About Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Hello! My name is Bridget, and I began Happy Tails Travel Inc because I am passionate about animals and the healing and pleasure they bring to those that love them.

Because of today’s transient society and love and devotion to their animals, many people require assistance when moving their four footed or two feathered family members. I enjoy the challenge of coordinating a smooth move!

I have always loved animals, and today share my house with my husband, bird, and 5 cats. I have been a registered nurse since 1986 and am now retired from the profession.

Having a company where I can help pets and their families reunite through relocations and adoptions has brought joy to my life!

Elaine has three degrees in hospitality and tourism. She received her Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Tech and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida. Her work experience prior to joining Happy Tails Travel includes working in boutique hotels and working for Walt Disney World handling guest services, events, and reservations.

Elaine started working for Happy Tails Travel in 2014 as a Pet Travel Specialist, arranging both domestic and international pet relocation. Now Elaine has obtained the role of managing the Pet Information Desk and works more behind the scenes. She corresponds with potential clients making sure all of their questions are answered, prepares contracts and sends clients important information such as estimates, country requirements and crate shopping lists.

"I have a passion for travel and am an animal lover, so the opportunity to work for Happy Tails Travel combines the best of both worlds!"

— Elaine

Melissa has worked for years in various administrative and office management positions, in many different business backgrounds from film production to real estate to travel. She has been a perpetual student at the college level for the past 10 years+ and has earned 2 degrees with honors in Art History and General Ed.

Melissa is currently fulfilling the role of a Pet Travel Specialist for Happy Tails Travel, as well as taking on many administrative duties including office management, supply inventory and ordering, social media marketing and management and more. Her experience in the travel industry combined with her love for animals makes her job here at Happy Tails Travel something she truly enjoys.

“I believe that pets enrich our lives in a way that nothing else can! My own dogs – River, Tacoma Jean & Luna (the newest addition to our family) are the loves of my life and they make even my worst days better with no more than a wag of the tail. Having the opportunity to work in a position where I get to help people keep their families together and safely move their fur babies across the country, or the world is truly a dream come true!”

— Melissa

Kim has worked in hospitality, travel, and management for more than 15 years. She has an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management and a Bachelors in Business Management. Her passions include: travel, animals, and helping people, which is why she chose to come to Happy Tails!

Kim works in all areas of the administrative side of Happy Tails, as well as building up her clientele as a Pet Travel Specialist. She recently returned from living overseas in Japan for 3 years with her husband, 11-yr old mini Schnauzer rescue, Lil Bit, and her 2-yr old Japanese tabby cat sister, Ōjo (pronounced O-joe, meaning Princess in Japanese), who was rescued as a stray.

“My fur babies mean the world to me – I couldn’t imagine life without them! They’ve been my family through thick and thin! I’m so glad to have the opportunities to travel and bring them with me!”

- Kim

Debbie joins the team with multiple degrees in Business and a Bachelor’s of Science in Emergency Services Administration from Northern Arizona University. She has years of experience in office management & administration, as well as, animal welfare. 

Debbie works in all areas of the administrative side of Happy Tails Travel, as well as assisting the Pet Travel Specialists. Debbie joins the team after spending the past 10 years PCS'ing between Alaska, Hawaii & Georgia with her military family. Being able to settle down and join an amazing company which helps so many people & animals daily is what led her to Happy Tails Travel. 

One of her favorite quotes is: "A hundred years from now it will not matter the sort of house I lived in, what my bank account was, or the car I drove...but the world maybe different because I was important in the life of the animals & creatures in this earth." - Author Unknown.