• (Dog Mom to Jagger, Indie, George, & Mary)

    My love for positive dog training and decision to become a certified dog trainer was born out of frustration and failure with the fear-based methods used by trainers on my own pups.

    Initially, I wanted to help shelter dogs become more adoptable, but after working as a dog behaviorist at a local no-kill animal shelter, I realized many adopters need more long-term support to manage their pups’ needs and keep them in their “fur”ever homes. And rescue pup parents aren’t the only ones who could use some help!

    Support shouldn’t end with training. Dogs need ongoing socialization, and their parents sometimes need a break! But many pups are not suited for the typical, chaotic doggie daycare or boarding facility.

    Enter Tooth & Tail Dog Services! We are dog socialization and training experts. We want Tooth & Tail to feel like a cozy, calm, and safe oasis for your four-legged companion, offering you the assurance of personalized, loving, & attentive care.

    Not only will we work “tooth & nail” to care for your quirky pup, but we are also committed to operating with the same level of professionalism that guided me through a gratifying 10-year career as a dentist! (Get it? Tooth & Tail!)

    We would be honored to work with you help you & your pup live your happiest and fullest lives!

    Wishing you dog kisses & cuddles,

    Anisha Murarka, DDS, ABCDT (certified in Canine First Aid)

  • (Dog Mom to Winter)

    Hi, I’m Jay! I’m the Onsite Care Lead. I’m the lucky duck that gets to spoil your kiddos while you spoil yourselves!

    My love for dogs is a complex one to say the least. I grew up in the foster system, which has given me a unique kinship & understanding with dogs. I have been working with dogs in many forms since I was 15! Tooth & Tail has become such a passion for me, that I’ve begun studying to obtain my certification.

    I volunteer weekly at a local animal shelter, expanding my knowledge in both dog behavior and the clinical side of things.

  • (Dog Mom to Bruce)

    Hi! I'm Angela. I’m a socialization specialist.

    Always an animal lover, I started my first job at a veterinary clinic in the summer of 2000 and have been working in the pet care & animal welfare industry ever since! In 2010 I found myself caring for a special needs pup, and thus began my interest in dog behavior.

    I attended my first Dogs Playing for Life seminar a couple of years later and spent several years in Chicago working on socializing shelter dogs, and particularly those with traumatic histories. In 2018 my work led me to a role on the behavior team at Austin Pets Alive! where I was able to help some of the sweetest and quirkiest (though often misunderstood) pups find their way into loving homes.

    Now, as a mom to a four-year-old human child and one senior doggo, I enjoy helping those quirky pups stay peacefully in homes by providing personalized socialization, confidence building, and care for Tooth & Tail clients.

  • (Pet Parent to Pinky and Benny)

    Hi! I'm Xandra! I am a proud pet parent to Pinky and Benny! Pinky is a shy tabby cat and Benny is a rescue corgi with complicated behavioral challenges that we navigate together.

    I began working with animals through volunteering in shelters and wildlife rescues. In 2019, I started part time work at a private pet boarding facility. There I met some very special dogs with specific needs that made me want to turn a part time job into my career.

    I moved to Austin in 2021 to work at Austin Pets Alive! Starting with basic dog care then moving into medical and behavioral work. In 2024, I began taking my work outside the shelter and into people's homes.

    I was so happy to find an opportunity that aligns with my personal values at Tooth & Tail. I look forward to befriending you and your pets!

  • (Full time pet parent to Gumbo and co parent to Izzy, Jack, Jasper, Carrot Cake, and Candycorn)

    Hi! I'm Amber. I'm a canine care specialist, cat wrangler, and certified soup connoisseur. My family has always had many animals but I didn't consider making animal welfare a career until after I first volunteered at a shelter. I was fortunate enough to be able to work at a dog shelter in Turkey for 5 months. When I came back to the US, I wanted to find something just as fulfilling which is how I ended up at Austin Pets Alive. I've been there since June of 2023 and have learned a lot about animal behavior since. One of my coworkers told me about all of the wonderful work that Tooth& Tail does and I had to check it out! I'm so happy that I have the chance to continue learning and figuring out how to better help the dogs outside of the shelter as well as in it. I'm looking forward to becoming your pets new favorite person (don't tell Jay ) and livening up your days with my dad jokes!

  • (Cat Mom to Louie & Darcy and foster Dog Mom to Ulysses)

    Hi, I’m Jessica! I host Tooth & Tail clients at my home for overnight stays as well as staying in clients’ homes!

    I am a Learning and Training professional who moonlights as a dog sitter. I have volunteered with Austin Pets Alive! for the last 9 years, and have had dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and health statuses in my home. I particularly love the scaredy dogs who need someone to be patient with them. 

  • (Dog Mom to Lucy)

    Hi, I'm Sarah and I provide in-home pet sitting services with Tooth & Tail.

    If you need to leave town for a bit, I'll stay at your place so your furry family members can remain in the comfort of their own home until you return!

    I enjoy getting to know dogs and cats in their own environment and being able to continue their routines while their family is away. They'll enjoy all the walks, play time, and cuddles that they desire! When I'm not pet sitting, I enjoy going on adventures.