About Us

Stephanie Brown

OWNER

Happy Trails was founded by Stephanie, whose love for animals began long before the business ever did. What started during her college years as a way to help family and friends care for their pets while traveling quickly grew into something much bigger.

Originally focused on horse care and professional riding, Stephanie built her early career managing a small horse farm in Far Hills, NJ while also working at a renowned equine medical facility. With over ten years of experience as a Veterinary Technician in both large and small animal practices, she developed a deep appreciation for attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate animal care.

That veterinary background allowed Happy Trails to naturally expand beyond basic pet sitting to include post-surgical care, puppy visits, and specialized support. As client needs evolved, so did the business—leading to the addition of daily dog walks for busy professionals who wanted peace of mind knowing their pets were receiving exercise, enrichment, and genuine care during the workday.

Today, Stephanie makes sure we meet with all new clients to ensure their needs are fully understood and that each pet is matched with the best possible caregiver. Her broad experience—rooted in veterinary medicine, barn life, and lifelong animal handling—sets the standard for the quality-of-care Happy Trails provides.

When she’s not working, Stephanie enjoys life in Long Valley with her husband and two teenage sons, their spirited Westie rescue Grayson, and their senior rescue cat Tini, who she saved as a three-week-old kitten. In her free time, you’ll often find her competing in agility with Grayson or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Lauren

General Manager

Hi! I’m Lauren, the General Manager here at Happy Trails!!

I’ve been with Happy Trails for over a year, and during that time I’ve grown from working hands-on with pets and clients to supporting our team and overseeing daily operations. In my role as General Manager, I help ensure that every appointment reflects the care, consistency, and professionalism our clients trust us for—and that our team members feel supported and set up for success.

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, especially dogs. My husband and I both grew up in Long Valley and are grateful to now call it home. We share our house with our Golden Retriever, Scooter, a two-year-old, 85-pound lap dog who keeps life joyful and entertaining.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also deeply passionate about volunteering with The Seeing Eye and have raised three puppies for the organization—an experience that shaped my approach to patience, responsibility, and thoughtful animal care.

At Happy Trails, we believe pets are family. I’m proud to be part of a team that shows up with intention, communicates with care, and treats every pet and home as if it were our own.

Lindsay

Senior Team Lead

Hi! I’m Lindsay.

I’ve been part of the Happy Trails team for over four years and serve as a Team Lead, primarily supporting our clients and team behind the scenes. While I’m not always out in the field, I play a key role in making sure our days run smoothly—supporting team members, overseeing schedules and communication, and helping ensure that every client receives the consistent, high-quality care Happy Trails is known for.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve truly never been without a furry (or feathered or finned) companion. Over the years, I’ve worked in boarding stables throughout high school and college, cared for hobby farm animals, kept aquariums and small critters, and have always shared my home with at least one dog and cat. That wide range of experience has given me a deep understanding of animal behavior, routines, and the level of care pets deserve.

I live in Washington with my husband, our big dog, and our kitty—who keep life full, busy, and entertaining. Whether I’m directly caring for pets or supporting the team that does, I approach my work with thoughtfulness, reliability, and a genuine love for animals and the people who care for them.

I’m proud to support both our clients and our team and to help uphold the trust families place in Happy Trails every single day. I look forward to caring for your pets and supporting the team that loves them, too.

Kristin

Senior Team Lead

Hi! I’m Kristin.

I’ve been part of the Happy Trails team for over three years and currently serve as both a Team Lead and Team Trainer. In these roles, I support our team in the field, help train new hires, and ensure that the level of care our clients expect is delivered consistently and thoughtfully. I’m honored to be trusted by so many of our long-time clients and their pets, and building those lasting relationships is one of my favorite parts of this work.

I’ve lived in Long Valley for 18 years and am deeply connected to the community. I’m married with two daughters, and as our youngest heads off to college, my husband and I are entering our “empty nester” era. Outside of work, family time is incredibly important to me. I grew up in Pennsylvania surrounded by animals and spent much of my childhood at our family’s lake house—built by my great-grandfather in 1930—which remains a place full of special memories.

