Welcome
Hi, I'm Monica, the heart behind Tu Perfect Companion. Ever since I was a child, animals have filled my life with joy and endless curiosity. Growing up with a variety of pets taught me about the beauty of unconditional love, and it’s that passion that inspired me to start my business.
Here, I combine years of experience with a genuine love for every creature, ensuring that your furry friends receive the personalized care and attention they deserve.
Welcome to a place where every pet is treated like family, and every companion is truly perfect.
Certifications
B.S. Animal Science - Behavior and Well-being
Masters in Business Administration
CPDT-KA
AKC CGC Evaluator
Low Stress Handling
Shelters
Pet First Aid and CPR
Pet First Aid
Supporting Member
Lifelong Passion for Animals
My journey in the animal industry began long before it became my career. As a child, I spent countless hours reading every animal book I could find, participating in Humane Society youth programs, and joining Dog Scouts in 2013. When I welcomed my first dog in 2009, I became fascinated by the way animals communicate through body language and behavior. That curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for understanding animals and ultimately led me to pursue animal behavior professionally.
Education & Professional Development
My commitment to animal welfare and behavior led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences with a concentration in Behavior and Well-Being from Purdue University. Through my studies, I gained a deeper understanding of animal learning, cognition, welfare, husbandry, and the science behind behavior and training.
Recognizing the importance of combining animal expertise with strong professional skills, I later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Beyond formal education, I remain committed to lifelong learning through mentorships, certifications, seminars, and continuing education opportunities to stay current with the latest research and best practices in animal care and training.
Training and Behavior
For years, I have studied animal learning and behavior through mentorships, seminars, continuing education, and hands-on experience. Since 2014, I have trained both dogs and cats across a wide range of skills, from puppy foundations and basic obedience to advanced behavior modification cases.
My experience includes helping owners address challenges such as resource guarding, fear, reactivity, aggression, and anxiety through evidence-based training methods while strengthening the bond between pets and their families.
Service and Therapy Animals
I have experience training and evaluating both therapy dogs and service dogs, with a focus on preparing them for real-world environments and public access work. My training approach emphasizes practical experiences, exposing dogs to the situations they may encounter while working in the community.
In addition to public access skills, I have trained task work designed to assist individuals with psychiatric and mobility-related disabilities, helping teams build reliability, confidence, and independence.
Animal Welfare and Shelter Experience
My animal welfare experience began at the Humane Society, where I started as a kennel attendant and later advanced into customer service, helping families find their perfect companion through pet adoptions. I later worked for Miami-Dade Animal Services as an Enrichment Specialist, where I helped develop and implement enrichment programs focused on exercise, mental stimulation, behavior improvement, and socialization through playgroups.
In addition, I earned my Fear Free Shelter certification and have fostered numerous shelter animals, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to find permanent homes.
Veterinary Handling and Cooperative Care
My veterinary experience began during high school when I completed a year-long mentorship under a veterinarian through a medical program. I later worked in veterinary clinics as a veterinary assistant, gaining hands-on experience handling animals during examinations and medical procedures.
Through this work, I developed a strong interest in cooperative care and stress-free handling techniques. I teach animals to actively participate in their healthcare by voluntarily standing for examinations, holding positions for procedures, and building positive associations with veterinary visits, reducing stress for both pets and veterinary professionals.
Lights, Camera, Pets!
My involvement in the entertainment industry began in 2015 when my own dog was selected to appear in a commercial. This experience introduced me to the specialized world of animal talent and production work.
Since then, I have trained animals to perform behaviors commonly required on set, including targeting marks, working at a distance, maintaining focus in distracting environments, and performing complex sequences of behaviors.
Since 2022, I have worked within Chewy's Studio department, handling animal talent for commercial, photography, video, and social media productions. This role has given me experience working with a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other animal actors, ensuring their safety, comfort, and performance during production.
Dog Sports and Performance
I enjoy exploring the many ways dogs can learn, perform, and thrive through sports and enrichment activities. My experience includes training and competing in a variety of dog sports and title programs, including Agility, Flyball, Barn Hunt, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Fetch, Trick Dog, Farm Dog, FitPaws, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Temperament Testing, and Home Manners programs.
These activities not only strengthen the bond between dogs and their handlers but also provide valuable outlets for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and confidence building.