About Us

Claws and Paws Pet Sitting Service of North County San Diego is owned and operated by Gina McGrath of Encinitas and Michelle Desautels of Vista. Both are dog owners and understand the special needs of pampered pets.

Gina McGrath serves La Costa, Encinitas (including Olivenhain, Leucadia & Cardiff), Rancho Santa Fe & Solana Beach. She grew up with a menagerie of pets, including birds, fish, a cat & dogs. The care of & showing horses was a hobby from childhood until college-age. Gina is originally from CT & graduated from Central CT State University with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Psychology. Her emphasis was in Mass Media & began a career in TV production in 1990. After years of shift work & eventually burnout, she decided working for herself was a more attractive option, especially if she could combine a business with her biggest passion - dogs. In 1996 she began a new career in pet sitting & has never looked back. She has totally immersed herself in the pet sitting field, constantly striving to better herself professionally. She is a member of Pet Sitters Associates, LLC and has attended four pet sitting conferences. She subscribes to several pet-related discussion lists on the internet and networks with over 80 other pet sitters in San Diego county, and many others all over the country.

Michelle Desautels serves Vista, San Marcos, Carlsbad, La Costa & Oceanside. Michelle is originally from New York where she went to school. Michelle received an associate's degree in Retail Business Management from Dutchess Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Management from Pace University. After graduating from college Michelle started her career in Retail. She spent 12 years in all different positions, buyer, department manager, merchandise coordinator, general manager and director of operations to name a few. Michelle has always owned a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses and guinea pigs. Her love for animals and a desire to start her own business brought Michelle to the decision to start her first pet sitting business in March 2001. Michelle is involved with The Pet Net, which networks with 80 other pet sitters in our community. In addition to the Pet Net she subscribes to three different internet discussion lists. She is also a member of the Petworking Group, a networking group of local professional pet sitters.