About Us

Meet the Owner

Sunshine-Gentile-Owner

Sunshine Gentile

Owner

Hi, I’m Sunshine, the owner of At Home Pet Care, LLC.

After moving to Apple Valley, MN and settling my kids in school, I fell in love with walking our newly adopted puppy. Her joy sparked an idea—what if this could be my job? That idea grew from a few business cards into working for, then owning, this company.

Since then, I’ve walked thousands of miles, carried heavy food bags, soothed nervous pet parents, and shoveled snowy paths to reach clients. I’ve built bonds with shy pets and mentored a team of sitters who care deeply—just like I do.

We write “Nose Boop” journals, go the extra mile, and never charge holiday or cancellation fees. Our clients feel our heart.

There’s no script for this job, but every day, I’m grateful. Grateful to be trusted. Grateful to lead with joy. And grateful to love what I do—helping pets and their people breathe easier.

Meet the Team

Heidi Zazza

Caytlyn

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I’m a Minnesota native, though my family and I spent some time living in South Carolina before returning home to Farmington, MN . These days, we’re joyfully claimed by three blessings: Buddy and Shadow (our black cats) and Muffin, a tuxedo girl who pretends she’s just like her older siblings—drama and all. 

I’ve worked with animals my whole life, starting young on our family’s farm and nearby farmsteads. Cats are where I have the most experience, but I truly love all animals. My attention to detail helps me tune in to each pet’s personality, habits, and needs.

One time, a family I care for told me they read my journal entries to a classroom of students—and even asked to take a photo of me with their pet to share with friends and coworkers. That meant the world to me. It’s those moments that remind me that this is my calling.

Heidi Zazza

Veronica

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I’m a long-time Minnesotan, and while it might sound cliché, spring and fall are my favorite seasons here—everything just feels a little more alive (or less frozen!). I’ve had pets by my side since I was five: a calico tabby, a Rottweiler, a Cocker Spaniel, a white Persian Angora, a tuxedo cat, and a Maine Coon lookalike, to name a few.

For the past three years, I’ve been professionally pet sitting, but caring for animals has always been second nature. I bring a calm, patient energy to every visit, and getting to know the uniqueness of every bundle of fluff is something I genuinely love.

One of my favorite memories is of an elderly doodle who couldn’t play anymore. She’d just rest her head in my hand, and we’d sit in quiet companionship. Her tail-wag goodbye each time as she walked me to the door at the end of each visit, reminded me how meaningful even the simplest moments can be in this work.

Heidi Zazza

Lyndsey

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I was born and raised in Dakota County and have lived in both Apple Valley and Eagan—so I know the area like the back of my hand. I share life with Bear, my high-energy Belgian Tervuren, who’s taught me plenty about leash strength and walking etiquette!

I’ve worked with dogs for over eight years, mostly in doggy daycare and puppy playtime classes. That experience gave me a chance to meet all kinds of breeds and personalities—and learn how to read body language and subtle cues. Since pets don’t speak our language, intuition matters.

What I love most is building trust. Whether it’s a cautious pup warming up or a cat offering up its belly for rubs (a true jackpot moment!), I never take that connection for granted. Every pet is different, and getting to know their quirks and comforts is one of the best parts of this job.

Heidi Zazza

Lydia

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

After 8+ years with At Home Pet Care, I’ve walked dogs through blizzards, befriended shy cats with the power of patience (and treats), and learned that no two pets—or Tuesdays—are the same. I grew up in the great state of Ohio but have spent the last 22 years here in Minnesota, where I live with two humans and one very bossy cat.

I’ve always believed that pet care isn’t just about feeding bowls and scooping litter—it’s about making animals feel safe, seen, and genuinely loved while their people are away. I know how much trust it takes to hand over the leash or the house key, and I don’t take that lightly.

The best part of my job is the tail-wags and purrs that say, “Hey, I remember you. You’re one of the good ones.” That never gets old.

Heidi Zazza

Mary

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and moved to Minnesota in 1990 for work—I’ve been here ever since. Now retired, I’m thrilled to spend my days caring for pets as part of the At Home Pet Care team. I’ve been with AHPC for six years and feel lucky to be the “auntie” to so many animals.

At home, I recently adopted an 8-month-old tabby named Sophie. I’ve cared for everything from dogs and cats to bunnies, geckos, and hamsters, and I bring a calm, detail-oriented approach to every visit. I love noticing the small things that help pets feel safe and relaxed.

Before retiring, I worked in customer service, where I learned how important it is to really listen. That skill has carried over beautifully into pet care. I’m most proud of the quiet wins—like when a shy pet finally comes out to greet me. It’s the best feeling.

Heidi Zazza

Skyler

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I’m originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, now loving life in Burnsville, MN. At home, I’m officially “owned” by Piper, a mini dachshund with enough sass to keep me on my toes. My family back in La Crosse has a spunky German Shepherd/Collie mix named Hudson, who’s basically the neighborhood’s favorite.

Before joining At Home Pet Care, I worked at a dog kennel where I got my daily dose of pup cuddles and learned a ton about the different personalities dogs bring to the table. I’ve also cared for cats, but dogs really steal my heart.

One moment that sticks with me is when a nervous mom dropped off her 15-year-old senior dog for boarding. She was anxious, so I walked her back to help set up the kennel just right. Seeing her relax knowing her fur baby was in good hands—that’s what this job is all about.

Heidi Zazza

Sally

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Born and raised in Apple Valley, Minnesota, I live under the reign of two cats: a playful orange tabby and a shy black American Shorthair. Animals have been part of my life forever — from cats and dogs to hamsters, birds, and even farm animals like chickens, pigs, and horses. If it has fur, fins, or feathers, I’ve probably given it a treat!

I’m calm, gentle, and patient—knowing just when to play, cuddle, or give a shy pet space to warm up. What I love most about this job is the bond that grows with each animal—especially those unexpected zoomies—and the trust that lets them feel safe and happy while their humans are away.

Volunteering years at a local shelter taught me compassion and animal resilience. One proud moment? When a nervous rescue dog finally let me scratch his belly after weeks—it felt like winning a fluffy trophy!

Heidi Zazza

Remi

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I’m originally from Brownsville, MN, and have been calling Shakopee home for the past four years. I share my space with Lovely, my spirited white pitbull who keeps life interesting.

With five years of experience caring mostly for dogs, I’ve learned that every pet has their own goofy and lovable personality—and I love discovering what makes each one unique. I’m detail-oriented, so I catch those little things that help pets feel safe and comfortable.

For me, nothing beats hearing from happy clients who appreciate having their pets cared for by someone they trust.