spent 5 years working as a kennel attendant/office assistant. I learned so much while working there including how to give oral medications and insulin injections to pets. It was hard work, but I loved it! Especially when I would get to take the dogs out for “park runs” which were long walks around the fenced-in grounds and pond.
Eventually I got into office work full-time and spent about 10 years in a career that I didn’t find fulfilling. I knew I wanted to be outdoors and that I wanted to find a line of work where I was doing something I was passionate about. I decided the next job I would take would be focused on animal care.
One day it all clicked for me.
I realized Duluth was full of pet owners that needed help caring for their furry friends while they were out of town or busy at work — and that’s how Tail Wags & Walks LLC came to be!
For me, working with your pets is a privilege and an absolute joy. Our wonderful pet sitting and dog walking customers have made our first year in business a HUGE success. I thank each of you for coming along on this new adventure!
— Tonya Putney, Owner of Tail Wags & Walks LLC
BE SURE TO GIVE US A FOLLOW:
This weekend was a busy one for me & with a deployment I sometimes need last minute help. I have always been organized for future events to schedule doggie care but sometimes things slip thru the cracks. Tonya Putney with Tail Wags & Walks LLC has been my savior once again this weekend to help me out at the last minute with making sure the pups were walked & fed. If you’re in the area & need some animal check-ins or walks reach out to Tonya! She will do an initial meet & greet with you, take notes on feedings, personality/triggers for your dogs, and then when she’s with your animals you always get photos & a recap on how the visit went. Yes, I’ve always used ‘the app’ in the past since I had a few walkers I got to know & trust, but here’s a woman that I’ve known for years (one of Freya’s puppies is her adopted pup!) that started her own business.
Paige LarsonAugust 8, 2024
I’ve known Tonya for years now, and have often seen her close interactions with pets. She is so joyful, kind and watchful over them, they all become best buds almost immediately. Her care for my pet far exceeds what I could pay for in dollars. I can with great confidence recommend her.
Douglas McCorisonJanuary 4, 2024
If anyone is looking for a pet sitter/dog walker I highly recommend Tail Wags & Walks LLC. Tonya is wonderful and takes excellent care of our pack. She is professional, compassionate and truly loves what she does. If I have to be away for the day I love that my pets can stay home, are in great hands and tired when I get home.🐾
Debby MorrisMarch 4, 2024