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.
Lynadawn grew up in a home that over the years, had a dog, two cats, two turtles, a bird, a rabbit (and a ferret!) After finishing college, she held several demanding positions, including Manager of Customer Service and Flight Department at a corporate airport, Marketing Account Executive for hotels across the country, and Corporate Travel Coordinator and Event Planner for Piedmont Airlines. When she later became a flight attendant, a friend gifted her a six-month-old kitten. Having missed the companionship of a feline, Lynadawn agreed to adopt the kitten on the condition that her friend become her housemate — ensuring Lilliput always got her dinner! That was many years ago, and since then, she has always shared her home with a “fur kid.” Lynadawn moved to Asheville in 1993, where she had a successful career as a decorative artist. She authored two books on the trade and completed projects for the Biltmore House and the High Point Furniture Market, working with Bernhardt Furniture and Martha Stewart. From 2013 to 2015, she served as VP and then President of the International Decorative Art League, helping to launch a mentorship program for young artists. Now retired, Lynadawn volunteers at the Conscious Center for Living and Dying (CCLD), tending to residents at the end of life and educating others in providing direct care for the dying. Spending time with animals is a vital part of Lynadawn’s self-care, and she looks forward to caring for — and giving love to — your beloved pets while you’re 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!
