TEAM
Beyond Animal Lovers
Lacey Hotte
Owner
Lacey eagerly took over from the previous Doggy Daycare Care business which was named Playful Paws Doggy Daycare in 2019. Lacey is an extremely loving person who is passionate and knowledgeable about personal care of family dogs. She has five dogs; Kali, minpin 5 years old: Kobe, minpin 1 years old: Kaine, minpin, 8 years old; Kastro, mastiff 11 years old, and Tink, Pomeranian 17 weeks old. Along with being certified in Walks N Wags Pet First Aid, she also attends seminars, courses, and Doggy Daycare Expos to stay up to date of and continue learning in science based, positive reinforcement dog care techniques.
In addition to owning a Doggy Daycare, Lacey is also a Min Pin Breeder. She is currently in the process of becoming CKC breeder and will compete in dog shows in the near future with her lovely min-pins: Kobe, Kaine and Kali.
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Education:
​Walks N Wag Pet First Aids
​Bravo Dog- Dog Body Language
University of Edinburgh - Animal Welfare Behavior
AKC Canine College- Breeder Education
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“Dogs are not our whole lives, they make our lives whole.”
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Tanisha joined the Playful Pups family as junior handler in October 2021. Her passion and energy is amazing whenever it relates to dogs. She is a professional dog handler and currently is under DogSafe Pet First Aids training. Most likely you will see her during pickups and in the yards with the big dogs.
Tanisha is an integral part of the team who you can almost always see at daycare cause she comes to hang out with her favorite dogs even on her days off.
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Education:
Build Your Dog's Confidence-Victoria Stilwell Academy
Being A Good Pet Neighbor-Victoria Stilwell Academy
DogSafe Pet First Aids- On Going
Playful Pups: September 2021 - Present
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Tanisha Herft
Senior Handler/ Office Manager
Hey there, it's Mads! This prairie girl moved to BC for the ocean and stayed for the amazing people and sweet pups! For nearly 3 doggone years, I've been living the dream at Playful Pups! The pups and Lacey have been my guiding stars, shaping both my career and personal life. With a childhood filled with furry friends and early K9 training, it was destiny to end up here. The wealth of knowledge gained through various courses has been a treat, and I'm wagging with excitement for what's next! When I'm not living the pup life, you'll find me chilling with my own pack at the beach or exploring the bog on leisurely walks.
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Education:
​Animal Welfare Behavior
Walks N Wags Pets First Aids: On Going Online
Playful Pups: August 2021 - Present
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Madison Legere
Senior Handler/ Socials Manager
Devin Paton
Hey my name is Devin Paton and I have been with Playful Pups for just over 3 years! I have certificates in group handling and experience working with dogs since 2019. I grew up having dogs and being around them since before I could walk. Now I have 2 of my own; Max and Rue! I love your fur babies as my own, and you’ll often find me in the big yard with the big guys and gals. Playful Pups is a safe, calm, and happy place to be for your pups, so bring them on down! Thank you for trusting me with your four legged friends and thank you for choosing Playful Pups!
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Experience:
Hazelmere Kennels June 2019-February 2020
Playful Pups: February 2021 - present​​​​​
Senior Handler/ Yard Manager
Danica Shuen
Senior Handler/ Manager
Danica has loved all animals and aspired to be a dog behaviorist from a very young age. She sees how the pups in our lives are like family and so she treats every pup that comes through our doors as if they were her own. Danica enjoys getting to know each and every pup as an individual. She studied at the University of British Columbia and has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Applied Animal Biology. In her spare time, she spends time with her dog Chloe and her two cats, Salem and Kota. Danica has been with us since July 2023 and is loving every minute of it.
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Education:
UBC BA in Psychology
Minor in Applied Animal Biology
Walks N Wags Pet First Aid Certified - May 2024
Experience:
Playful Pups: June 2023 - Present
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