TARA - Owner

Tara was born and raised in Elmira Heights and graduated with honors from Thomas Edison in 2003. Her very first animal was a dog named Buddy. Buddy showed Tara the loyalty, friendship, and love that you can only find in the heart of an animal; Buddy instilled these values in Tara.

Tara’s first job was for the SPCA. What started as temporary part time job turned into a full time job for many years. This job helped Tara learn medical techniques, proper cleaning, etiquette, behavioral training, and increased her overall animal knowledge.

Tara moved on from the SPCA to try other lines of work. As time went on, Tara felt an itch inside her soul that just wasn’t being scratched; she wasn’t fulfilling what she was put on this earth to do! Tara realized that her true love was working with animals and she was missing out on the chance to give back to the animals of this world.

Tara soon began making house calls for animals, pet sitting gigs, dog walking requests, and training sessions for doggies and parents. Over the years, her services became more frequent and her knowledge more extensive. One dog turned into a few, and a few turned into many; that’s when Tara started working out of her home with clients. Before long, she had a full on socializing dog group inside her living room, and Woofs Wags & Wiggles was born.

Qualifications/Experience

  • More than 23 years of service with the SPCA

  • Nearly 50,000 hours of volunteering and foster care

  • The Humanitarian Award (2015)

  • Graduate of the Humane Society Academy

  • “Next Generational Leader” Special Congressional Recognition Award (2019)

  • Dog Training Mentor Award 2020

Licenses/Certifications

  • Animal Nutritionist Certification

  • Canine Communication Certification

  • Canine CPR & First Aid Certification

  • Advanced Animal Care Certification

  • Pet Psychology Certification

  • Animal Reiki Certification

  • Wild Life Rehabilitation License

  • Emotional Support (Therapy Dog Trainer)

  • AKC Certified K-9 Trainer

  • ProPetHero Pet First Aid & CPR Training Instructor

  • Grief Coach for Pet Loss Certification

  • Animal Naturopathy Certification

  • Animal Behavior and Welfare

  • K9 Emergency Care Certification

  • Dog Emotion and Cognition Certification