I love being outdoors, staying active, and spending time with animals of all kinds. I truly believe there’s no such thing as too much time spent with pets—whether they’re my own, a friend’s, or yours. I approach every appointment with care, patience, and attention to detail, and I treat each pet as if they were part of my own family.

I’m proud to be part of the Happy Trails team and to help uphold the trust our clients place in us every day.

Margarete

Team Lead

I’ve been part of the Happy Trails team for over a year and serve as an On-Call Manager and Team Lead, stepping in behind the scenes whenever extra support is needed. Whether that means helping cover shifts, supporting team members in the field, or ensuring client needs are met during busy or unexpected moments, I’m always happy to jump in and help keep things running smoothly.

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember and have always had a dog and/or cat as part of my life. Currently, my home is shared with two Golden Retrievers and a cat, who keep me on my toes and remind me daily how important patience, routine, and attentive care truly are.

Outside of Happy Trails, I’m a full-time professional working for a non-profit social service organization and am also a mom to three teenage children. Both roles have strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and respond thoughtfully—skills I bring with me into every aspect of my work here.

In my downtime, I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors walking my dogs. I take great pride in providing excellent customer service and supporting both pets and people with care, consistency, and compassion. I’m grateful to be part of a team that values reliability and heart-centered care, and I look forward to continuing to support Happy Trails families whenever I’m needed.

Caroline

Pet Care Specialist

I have a poodle at home along with birds and guinea pigs. I also ride horses and have a thoroughbred named Solo, we hope to start showing this year!

Darla

Pet Care Specialist

Hello, I am Darla, retired Air Traffic Controller

I enjoy all pets, all the time! My household has 2 dogs and a cat.

I moved to NJ in 2022 to be closer to family and I love it here! Don’t plan on leaving. I cannot wait to make your pets day better!!

Bonnie

Pet Care Specialist

My name is Bonnie, and I am happy to be a part of the Happy Trails team!

I grew up in a large family of animal lovers and we always had pets – dogs, cats, a guinea pig, and rabbits. Compassion toward animals was a way of life; there was always a pet to be rescued or a stray to be fed.

My love for animals extended to my adult life. I was a veterinary assistant during summers in college. I had my own beloved black labrador retriever, Allie, whom I was privileged to care for from the time she was a puppy until the end of her life. During this time, I also volunteered for Puppies Behind Bars, an organization that trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs. The puppies required extensive socialization in different environments, so I would happily host a puppy most weekends for a couple of years. It was a wonderfully enriching experience!

My husband and I now have a new fur baby, Jaker, who is an 8-month-old yellow labrador retriever. He is full of energy and adventure, and he is our love and joy! We never tire of his non-stop wagging tail!

I believe that our pets deserve the best care – love, play, good food, and as much exercise as they desire! I care for my family and friends’ pets just like my own! Pets’ trust in their caregivers is paramount and I always strive to earn that trust.

I am an artist (Textile Designer) by profession and enjoy all things creative. I am an avid exerciser and love the outdoors, especially working in my flower garden and long walks with my dog. I am excited to share my passion for animals with others!

Charley

Pet Care Specialist

Hi, my name is Charley. I’m a dog mom to the best Old English Sheepdog/Poodle Mix-Sheepadoodle for short. I also have a Crested Gecko and Hamster!

In my spare time I read, hang out with my dog, try out new recipes, and occasionally play video games!

I am looking forward to meeting your pets! Thank you for trusting me in caring for your fur babies!

Paige

Pet Care Specialist

Hi! My name is Paige, and I am currently a college student going into my senior year as a psychology major!

Growing up I have always had lots of pets like cats, dogs, and ferrets. Right now I have a 14 year old chihuahua-pug mix as well as six cats (who are basically my children).

