About Us

Connected Pets, LLC

Connected Pets provides families a wide range of reliable services for their pet(s). Our mission is not only to give quality, personalized care to the furry/scaly/feathery family members, but also provide peace of mind that the home and pet(s) are safe.

Our pet sitting service offers the best of care while the family is away from the home. We care for the pet(s) in the comfort of their own home, eliminating the stress and anxiety seen in animals when placed in an unfamiliar environment, such as a typical kennel or boarding facility. We also utilize electronic photo updates and mobile apps to give clients a sense a connection and presence with their pet(s), even when away from their homes for extended periods of time. Home security checks are also performed at the start of each service to provide that extra peace of mind.

Our mobile grooming service will have all pets looking and feeling their best! Regular maintenance for the pet's coat and hygiene is imperative for a happy and healthy animal. Connected Pets makes this easy with our mobile grooming service which will come right to the client's home and assist with all grooming needs.

Connected Pets is bonded and insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Connected Pets pet sitting staff are Certified Professional Pet Sitters through the International Pet Sitting Association and all staff complete the Red Cross Pet First Aid Certification program.

Staff

Dustin Kretschmar (Owner)

I live in Mauldin, SC with my wife (Andrea), 2 dogs (Poppy and Chase), and cat (Luna). I worked as a law enforcement officer for 10 years before deciding to change career paths and create the pet sitting service Connected Pets. Over my lifetime, I have cared for dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, fish, guinea pigs, frogs, snakes, and turtles. This passion has carried over into Connected Pets and I use the lifetime of experience with animals, as well as the 10 years of working experience in law enforcement, to give each client peace of mind that both pet(s) and home are in good hands.

Dustin is a member of Pet Sitters International

Andrea Kretschmar (Owner)

The loving wife here! This adventure started with me as an engineer by day, pet sitter when I could. Now with the business growing and Greenville on the rise, I'm joining the gang full time to help care for your animals! The Kretschmar's are suckers for fur babies and I promise to treat them as my own.

Julie Facenda (Pet Sitter)

I am definitely that person who waves at passing dogs and feels most comfortable at a gathering if the host has a pet for me to hang out with! I have been lucky that for 10 years, I had the honor of taking care of other people’s pets at a luxury boarding facility, veterinary clinic, and my own small pet sitting gig in southwest Georgia. I currently live in Greenville and spend my early mornings as an online ESL teacher. My free time is usually spent lounging with my “soul cat”, Cat, and my beloved dog, Bean. Thank you for trusting me with your non-human family members!

Alycia Brady (Pet Sitter)

Howl you doin’? My name is Alycia, and I am so pawssionate about animals! I have always wanted to have a career where I work with animals. In 2017, I turned that dream into a reality. I am currently a licensed veterinary technologist at an animal hospital in Greenville. I have a Beagle mix named Benning! We love to spend our free time outdoors, and then end our day with the occasional pup cup! “My kids have paws”, and I am looking forward to providing care for your fur babies like my own. It is the leash I can do!

Gabby Pollina (Pet Sitter)

This is me and my dog Baby. I rescued her in 2018 and we have been together since. I am originally from Bluffton, SC and grew up with three cats and a snake. I love being around animals and am excited to meet yours!

Kevin Stubbs (Pet Sitter)

My wife and I have lived in the Greenville area for 15 years now. We currently have 2 kids and 4 fur babies (2 Goldens, a terrier mix and a cat). I love animals of all types, shapes and sizes. Over my life I’ve owned all kinds of animals at one time or another. I have never met a strangimal and my wife can frequently be heard saying “go ahead and pet him” when we see a dog out in public. Pets are part of our family and that’s the way I treat everyone’s pets. I’m excited to meet you and your pets. I strive to keep them happy and healthy while you have to be away from them.

Jennifer Magiera (Pet Sitter)

Hi, my name is Jennifer. My husband and I have lived in Greer for 22 years. We have 2 wonderful children, 2 dogs, and 3 cats. We have a small zoo at our house. Professionally I have retired from my job at Target where I was a supervisor for 25 years. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!

Kamille Allen (Pet Sitter)

Hello! My name is Kamille Allen! I've been caring for my family’s dogs for as long as I can remember and am happy to care for as many other fuzzy buddies as I can! My own cat (Kitkat, as pictured!) deals with some anxiety around most others, so I hope to be there for similar animals and similar pet owners. I've been visiting family in Greenville since I was a kid, but I've only moved down here properly about three years ago and I'm happy to be here for this community!

Erika Carl (Pet Sitting Manager)

Hi! My name is Erika. My husband and I have called Greenville home for the past 15 years. We have raised two amazing boys and three beautiful golden retrievers together. For the past 18 years I have worked as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Ultrasounds have been my passion! But life is short...I cannot ignore my passion for animals. Compassionate, trustworthy, and reliable have been my strongest assets. I have been a pet sitter for the past two years with great success! Happy clients as well as personal growth is all I have wished for! It would truly be my pleasure to care for your fur babies! I look forward to meeting your family!

Tatiana Hammond (Groomer)

Hello! My name is Tatiana. I moved to South Carolina from Seattle, Washington in 2015 and graduated high school here. I worked several food and retail jobs, but once I found pet grooming in 2019, I never looked back! I have two dogs, Bella Rae the Pitbull and Lilith Rose the Chorkie with my boyfriend. I am so excited to be a part of the Connected Pets team and am looking forward to meeting all of the furry friends! Tell your pets I said hello!

