NONA PAWS PET SITTING
I’ve always been a pet-lover, but my career path didn’t initially take me down that route. After graduating from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with my BS in Psychology and M.Ed in School Counseling, I moved to Florida to begin my career as a School Counselor. I worked at Lake Nona Middle School as a School Counselor for 11 years and for many years was very active in the triathlon community competing in several half and full Ironman triathlons. This led to several injuries including hip surgery. I had to seriously rethink if my body could handle that level of activity anymore. One day after hip surgery my mom said to me, "You should go on a walk. A short walk. Like what normal people do." I told her that that was boring and I would only want to go for a walk if I had a dog to walk. And that is how it began.
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While Nona Paws started as more of a hobby for me to stay active, it quickly transformed into my passion and career. I became Pet CPR and First Aid Certified and developed relationships with other pet care professionals. The more the business grew, the more I noticed the need for trustworthy pet-sitting, dog-walking and pet-care services for the Lake Nona community. This need combined with my passion has led me to expand by bringing on the most qualified pet-service providers to assist me. My team is comprised of first-rate professionals who have undergone extensive background checks so you can rest assured knowing your pets are under proper care. We understand that not any two households or pets are the same, which is why we offer customized services to fit you and your pet's unique needs. No matter your personal-pet care plan, you will have peace of mind knowing that your pet can stay in the safety and comfort of your home and maintain their routine while you are away.
Welcome to the Nona Paws family. We can't wait to meet you!
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Katie Ballard
Founder & Owner
Katie's family
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The History of Nona Paws Pet Sitting
Our trusted team.
Meet Rachel!
Rachel comes to you with over 25 years of pet sitting experience. She comes highly recommended from past clients! As one client shared, “She is very detail oriented, reliable and so caring! My dog always loves when she comes to visit!!” She is knowledgeable with administering medications including pills and injections. When Rachel isn’t pet sitting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike of 28 years, daughter Morgan and their 3 dogs and 4 goats.
Meet Kelsey!
Kelsey grew up in Maryland and graduated from Salisbury University with a BS in Biology and BS in Marine and Environmental Science. She relocated to Orlando to work at Sea World where she helped train, feed, and assist in the care of sea lions, otters, sting rays, and fish. A previous employer shared, “Kelsey has always been one of my favorites. She really cares about the animals. When they are sick she really takes it to heart and puts everything she has into making them well.” Now a Lake Nona resident, Kelsey enjoys spending her spare time with her husband Roger, cat Raven, and dogs Summer and Tadashi.
Meet Julie!
Julie grew up in Miami then moved to Orlando in elementary school. She currently attends the University of Central Florida and is pursuing a BS in Biology. Her goal is to work in the veterinarian field. She is currently a Veterinarian Assistant and has experience with animal holds, injections and assists with surgeries. Her employer shared that she is a team player, critical thinker and extremely reliable. She enjoys volunteering at Pet Alliance, figure skating and spending time with her cat O’Malley.
Meet Olivia!
Olivia grew up on a farm in Copley, Ohio where she helped her family take care of cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and every other farm animal! Olivia graduated from the University of Akron with a BS in Education and Masters in Exercise Physiology. She has worked for many years in a hospital Cardiac Rehab. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, walking, watching soccer, and spend time with her 2 siamese cats, golden doodle, 3 children and husband Brian.
Meet Scarlett!
Scarlett was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in St. Cloud, Florida. She currently attends the University of Central Florida pursuing a BS in Biology. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in Zoo Keeping! In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing video games, and volunteering at a local wildlife preserve. Scarlett has many fur babies- 2 dogs, 5 cats and a Beta fish!
Meet Dianne!
Dianne grew up in Saudi Arabia and moved to Orlando after graduating from Clemson University to work for Disney. After 37 years, most of which was in the Financial department for Disney Vacation Club, Dianne is currently enjoying retirement! When she is not with our furry friends Dianne enjoys traveling, triathlons, and spending time with her family. Dianne has two dogs- Bella and Sydney!
Meet Allyson!
Allyson was born in Miami but spent most of her childhood growing up in Colombia. She came back to Florida when she was in the 7th grade and then graduated from Lake Nona High School. Allyson currently attends Valencia College and is studying engineering and business. She plans to transfer to the Univeristy of Central Florida in 2025 to complete her undergraduate degree. Allyson has had hamsters and bunnies of her own and has taken care of several family members pets. When she isn't pet sitting, Allyson enjoys yoga, pilates and tennis.
Meet Becca!
Becca was born in Springfield, IL and just recently moved to the St. Cloud area. She is currently attending Valencia College and plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida where she will finish her degree in Special Education. She is active in her community as she loves volunteering at Harmony High School, coaching elementary students volleyball and playing pickleball! When she isn't pet sitting she is spending time with her boxer, Riggley, sitting by the pool, and enjoying the Florida sun!
Meet Leslie!

