I’m Steph!
Founder and owner of Native Pet Care Collective.
Caring for animals has been a lifelong passion of mine, backed by over 25 years of hands-on experience with dogs, cats, and a wide variety of pets. From raising puppies to supporting senior animals, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what it takes to provide compassionate, reliable, and attentive care.
One of the most meaningful experiences in my life was raising my dog Bear, who became Grand Rapids’ oldest dog, living to 21 years old. From just a few months old through every stage of her life, she taught me the importance of patience, consistency, and genuine love in pet care.
I am experienced in working with pets of all ages and needs, including those requiring medical support such as administering injections. Every animal I care for is treated like family - with safety, comfort, and trust as my top priorities.
At Native Pet Care Collective, my mission is simple: to provide dependable, high-quality care so you can have peace of mind knowing your pets are in the best hands.
Meet Chase
Chase has been by Steph’s side through every step of building Native Pet Care Collective—from the early ideas to what it is today. His support, dedication, and steady presence have played a huge role in bringing this vision to life.
As a pet owner himself to his cat, Stevey, Chase understands the level of care and trust that goes into looking after someone’s animals - and he brings that same care to every pet we work with
Meet Sophie
Sophie is the founder of Canine Unity, where she specializes in dog behavior and training. With over a decade of hands-on experience working with dogs of all personalities and needs, Sophie brings a deep understanding of canine behavior and a true passion for helping dogs thrive.
When she’s not working with clients, Sophie is busy at home with her five dogs of her own — so it’s safe to say dogs are a huge part of her life!
Sophie will be joining our team for drop-ins, walks, and boarding, and she will also be offering professional training services to our clients through Native Pet Care Collective.
We’re incredibly excited to have her as part of our collective and can’t wait for our clients (and their pups!) to meet her!
Meet Susie
Susie is a valued member of the Native Pet Care Collective team, bringing a natural compassion for animals and a calm, attentive approach to every pet she cares for. Her genuine love for animals shines through in everything she does, allowing her to build strong, trusting connections with pets of all sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.
Whether she’s out on a walk or stopping in for a visit, Susie prioritizes each pet’s comfort, safety, and routine. She understands that every animal is unique, and she takes the time to learn their individual needs whether that means extra playtime, slow and patient introductions, or simply being a comforting presence while their owner is away.
Susie supports our clients with dog walking and drop-in visits, and is committed to delivering the reliable, high-quality care that Native Pet Care Collective is known for. Her attention to detail and gentle, dependable nature make her someone both pets and their owners can feel confident with.