Amaris Hayes
Pet Care Professional
32082, 32250
Hi! I’m Amaris, and I’m so excited to be part of the 9 to 5 Pets family!
Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up with three wonderful dogs—Maggie, a Cocker Spaniel who my parents brought home before I was born, Max the Beagle, and Curtis, our black Cocker Spaniel. Caring for animals has always come naturally to me, and I feel incredibly fortunate that it has become my career.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with animals in a variety of settings. I spent more than five years as a professional dog walker and pet sitter in Chicago, caring for dogs of all breeds, personalities, energy levels, and medical needs. I also worked as a veterinary assistant at a Fear Free animal hospital, where I learned so much about animal health, behavior, and helping pets feel safe and comfortable during stressful situations. Most recently, I’ve been working as a Canine Coach at Dogtopia, where I get to spend my days supervising playgroups, enriching dogs’ lives, and making sure every pup has a safe and fun experience.
While dogs have always been a big part of my world, I love cats just as much! Between my experience at the veterinary hospital and caring for friends’ cats over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate that every cat has their own unique personality and earns your trust in their own special way. Whether I’m caring for a playful puppy, a senior dog, or an independent kitty, I love getting to know each pet as an individual.
When I’m not spending time with animals, you’ll usually find me working on one of my creative passions. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema Arts & Science from Columbia College Chicago and love writing, acting, and filmmaking. I especially enjoy thrillers and horror films, although one day I’d love to write a romantic comedy too! My dream is to continue creating stories while building a career that allows me to do meaningful work every day.
For me, pet care is so much more than feeding pets or taking dogs for walks. It’s about building trust, creating genuine relationships, and giving pet parents complete peace of mind while they’re away. I know how much our pets mean to us, and I promise to care for yours with the same love, patience, and attention that I would give my own.
I can’t wait to meet you and become one of your pet’s new favorite people!