Introduction

Hello, my name is Phil and I look forward to caring for your pets! I know how important it is for animals of all kind to get playtime and social interaction, and I enjoy giving that to them. After working in higher education for nine years I decided to leave an academic career in August 2016 and pursue my dream of working with animals by turning my ongoing volunteer work with animals into a full-time business. PAWS represents the professional culmination of my many years of experience living and working with animals. I strive to offer premium pet care at affordable prices because I know how important my own pets are to me, and how much yours mean to you.

My Story

I am originally from Connecticut where I grew up fishing and hiking around New England with my dog Lindy. I graduated from UCONN in 2006 with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and went on to graduate school for Archaeology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I am trained in human and animal anatomy, behavior, and biology, and always learning more. I completed my PhD in 2016 with nine years of experience teaching college courses and doing research on human behavior during the African Middle and Later Stone Age.

While living in Champaign, I met my wife who got me involved with CATSNAP, a no-kill animal rescue group. As part of their organization, I helped with the “trap-neuter-return” (TNR) program for feral cats, cleaned cages, socialized with dogs and cats at pet stores, and fostered many homeless cats waiting for their forever home. I gained extensive experience working with animals of all sizes and temperaments, administering medications and treatment, and working with pet owners to provide the best care for their pets. Working for CATSNAP gave me the confidence and courage to properly care for all animals. From 2014-2016 I lived in southern New Jersey, finishing my PhD in Archaeology and teaching Anthropology courses at Stockton University.

In August of 2016, my wife accepted a position with Cleveland schools and we moved to South Euclid, OH in the Cleveland east side suburbs with our two dogs, Bella and Josie, our three cats, Mick, Xyla, and Toba, and Bowie, a six year-old red tailed boa constrictor - all rescues. I decided to take this opportunity to change my career and started PAWS. What a journey…

For five years I walked dogs and cared for a variety of pets – over 225 clients and 500 new animal friends by the time 2021 rolled around! After the 2020 COVID pandemic my wife and I wanted to be closer to family and moved again(!), this time to Buffalo, NY. I now operate PAWS out of Amherst, NY and serve most of the Buffalo area. I am excited to work with animals and to provide their owners with support and peace of mind.

It's a privilege to make a living being a friend to dogs and cats

Sir Lancelot the Great Dane and I circa 1987