Our Team:
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, Marley and Remi.
Paul Blaushild - Director of Training 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 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, two Rottweilers, Pumpkin and Chili Cheese, three cats, and two horses.
Jill Cruz - Trainer - 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 registered therapy dog, is 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 Rancho Sahuarita with an Anatolian Shepherd named Hami, a Mastiff named Gus, a Bullmastiff (and therapy dog) named Zuzu and last but not least, a "psycho" kitty named Bates that was formerly a stray.
Dan Barta - Groomer
Rebecca Barta - Groomer
Andrea Jones - Kennel Manager
Francisco Lopez - Kennel Technician
Todd Gerson - Kennel Technician
Will Ybarra - Kennel Technician
