Personalized pet care with heart
Hi, I’m Leo, the owner and founder of Snuggle n’ Stride, a pet care business serving the Greater Seattle area! We are licensed, bonded and insured.
I’ve held a deep fondness and devotion for animals for as long as I can remember. When I was in fifth grade, I made my first donation to an animal shelter by hosting a fundraiser at school. That fundraiser? Asking teachers, families, and students to put money in my Zoey 101-themed piggy bank, which of course looked like a sparkly locker.
Fast forward to 2014, when I adopted my pitbull, Simba. He actually came with the house I moved into during college—left behind by his original owner. Unlike my family’s past dogs, Simba had aggression issues due to inconsistent care from a revolving door of college students (myself included). None of us really knew what we were doing. My family gifted me with an in-home dog trainer, and through him, I learned the basics of structured training.
Unfortunately, this trainer used balanced methods, which included corrections that were ultimately damaging—not just for Simba and our bond, but for my own soul. At the time, I didn’t know there was a better way.
Force-Free Training & A New Perspective
In 2024, I took a force-free training class with my current dog, Ziggy. This was a game-changer. I realized that I could strengthen my bond with dogs while using methods rooted in kindness, respect, and trust—and the best part? It worked.
Giving Ziggy treats, toys, playtime, and the freedom to be a dog fostered so much joy for our family. He became more willing and able to behave positively when we focused on meeting his needs rather than punishing him. I could never imagine going back to balanced methods again.
This journey fuels my passion for working with animals today. They bring me into the present moment like nothing else. Plus, they’re just adorable. If I had a nickel for every time I looked at an animal and said, “awwwww,” I’d, well… have a lot more money lol.
Our Philosophy
At Snuggle n’ Stride, we believe that every pet deserves kindness, patience, and respect. That’s why we use force-free handling—a humane, science-based approach that builds trust and encourages positive behaviors without fear or punishment.
We focus on:
✔ Positive Reinforcement – Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play to make learning fun and stress-free.
✔ Fear-Free Techniques – Avoiding punishment, harsh corrections, or equipment that causes discomfort (like prong, choke, or shock collars).
✔ Respect & Communication – Understanding each pet’s body language, emotions, and comfort level to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
All of our pet care specialists are trained in using treats, praise, and toys to reinforce desired behavior. We avoid punishment-based methods like leash corrections or dominance tactics.
Every pet care specialist is trained in recognizing stress signals and responding with invitations to engage and be handled. We value prompt communication, and we reach out to pet parents and our team if assistance to handle your pets safely is needed.
We are currently gathering funds to offer scholarships for our staff who want to attend force-free training certification programs.
Why It Matters
Force-free handling helps pets feel safe, happy, and confident, leading to better behavior and a stronger bonds. Whether we’re on a walk, offering pet sitting, or providing other sources of enrichment, we always prioritize your pet’s well-being and comfort.
Why Choose Us?
🐾 Trust & Transparency – You’ll always know who is caring for your pet.
🐾 Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement Approach – Built on kindness, respect, and fun!
🐾 Adventure-Based Walks & Enrichment – We provide more than just potty breaks.
🐾 Reliable & Flexible Scheduling – Designed to fit your routine.
🐾 Serving the Greater Seattle area – Locally owned, community-focused.
My goal is to spread the joy that positive training and consistent care have brought into my own life—straight to you and your pets.
👉 Ready to give your pet the best care possible? Contact us today to book a service!
Fundraising
We’re not a non-profit, but we fundraise for organizations we value deeply. 10% of tips are dispersed evenly to the organizations below.
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE)
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is a nonprofit organization focused on addressing biases in animal welfare and promoting inclusivity for marginalized communities.
They provide services such as:
✔ Community Animal CARE (CAC), which offers veterinary support and behavioral training to prevent pet surrenders
✔ CARE Centers, investing in community leaders to create sustainable solutions
✔ Circle of Learning and Leadership, educating on racial equity in animal welfare
They also work to change narratives by sharing diverse stories that highlight the connection between human and animal well-being. Through these initiatives, CARE aims to build a more inclusive and equitable animal welfare system.
First Nations Veterinary is a Native-led nonprofit that provides free veterinary care to pets on Native American reservations. Their services include spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and flea & tick prevention, offered through on-site clinics in reservation communities.
The organization also allows supporters to sponsor animals, covering essential medical treatments, and welcomes volunteers, including veterinarians and technicians, to assist with their work. By offering accessible veterinary care and promoting responsible pet ownership, First Nations Veterinary helps improve the health and well-being of animals in Native communities.
First Nations Vet
VINE Sanctuary, an LGBTQ-led farm animal refuge, provides a safe haven for over 600 animals, including chickens, cows, ducks, goats, and more, rescued from various forms of exploitation.
Beyond offering sanctuary, VINE engages in educational and advocacy initiatives, such as:
✔ Organizing workshops on organic gardening
✔ Participating in conferences on decolonial approaches to animal advocacy
✔ Coordinating local humane education programs for children
The organization also maintains a Free Seed Library at the local public library and collaborates with other nonprofits to create volunteer opportunities for diverse groups, including young people and survivors of violence.
Through these efforts, VINE Sanctuary promotes social and environmental justice alongside animal liberation.