Kira McLaughlin (Pet Sitter)

Hi, my name is Kira! I have lived in Greenville basically my whole life and have been taking care of animals for as long as I can remember. I currently have two bunnies and two cats but have experience taking care of all kinds of animals! I recently worked at an alpaca and miniature animal farm in North Carolina where I cared for so many really cool animals including alpacas, cows, horses, and sheep! I recently moved back to Greenville and am currently getting my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Clemson University. I look forward to meeting you and can’t wait to give your pets the care they deserve!

Teila Groesbeck (Pet Sitting Manager)

Hi! My name is Teila, I moved to the Greenville area from Upstate NY and I am super thankful to be here! I love being able to enjoy the outdoors more often, and not be freezing! This is my dog Windsor :) He’s an amazing part of our family. I have a large family of humans, and our pup and kitten. Of course we have a few fish as well. I was an Elementary Art teacher in NY and really enjoy the Artistic side of life. I love animals as well. I consider our pets to be family and treat them as such. I have experience with many different animals, and can’t wait to give your fur babies the love and attention they deserve while you’re away!

Mara McCloy (Pet Sitter)

Hi! I’m Mara!! I just moved to Greenville from Charleston, and am loving it! I spend my daylight hours as a middle school teacher, and I moonlight as a pet sitter. Animals are my escape from humans (lol) and I’m honored that people want to share that with me! I have been pet sitting for a couple of years while I raise my two kitties, Nova and Toddy, and my precious pup Speedy. In my spare time I love to read and help my fiancé with his Lego collection. I can’t wait to meet your furry best friends!

Richard Shaluly (Pet Sitter)

I grew up in here in Greenville and my wife, Melanie, is from Iowa. We have three cats whose names are Baby Boy (CEO), Elenore (General Manager) & Billy Joe (Director of Frontline Operations). Our most recent addition to the team is our dog, Leesa (Head of Security). They were all rescued, and they now bring great joy to our lives. As far back as my memories go, I have had pets to love and take care of. I can’t wait to meet, make friends, and spend time with your pets too!

Claudia Jaramillo (Pet Sitter)

Hola! My name is Claudia and together with my husband and our three rescued fur babies (Tuty, Mingo & Lilo), we are the happiest pack ever! I was fortunate to grow up in the countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature and animals. Animals have been my passion since I was a child. We have lived in Mauldin for 14 years. I have volunteered with the Greenville Animal Care Center and have worked as a pet sitter since 2015, which is the job I enjoy doing the most. Providing care and love for your fur babies would be my pleasure. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Amanda Coletto (Groomer)

Hello, my name is Amanda. I was born and raised in the Chicago, Illinois. I recently moved to Simpsonville and absolutely love it. I have loved all things dogs since I can remember, especially my 3 dogs. I have been grooming for the past 14yrs and I would not change what I do every day for anything. I am so happy to have come across Connected Pets and be a member of the team. I look forward to meeting all your adorable furry animals!

Jana Achilles (Pet Sitter)

My name is Jana Achilles and I have been living in Greenville with my family for over five years now. My whole life I have always been surrounded by dogs and cats, geckos and fishes. All of our dogs and cats were rescued and it was always fascinating to watch their change in mind and behavior during the first couple of months and even years. Now we are proud parents of Yoda, a rescue Carolina Shepherd. I used to work as a Microbiologist; however, after spending 10 years in a lab, I decided it’s time for a change. I am absolutely fascinated by the way dogs are communicating with each other and with us. There is nothing better than caring for, communicating, and playing or running around with your furry friend!

Gina Chapman (Groomer)

Hi! My name is Gina and I am so excited to meet your fur babies. I’ve been a groomer for several years, but before that, I worked for some Doggy Day Cares too. Once I tried grooming, I never looked back! This job is one of the most rewarding in the world. From the happy faces on clients when they see their dogs, to the sloppy kisses I get from the dogs. Every second I get to spend with your dog is priceless and I’m so lucky to have amazing clients who trust me to take care of their dog’s appearance and well being!

Erica Doty (Pet Sitter)

Hi! I'm Erica, and I'm a professional animal enthusiast. As in, I'm enthusiastic about animals for free, and now I get to do it as a job! I have an 8 year old son who also loves animals and I'm currently back in college for Graphic Design. I paint pet portraits on the side. I currently have two rescue dogs who are big goofy, cuddly babies. I love getting to know a dog's individual personality and I'm looking forward to getting to know your pets so I can make them as happy as possible!

Dawn Hayden (Pet Sitter)

Hey everyone! Please meet my babies, Ares (10 year old German Shepherd) and Ronja (6 year old Belgian Malinois). We live in Simpsonville along with my husband and daughter. I've lived in Simpsonville for the last 19 years from Charleston and love it here. I've always had animals in my life and once I retire from my full time job, I hope to operate an animal rescue in my home. I can't wait to meet and take care of your precious fur babies. I am so excited to be a part of the Connected Pets team.

Bri Adamski (Pet Sitter)

Hi! I'm Bri! Great to meet you!
I've fostered and rescued dogs and cats my entire adult life, and I've spent the last decade pet sitting and boarding. I'm well-versed in administering medications or addressing any special needs. I’ve fostered bottle-fed kittens, dogs with behavioral issues, and my own dog was paralyzed in his hind legs and cruised around in a wheelchair!
Whether it's cuddling up with a purring cat or going on long walks with a wagging tail by my side, I sincerely enjoy every moment spent with the pets in my care, and that includes the ones with feathers and scales!
Beyond my love of animals, I’m a mom of two (ages 11 and 15), have my degree in art education from USC, and I’m a studio artist (I actually primarily paint pet portraits!). I love playing video games with my kids, reading, and snuggling up with my own senior pit bulls on the couch.
I can’t wait to meet you and your furry family members!