About Us
Happy Trails Professional Pet Sitting, Dog Walking in Long Valley Since 2002
Owned and operated by Stephanie Brown, who lives with her husband and two boys in Long Valley, NJ.
Happy Trails is now celebrating 21 years of service to the animal-loving community of Long Valley NJ and surrounding area! The company is fully insured & Bonded by Business Insurers of the Carolina’s and a member of PUPs and PSI, both professional pet-sitting organizations. Stephanie is Certified in Domestic Animal CPR and First Aid and is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).
As Owner and Founder of HAPPY TRAILS, she is diligent about staying current with the demands of the pet industry, while still enjoying learning new things!
Every team member that works with Happy Trails is fully vetted, trained and background screened, as well as weeks and months of training to be the perfect addition for your pet/s.
Happy Trails only works with employees, so every team member is backed by Full Liability Insurance as well as Workmen’s Compensation so you have nothing to worry about!
Our Values
At Happy Trails, we are nothing without our team of amazing pet professionals. We find the best, train them to do the best, and encourage them to be the best every day.
We believe in doing the WORK THAT MATTERS. We don’t just play with puppies and kitties all day. It is WAY more than that. We care for some of the most precious things in your life. We are YOU when you can’t be there.
We LIVE for, HIRE for, ACKNOWLEDGE for, and PROMOTE for providing the most trusted care for your most special pets. So much goes into having a consistent and efficient team – especially when you work with so many amazing humans and their pets!
Meet The Team
Stephanie Brown
OWNER
Happy Trails began during Stephanie’s college days as a way of helping family and friends when they had to leave their beloved pets for work or vacation. Initially, Happy Trails was mainly focused on horse care and professional riding, ensuring that client’s horses were kept in top condition. As time went on, Stephanie managed a small horse farm in Far Hills, NJ while she was employed at a renown equine medical facility. Working in veterinary medicine for some of the best veterinarians in NJ increased her desire to offer the best care possible for her own pet-sitting clients. Some of these services included post-surgical cases, as well as basic puppy visits. But soon there was a growing need to offer daily dog walks to clients who worked long hours and felt guilty leaving their furry family member home in a crate all day, and so HAPPY TRAILS was off and running!!
Stephanie meets all potential clients prior to service to ensure that all requested needs can be met, and that the caregiver assigned to the task is the best fit possible. Her animal experience is broad and varied, based not only on her background as a Veterinary Technician in both large and small animal practices for over ten years, but also her exposure to barn life and livestock as a young child.
Stephanie shares family life in Long Valley with their 11-year-old Boxer-mix rescue, Zoey, their 3 yr. old Westie Rescue, Grayson, and their rescued cat, Tini, saved at 3 weeks old after she was abandoned by her mother.
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!
Kristin
Pet Care Specialist
I grew up in Pennsylvania and always had pets to love and take care of. My Great Grandfather built our original lake house there in 1930. We spend a lot of special time there. I love being outdoors and active. I believe there is no such thing as spending too much time with animals whether they are mine, friends, or yours! All of your family’s pets will be given lots of love and care.
Lindsay
Pet Care Specialist
Margarete
Pet Care Specialist
Hi, my name is Margarete, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Happy Trails team! I have always loved animals, and have always had a dog and/or cat as part of my life. I currently have two Golden Retrievers and a cat.
I have three teenage children, and I work full time for a non-profit social service organization. In my downtime, I like to read and walk my dogs.
I’m looking forward to meeting and caring for new animals, and providing Happy Trails families with excellent customer service!
Lauren
Pet Care Specialist
In my spare time, I love to read, walk, and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy volunteering for The Seeing Eye and have raised 2 dogs with the organization. During the school year, I also keep busy by teaching 4th grade! I can’t wait to get to know and love your pets like they are my own!
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.