Meet the Pumkin Paws Team

A lifetime pet lover, which started with (you guessed it) Pumkin!! After graduating with a BA in Psychology and working in the school system, Leslie made it her goal to pair her love for animals & the need for a reliable service in Riverdale: Pumkin Paws Pet Service was born!

Chad comes to Pumkin Paws with an extensive sales background & lifelong love of dogs! With a BA in Marketing from the University of Central Florida, Chad oversees marketing efforts and daily operations.

Mary's corporate and entrepreneurial background doesn't hide her deep love of animals which led to extensive volunteerism at the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter where she is an avid pit bull and large breed advocate, senior volunteer, and project manager. She manages and leads a number of successful fundraising events throughout the year to benefit the shelter and oversees fifty volunteers. She participates in dog training and behavioral sessions conducted by certified dog trainers at the shelter.

I have a lot of personal experience with dogs, as I grew up with Siberian Huskies. I was fortunate enough to have shown my husky puppy in obedience, showmanship, and agility, where I received Grand Champion and Grand Reserve Champion awards. I know how to handle a wide variety of dogs and am capable and confident in controlling various breeds and temperaments. When your animal is in my care, they are my top priority! I look forward to working with your pet!

Being raised on a farm taught me to love and respect animals from early on. I volunteer at for multiple shelters and organizations, most notably S.T.A.R.T.II. I also worked for a popular doggy daycare/boarding center on the lower east side where I was responsible for up to 50 dogs at once in our facility. I frequently worked the overnight shift to care for dogs who were staying for extended periods of time (some of which even belonged to a few celebrities)!

A dog lover and lifetime Riverdale resident! Lara has a MA in Education and is a former teacher. She joins Pumkin Paws in hopes of a lifelong career with animals!!

My name is Cat and I’ve been boarding and walking dogs here in Riverdale for many years. I’ve had dogs and cats ever since I was a kid growing up on a farm in Canada. I love their company and enjoy caring for them! I’ve worked with dogs of all ages, and breeds, including older dogs with special needs and anxiety. I am also comfortable with administering medication if necessary.