About Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Bridget Monrad

RN RET, Founder & CEO, Happy Tails Travel, Inc. 

I’m Bridget, and I founded Happy Tails Travel in 1995. What started as a dream has grown into a company dedicated to providing safe, comfortable, and compassionate travel solutions for pets. Over the past 30 years, my passion for exceptional pet care has only deepened.

From a young age, I’ve felt a profound connection with animals—pets naturally gravitate toward me, sensing how deeply I understand them. Before launching Happy Tails Travel, I worked as a Registered Nurse specializing in psychiatric care. This experience strengthened my empathy, ethics, and dedication—values that remain at the heart of my business today.

As the pet travel industry evolves, I stay committed to innovation and excellence, ensuring that Happy Tails Travel continues to set the standard for safety and customer care. Our success wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, who share my passion and commitment to animals’ well-being.

Running a business that prioritizes exceptional customer service while ensuring pets’ safety and comfort has been a dream come true. It all began with a simple question: “If you could do anything, what would it be?” My answer was clear—work with animals. Four months of research later, Happy Tails Travel was born, and I’ve never looked back.

I’m grateful for the support of my team, clients, and partners who share my love for pets. Together, we’re making travel safer and more comfortable for animals everywhere.

“Nothing is impossible—the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”
– Audrey Hepburn

-Bridget 

Kim

Pet Travel Specialist/Domestic Manager

With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, travel, and management, Kim brings a wealth of expertise to the Happy Tails Travel team. She holds an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Kim’s passion for travel, animals, and helping others perfectly aligns with her decision to join Happy Tails in 2017.

While her dream job has always been to work directly with animals, Kim’s position with Happy Tails Travel has proven to be the perfect fit, combining her professional knowledge, capabilities, and personal passions in a way that aligns with her current season of life. Starting as an Administrative Assistant, she has advanced through various roles, from Pet Travel Specialist to Manager. In her current position, she oversees many internal aspects of the business, including staff training, development, and leadership. Additionally, Kim serves as a key point of contact for both clients and external partners. One of her favorite aspects of her job is managing the paperwork, particularly for travel to Hawaii. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that all required documentation is obtained and processed in a timely manner. Kim’s personal experience with the pet quarantine process, having moved to and from Japan with her late miniature Schnauzer, further strengthens her expertise in this area.

Outside of work, Kim is the proud pet parent to two rescue cats, one Japanese Tabby and one Russian Blue, and a devoted mother to two wonderful children.

“My furbabies mean the world to me,” she shares. “I couldn’t imagine life without them. They’ve been my family through thick and thin. I’m grateful to work for a place that values pets as part of the family just as much as I do!”

- Kim

Samantha

Pet Travel Specialist

Samantha brings a wealth of experience and genuine heart to every family she assists. With many years in hospitality and animal care, she has developed a deep understanding of both people and pets—and the special connection between them. As the former manager of an animal boarding facility, Samantha became well versed in the unique needs of a wide variety of breeds. She worked especially closely with German Shepherds, as the facility also served as a breeder, giving her firsthand experience in caring for dogs at every stage of life.

Helping to ease the stress of both pets and their families during times of change has always brought Samantha great joy. She takes pride in creating smooth, comforting transitions for every animal in her care, treating each one as if they were her own.

Since joining Happy Tails Travel in 2023 as a Pet Travel Specialist, Samantha has found a new passion in helping families stay connected—no matter where life takes them. Whether across the country or around the world, she finds fulfillment in ensuring every pet’s journey is handled with compassion, care, and the utmost attention to detail.

“Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.”

-Samantha

Kat

Pet Travel Specialist

Kat has dedicated her life to the welfare and understanding of animals. Her journey began in her teenage years, when she had the rare opportunity to work closely with large cats. Witnessing their strength, intelligence, and emotional depth firsthand instilled in her a profound respect for all animals. That experience shaped her belief that every creature—whether domestic or wild—deserves compassion, dignity, and gentle care.

Over the years, Kat’s passion grew into a meaningful career focused on supporting pets and their families through the challenges of travel, safety, and wellbeing. With a background rooted in animal advocacy and hands-on care, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort and humane treatment of animals across countless situations and journeys.

Her early involvement with rescue organizations further strengthened her commitment to ethical care—values that remain at the heart of her work today. Kat continues to advocate for understanding, patience, and kindness in every interaction, helping pets and their people feel supported, informed, and at ease.

“ Animals are not just companions—they are family, teachers, and the purest reflections of love.”

- Kat

Sherry

Administrative Specialist

Sherry’s extensive experience as an Executive Administrative Specialist has provided her with a unique skill set that makes her an invaluable asset to Happy Tails Travel. With a background in managing high-level calendars and coordinating both domestic and international business trips, she brings a sharp attention to detail and exceptional multi-tasking abilities to her role.

As a military spouse for over 20 years, Sherry is highly experienced in relocating with pets—having done so personally and now professionally. She understands the complexities of moving with animals and works tirelessly to ensure clients are fully informed about their pets' travel options.

Her passion for helping brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog and cat breeds, which she has a personal connection to with four of her own, sets her apart in the industry. Sherry knows firsthand the challenges these breeds face when traveling and relocating and is committed to providing the best support for these special pets.

"If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life."

-Sherry

Elaine

Ph.D., Project Manager

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. Elaine then went on to becoming Project Manager, working more behind the scenes, analyzing the business and ensuring the company had the needed tools to run efficiently and successfully.

"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