Jaime Caponetta, ABCDT, ACDBCMeet Jaime, the founder and owner of Pawsome University! Jaime left her 9-5 desk job and started her journey as a kennel attendant for a K9 boarding facility before transferring to the Monmouth County SPCA where she gained invaluable animal welfare experience. During her time at the MCSPCA, she was part of the team of handlers that assisted Law Enforcement on the largest case of animal hoarding in NJ. She also completed rigorous schooling to obtain her certification as a K9 trainer from the Animal Behavior College in California.
In 2017 she put her experience to the test and started Pawsome Walks NJ. A Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, and (at the time) Dog Training company. Her training methods and level of care have resulted in countless behavioral transformations, happy pets, and relieved families. Jaime earned the title of Assoc. Certified K9 Behavior Consultant from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Achieved by over 300 recorded hours of behavior consulting, and 150 hours of course work in addition to her standard dog training certification, and is actively expanding on her knowledge through the IAABC's advanced courses. This additional certification and education affords her the skills needed to solve complex behavioral issues that far exceed the abilities of a standard dog trainer. Thus, Pawsome University was born! Jaime is very involved in Animal Welfare. She started the Surrender Intervention Program at the MCSPCA , where she works with the shelter to provide free training to families facing financial hardship who may need to surrender their pet due to behavioral issues. She is a former board member for the Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters. Jaime also sits on the Board of Directors for Foster's Future, a 501(c)3 nonprofit program that provides funds and services to pets in foster care, helping to reduce the number of pets placed in shelters and/or euthanized due to a lack of services. And Jaime is second in command at The Opal Fund, a 501(c)3 in honor of Opal Caponetta, that provides MRI scans to pets suffering from Neurological Disorders. Jaime's vast experience in animal welfare has equipped her for even the most challenging cases, and her unique connection with the dogs in her care is why so many clients and organizations trust her with their pets. |
Jaime & her rescue, Pudge.
Photo: Victor Bubadias Photography Jaime & her rescue / therapy dog, Oaklee
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John CaponettaIf you're looking for the jack of all trades, well here he is! John has 7 years of experience working in Animal Welfare. Not only was he the Supervisor of the Canine Care team at the Monmouth County SPCA, but he played an important role in combating Animal Cruelty in Monmouth County as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer from 2015 - 2020 before leaving to join PU full time. Before dedicating his life to animals, John served his community as an EMT-B and a Dispatcher..
John just has a way about him that makes the most timid or rambunctious of dogs feel calm, cool and collected. While Pawsome University is a Full-Time job, John is still very active within the Animal Welfare world. John is an Instructor for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, and his courses typically focus on Animal Cruelty and Animal Sheltering. John is a former board member for the Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters where he shared his technical expertise, business knowledge, and understanding of dog behavior and animal sheltering to move the organization forward. Like Jaime, John is also a board member of Foster's Future, a 501(c)3 nonprofit program that provides funds and services to pets in foster care, helping to reduce the number of pets placed in shelters and/or euthanized due to a lack of services. After the sudden passing of our dog Opal, John founded The Opal Fund, a 501(c)3 that provides MRI scans to pets suffering from Neurological Disorders. |
John & Jaime have been featured in several articles, podcasts, and radio segments. Check those out here!