I’ve always wanted to have the opportunity to care for animals in a professional setting so I’m super excited to be working for Happy Trails and I can’t wait to care for and spoil your pets with lots of love!

Brianna

Pet Care Specialist

Hi! I’m Brianna, and I’m so excited to be apart of the Happy Trails family! I grew up in the peaceful town of Long Valley, NJ, where my love for animals and the outdoors began. At 15, I got my first dog and quickly learned just how rewarding (and fun!) pet care can be.

By day, I’m a kindergarten teacher, and in my free time, I love to crochet, run, and spend time with my family. I recently adopted two sweet rescue cats—brother and sister—and my passion for caring for animals just keeps growing.

Whether it’s a walk around the block or some extra love while you’re away, your pets will be treated like family. I can’t wait to meet your furry friends!

Kelby

Pet Care Specialist

Hi, my name is Kelby. I am a sophomore at Centenary University majoring in exercise science. My whole life I have had a love for all different animals. I have an American fox hound named Mickey, who is a little over 12 years old. When I grow up and move into my own house I want to have a few rescue dogs. I can’t wait to meet and care for your pets.

Brenden

Pet Care Specialist

Hello! My name is Brenden. I worked as a School Counselor for about 15 years. I am originally from Pennsylvania, but moved to this area with my wife around five years ago. I am the father to two wonderful daughters. In my spare time I love going to see live music/concerts. Animals have always been a huge part of my life and my families. I’m thankful to be joining the Happy Trails Team and I appreciate the opportunity to spend quality time with your pets.

Carolyn

Pet Care Specialist

Hello! I’m Carolyn (aka CJ). As a lifelong animal lover, I’m excited to be a part of the Happy Trails team. I spent 40 years in the corporate world. Now, I have the opportunity to care for the precious animals in your lives.

I grew up with many pets, but dogs are my passion. Some pet highlights in my life were to obtain an obedience title with my Golden Retriever and raising three puppies for The Seeing Eye with my family.

I currently volunteer with Eleventh Hour Rescue where my love of dogs and photography brings me great joy. In my spare time, I enjoy home improvement and hiking in the NC Blue Ridge mountains. I look forward to meeting your fur babies.

Hope

Pet Care Specialist

I’ve always been a dog lover, so it was especially hard to move away when I went off to college. Now I’m back in New Jersey, but my parents have moved, so I look forward to looking after your furry family members in lieu of my own!

I’m a Hunterdon county native who enjoys going for walks, people watching, and reading & writing. I have an English degree from Mount Holyoke College that I use to write poems about animals,, observations, and my own antics.

Kacey

Pet Care Specialist

Hello I am Kacey,

I am a senior at Centenary college. I am majoring in Equine Science and minoring in Biology. I love horses but I do love dogs just as much. I also have previous experience pet sitting and dog walking. I cannot wait to meet and spoil your pets like my own!

Karen

Pet Care Specialist

Hi, I’m Karen! I’m a proud mom of three—one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school—so life is always full and exciting.

Our home is shared with our sweet dog, Pepper, a lovable mini Australian Labradoodle, and our two quirky cats, Honuse and Baenuse (originally Honey and Peanut, but renamed by my son… and the new names stuck!). The cats are sisters, and we rescued them seven years ago.

I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past 12 years, since our youngest was born, and it’s been the most rewarding role of my life. Before that, I spent 18 years working in HR outsourcing, staying with the same company through seven mergers and acquisitions.

I have a deep love for nature and animals, and I find joy in spending time outdoors. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and a little retail therapy now and then. My husband works from home, so our house is always buzzing with activity—and love.

Morgan

Pet Care Specialist

Hi, my name is Morgan, I am so excited to be a part of the Happy Trails team! I am from Chester. I am a huge animal lover – I currently have a 5 month old Newfoundland and have grown up around Mastiffs my entire life. I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. Whether it’s a long walk, some playtime, or a quick check in I treat every pet like my own.