Makenzy has been professionally working with animals for nearly a decade, caring for a diverse range of pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, and farm animals. Her passion for animal care was profoundly shaped by a personal health challenge that began in 2020. Limited in her ability to work due to her condition at the time, she turned to professional pet sitting through Rover, seeking both comfort and joy during a period of uncertainty. What began as a way to bring companionship into her life soon became a critical part of her healing journey and life's purpose. After earning a significant number of five-star reviews and experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding reliable pet care, Makenzy recognized a greater need for skilled, compassionate, and reliable pet sitters—leading her to establish Zippy Pets.
Makenzy is currently studying Canine Behavior and Ethology through BHARCS Academy and plans to expand her expertise in pet health, nutrition, and healing. She is also deepening her knowledge of holistic animal care by training with the founders of Genius Frequency Methodologies, an alternative healing approach based on the work of Dr. Brian & Chelsea Rae Lumb. Through this training, she aims to integrate a unique form of care that supports pets on a deeper, energetic level—helping them release stored stress, increase vitality, and achieve greater well-being.
Makenzy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Frostburg State University in 2019 with a degree in Biology, earning a place on the Dean’s List while balancing full-time work and volunteer service with AmeriCorps. Shortly after graduation, she and her husband relocated to Asheville, where she has continued to build a thriving pet care community. Outside of her work, Makenzy enjoys being a mother to a sweet one year old girl, strength training, seeing live music, and spending time with her beloved one-eyed cat, Ganymede. She is overjoyed to elevate the current standard of pet care while making a positive difference in the lives of each client, their pets, and the Zippy team!
With a lifelong passion for animals, Joe's journey began in a household surrounded by various pets, nurturing his deep connection with animals from a young age. This early exposure not only shaped his personal life but also paved the way for his professional career. Joe's academic pursuit in biology, coupled with his close relationships with wildlife enthusiasts, has aided in his understanding of animal behavior and biology. His blend of hands-on experience and academic knowledge grants him a unique perspective on both domestic and wild animals.
At the core of Joe's philosophy is the belief that pets are special members of the family. He approaches each pet with patience, treating them with the utmost care and attention they deserve. What sets Joe apart in his pet sitting endeavors is the bond he forms with each animal. He finds that the longer he works with a pet, the stronger the connection, making every pet sitting experience uniquely fulfilling and heartwarming.
Outside of his devotion to animals, Joe is a self-proclaimed nerd and a serial entrepreneur, always on the lookout for new ventures and ideas. His role at Zippy Pets embodies his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to offering exceptional pet care services. For those in need of a trustworthy and compassionate caretaker for their pets, whether for short trips or regular care, Joe is committed to ensuring that every pet is not only looked after but also cherished and loved.
Meet Carson, one of our pet sitters who specializes in overnight care, pet hikes, & pet taxis! Carson was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, but fell in love with North Carolina over a span of 10 years while going to Camp Illahee in Brevard. It was at camp that she developed her love for caring for others, adopting a gentle and kind attitude towards all creatures, big & small! As fate would have it, she has returned to NC to reconnect with her roots, explore nature, spread love & mental health awareness, and finish her studies in school.
Personally, Carson has struggled with the loss of both her parents at a young age due to mental health problems, and it is her wish to bring love, light, & joy into the lives of those around her, to remind people that no matter what you’re going through, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Creating art is her deepest passion in life, and her fiercest daydream is to become an Art Therapist, to help others struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, disease, trauma, and anything that falls under the mental health umbrella.
Carson has a huge heart & a deep love for all animals, and tends to them dearly! She lives with her precious black kitty, Grimm, named after her love for fairytales while growing up through some pretty difficult situations!
Kate is a North Carolina native who has always had a deep love for animals. Growing up in a household filled with a variety of pets including dogs, cats, bunnies, and birds — she developed a lifelong bond with animals. Today, Kate shares her home with a puppy, two cats, and several aquariums!
Kate’s commitment to compassionate care is rooted in her values of kindness, communication and trust. She’s had a growing interest in dog training and nutrition giving her a unique perspective on animal behavior and wellness. Kate also has a background in management so she deeply understands the importance of communication, reliability, and trust.
Outside of pet care, Kate enjoys making art of all kinds, exploring the outdoors with her dog Sawyer, and spending time with friends playing board games or a competitive kickball match!
From daily walks to overnight stays, Kate’s compassionate and intuitive nature offers dependable, experienced care, ensuring your pets are safe, happy and well loved during your time away.
Ken is new to the Asheville area, having relocated to be closer to his children and grandchildren alongside his lovely wife, Elicia. Originally from Central Florida, Ken’s love for animals began at an early age and has remained a constant throughout his life.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Ken served as a Law Enforcement Specialist before transitioning into entrepreneurship, owning and operating a Solar Control Window Film business for 37 years. His years of service instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, reliability, and commitment—values he now brings to pet care.
Ken is passionate about providing safe, attentive, and loving care to every pet he meets. Whether it’s a drop-in visit, a walk, a scenic hike, or an overnight stay, you can trust that your furry friend will be treated with the same care and devotion as you would give them yourself.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Ken has logged over 500 miles hiking the Appalachian Trail and enjoys exploring Asheville’s beautiful trails. His love for nature and animals makes him a perfect fit for pets who enjoy adventure, exercise, and companionship.
Ken looks forward to meeting you and your pets, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and well cared for while you’re away!
Sav has been caring for animals her entire life, and nothing brings her more joy than ensuring pets feel safe, loved, and well cared for while their parents are away. As an experienced overnight and weekend pet sitter, she takes the stress out of travel plans by providing dependable, compassionate care for all kinds of animals—including dogs, cats, horses, goats, and even goldfish. She has looked after as many as ten pets at once and always tailors her care to meet each animal’s unique needs, whether that means long walks, special diets, medication routines, or just extra snuggles.
Sav studied public health with a focus on environmental health, giving her a holistic approach to pet well-being. She prioritizes a safe, stress-free experience for both pets and their humans and believes a clean, comfortable environment is just as important for animals as it is for their people. That’s why she keeps homes tidy during her stays—because nothing feels better than coming home to a happy pet and a fresh space.
When she’s not pet sitting, Savannah is plant-sitting and cultivating her own greenery, embracing her love for the great outdoors. You’ll often find her camping, fishing (or both!), playing soccer, or rock climbing—anything that keeps her moving and connected to nature.
Savannah’s goal is simple: to take the pressure off pet parents so they can fully enjoy their time away, knowing their animals are in the best hands. Whether she’s caring for a single pet or a small farm, she brings consciousness, reliability, and a whole lot of love to every home she visits.
