Welcome!

Central Pet is Southern Arizona’s newest, premiere pet resort. We offer a total unique experience for you and your pet with a brand new facility that has the very best boarding, training, daycare and grooming services that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. We also have a large retail store with a full line of pet foods and accessories.

At Central Pet, we are custom designed to provide the healthiest, most relaxing, enjoyable vacation atmosphere for your pet. Our staff is professionally trained and PCSA certified. They are also required to possess the right instincts to offer the highest level of care and attention. Whether you’re looking for the right place for your pet to stay when you’re away, customized training, daycare while you’re at work, or a pampering grooming service, Central Pet is the place to visit!

Come tour our facility and you’ll see how pet-ticular we are about providing the best care and cleanest environment for our four legged guests… and a peace of mind for their owners!

520.398.8661 – Amado

520.882.7577 – Tucson

Julie Grounds, Owner julie@centralpetaz.com

Julie has been involved in the pet care industry for over 7 years. Owning Central Pet is her dream come true. Julie spent several years working at a pet resort in San Antonio learning the business and broadening her knowledge in all areas of pet care. She designed and built Central Pet from the ground up, using her knowledge and experience in pet care to build the best pet friendly facility possible. Julie’s willingness to work with the community and provide the best care possible for their pets is second to none. Her strong work ethic and leadership skills are what make Central Pet what it is today, and what will take it into the future. Julie has been an influential member of the Green Valley and Tubac communities by supporting several non-profit organizations such as the Green Valley Assistance Services, The Animal League of Green Valley, and the Santa Cruz Humane Society. Julie is also actively involved in her kids local school Montessori de Tubac. She resides in Tubac with her two twin boys Wesley and Dylan along with her 5 dogs, Indy, Tipper, Chloe, Otis and Remi.

Paul Blaushild, Trainer-Tucson paul@centralpetaz.com

Paul has been a part of the Central Pet team since before our opening in June of 2008. He has been training dogs for over 40 years, and has a wide variety of expertise. He gained his experience through working for many different trainers around the country in New York, Vermont, and New Mexico. In 1978 Paul relocated to Southern Arizona and started A-Dobe Dog Training in Tucson and formulated his specialized techniques that have proven to be successful in all of his clients. He has covered every aspect of training including but not limited to, Basic and Advanced Obedience, Protection Training, Agility, Seeing Eye and Service Dog Training, Police Dog Training, and Conformation. Through evaluation he works closely with the dog and owner to personally customize their training needs. He is an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the Pet Care Service Association. Paul also works closely Pima County as an Administrative Hearing Officer adjudicating both dangerous dog cases and barking/noise violations. He and his wife reside on their ranch with their German Shepherd Tommy, Rottweiler Chili Cheese, Rhodesian Ridgeback Shumba, three cats, and two horses.

Jill Cruz, Trainer-Amado jill@centralpetaz.com

Jill joined the Central Pet family in mid 2009 and brings us her experience in training, doggie daycare and animal assisted therapy. She has attained her CPCT and CAPCT from the Pet Care Services Association, is an AKC CGC evaluator, Therapy Dog Incorporated Tester/Observer, and along with her  now retired  therapy dog, was a member of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs Program. After rescuing and adopting a Mastiff in 2007, she became a big supporter of shelter, rescue and less fortunate animals and currently volunteers with Animal Crusaders of AZ. She and her husband reside in Sonoita with an Anatolian Shepherd named Bubba, a Mastiff named Gus, a Bullmastiff  named Zuzu, and two crazy rescued kitties named Bates and Oliver.

Debra Hartwig, Front Desk Manager debbie@centralpetaz.com

Debra joined the Central Pet family in 2010 and we are lucky to have her! We immediately noticed her work ethic, love for all the animals and excellent customer service. She was soon promoted to Front Desk/Customer Service Manager. A Boston Terrier devotee since childhood, she raises, shows and is active in the rescue of this breed. When not traveling to compete in dog shows, she makes her home in Green Valley with husband Jim and furkids Bogey, Wyatt and Remi.

Staff List

AMADO

Rebecca Barta-groomer

Stephanie Sherman-groomer

Matt Nain-kennel supervisor

Marcus Islava-kennel technician

Marcus Islava, Jr. – kennel technician

Alex Komenchak- kennel technician

Chelsie Hernandez-  kennel technician

Cheryl Jordan- customer service

Emily Carpenter-customer service

Ruth Walsh-customer service

TUCSON

Richard Pugner- Kennel Manager

Theresa Lammers- Front Desk/Customer Service Manager

Teresa Serge-Daycare Supervisor

Courtney Owens-Daycare Counselor

Marina Majalca-kennel technician

Hayley Jenkins-kennel technician

Ruben Badilla-kennel technician

Gilbert Rodriguez-kennel technician

Christina Benson-customer service

Rebecca Michaelis- customer service

Amber Snowden-Groomer