ABOUT

ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA

Fueled by my first encounter with rescue work and volunteerism at 17-years-old, I am dedicated to helping companion animals and those that love them. I founded my first pet business, The Wag Pack, a pet sitting and dog walking company formerly based in Northern Virginia, in 2008. While the pandemic forced me to shift directions, I'm still encouraging pet parents and pet industry professionals to do right by their pets and the pets in their care.

I've been Making Pet Parenting Easier since 2008 and have no plans to stop!

With over 15 years of experience, I know the pet care industry, top pet care experts, and must-have pet products. I specialize in cats and dogs because these are the two species that I most cared for as a pro pet sitter and on which I have focused my studies and certifications.

Before I joined the pet industry, I received a Bachelor's Degree in International Business and French from the University of Maryland in College Park. I am proficient in English and Spanish as well as conversationally fluent in French.

A self-described gourmand and former hospitality industry professional, I blend my love of life and wine with my passion for pets in Covered in Pet Hair, a boozy web show for pet lovers. In addition to my work on Covered in Pet Hair, I am a freelance writer and journalist. My work can be found in Mount Pleasant Magazine, HealthLinks Magazines, and various online publications. I also work directly with small businesses as content creator and blog writer.

I have been a Certified Pet Tech First Aid & CPR Instructor since 2013. I am also Fear Free Certified professional. I recently had the pleasure to emcee the 2023 Texas Pet Sitters Conference in Dallas, where professional pet sitters from around the cuntry gathered to improve their businesses, streamline their processes, and connect with like-minded pros.

I share my life with my husband, Chris, our two children, Noah and Mila, our old dog, Caera,

and our newest addition, a grey kitten named Van Gogh.