Leslie was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Florida in 1992 where she worked for Disney. Leslie is very devoted to her family. She left the workforce to take care of both of her aging parents. Leslie has owned lots of cats and dogs in the past and is excited to share this love with your pets. When she isn’t pet sitting or spending time with her husband Mark, she loves riding her Harley motorcycle!
Meet Noah!
Noah grew up in Bartow, FL and Orlando. Noah currently attends Valencia College and will be transferring to the University of Central Florida in Spring of 2026 in pursuit of his career goal to be a clinical therapist. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his cat and 4 parakeets, reading and bowling.
Meet Rileigh!

Rileigh grew up in West Palm Beach then later relocated to Orlando to attend UCF. She graduated from UCF with her BS in Environmental Studies in May 2025! She currently works at Sea World’s Discovery Cove as an Aquarist where she takes guests on scuba diving tours with stingrays, fish and sharks. Rileigh is an animal lover of all kinds! She has fostered dogs and has a cat and Ball Python of her own currently! When she isn’t pet sitting she enjoys scuba diving, crocheting, and reading!
Meet Brandon!
Brandon grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida in a house full of animals (7 cats and 4 dogs) so caring for pets has always been second nature to him! After high school he relocated to Orlando to attend Valencia College. There he met his fiancee and built is little family including his soul pups Lulu and Bear. In November 2024 Brandon lost Lulu to T-cell Lymphoma after a tough battle with chemotherapy. His journey with his own pets- through joy and loss has inspired him to offer trusted compassionate care for others’ loved ones.
Meet Hannah!
Hannah grew up in the Orlando area and just graduated with her Associates Degree from Valencia College. She is transferring to the University of Central Florida to complete her Bachelors degree in Biology or Zoology. For fun she enjoys going to the beach and shelling, making jewelry and spending time with her rabbit, 3 cats, gecko, and fish!
Meet Betzy!

Betzy was born in Venezuela and relocated to the US when she was in middle school. She has been in the pet sitting industry for over 8 years and was a Vet Tech prior to that for 7 years. One of her previous clients shared, “Betzy is absolutely amazing. I trust her so much with my baby. She always looks out for him and is extremely reliable. Words cannot describe how grateful we are to have her as our Dog Walker.” When she isn’t pet sitting she enjoys being outdoors, camping, hiking and cycling!
Meet Tally!

Tally grew up in Kansas then attended Fort Hays State University where she graduated with her Bachelors degree. She relocated to Orlando for the Disney College Program and to be with family. When she is not pet sitting she enjoys going to Disney, reading, learning to crochet and spending time with her 2 dogs.
Meet Lexi!

Lexi was born in California but was able to see lots of the USA in a short time as her family is military. She graduated from Texas A & M with a Bachelors degree in Biology & Environmental Science. She plans to apply to graduate school in the near future to study Behavioral Zoology. Lexi has extensive experience will all types of animals; basic household pets as well as exotic zoo animals. Lexi enjoys being outdoors, hiking and spending time with her husband Drew.