Welcome to Your Pets at Home! Here’s a bit to know about us! 🐾
We are a passionate group of pet enthusiasts dedicated to helping you care for your fur babies right at home. Our mission is to make pet care accessible and straightforward, blending expert tips with everyday practicality.
Meet Barbara Fitzgerald
Barbara Fitzgerald is an esteemed AKC Breeder of Merit and serves as a Board Member for the North Georgia All Breed Herding Dog Association. She has judged prestigious events like the 2016 BCSA Sweepstakes and co-chaired the 2019 BCSA National Specialty. Barbara has authored the “Conversations with Champions” column for the BCSA magazine, Borderlines, interviewing top canine trainers and breeders. On occasion, she is an AKC herding trial secretary. She is also a contributing editor for The Modern Bark.
Barbara co-runs Solaras Kennels, specializing in training AKC border collies excelling in various competitions. Together with Olga Fitzgerald, they have produced numerous AKC Champions and Grand Champions. Notably, their dog Grand CH Solaras-Callista Cavalcade’s Companion was the number one border collie in the AKC National Owner Handler Series inaugural year.
- View articles by Barbara Fitzgerald.
- Submit a question to Barbara in Ask a Breeder.
Meet Mark dos Anjos, DVM
Dr. Mark is a seasoned mixed animal practitioner with over 40 years of experience working across Africa, Europe, the US, and South America. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. His interests include dermatology, dog training, canine and feline behavior, and exotic animal medicine. Dr. Mark lives on a small ranch in Brazil, where he cares for his horses, sheep, poultry, parrots, and a rescue Capuchin monkey named Niki.
Since moving to a rural region in Brazil, Dr. Mark has been able to work with a variety of wildlife, which he finds immensely rewarding. Notably, his experience with Niki, the Capuchin monkey he rescued, has been one of his most challenging and fulfilling endeavors as a vet.
- View articles by Dr. Mark.
- Submit a question to Dr. Mark in Ask a Vet.
Meet Louise Fiolek
Louise has been writing about her love of pets for over 13 years, helping dog and cat owners better understand their companions’ needs and behaviors. She offers practical tips, from home remedies to knowing when to see a veterinarian, and enjoys studying veterinary medicine and volunteering with animals in her community.
Meet Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST
Adrienne Farricelli is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and behavior consultant with a diploma in Canine Behavior Science and Technology (Dip.CBST).
With over 18 years of experience, including her background as a veterinary assistant and owner of a cageless dog boarding and training center, Adrienne specializes in writing engaging and informative content on a wide range of canine topics.
As a certified professional dog trainer and member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Adrienne is deeply committed to advancing her knowledge in the ever-evolving field of canine behavior. She regularly attends seminars, workshops, and courses to ensure her continuing education stays current with the latest scientific research.
Meet Our Featured Guest Contributors!
Latest Posts
At Your Pets at Home, you can learn more about us by exploring our latest posts:
- Leash Pulling: How to Get Your Dog to Cooperate on Walks
Are you struggling with leash pulling on your daily walks? In this article, Aleksandar shares his story. He explains that dogs pull from fear or excitement, and that calm mental states (not force) build true leash cooperation. - 5 Great Alternatives to Brushing Cats’ Teeth
When looking for alternatives to brushing cats’ teeth, you now have several options to keep their mouth healthy. Dental treats, diets, water additives, topical gels, and oral rinses are some of the choices you can consider depending on your pet’s needs and likes. Here are some tips and recommendations. - Do Pet Probiotics Really Work for Chronic Itching and Allergies?
Pet probiotics are special “good bacteria” supplements that help keep a dog’s stomach healthy and their immune system strong. By balancing the tiny organisms in the gut, these supplements can stop itchy skin and reduce gas. Doing this can even help anxious dogs feel calmer. For the best results, you want to look for high-quality “microencapsulated” versions. We’ll discuss below how these encourage healthy bacteria to survive the trip to your dog’s tummy. - The Complete Guide to Hiking With Your Dog Off-Leash
Hiking with your dog off leash can deepen trust and create a true partnership. But it demands solid recall training, preparation, and awareness of trail etiquette and safety. Not every dog is suited for it, so Aleksandar’s tips that follow will help you start small, read your dog’s signals, and make sure both temperament and training are ready for the challenge! - Swollen Cat Lip? Insights On How to Help
Noticing swelling on your cat’s lip can definitely catch you off guard and present some concerns. Sometimes it’s as simple as chin acne or a mild bite. But a swollen cat lip can also be linked to dental trouble, allergies, or infection, which is why it’s worth paying close attention.