About Us

Amanda Heishman LVT; co-owner and professional pet sitter.

I have always enjoyed the company of my own furry family, so much so, that I made it my career path. In 1995 I graduated with an AAS in Veterinary Technology and became boarded by the State of Virginia to practice as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I still attend continuing education to maintain my license and to keep up with current medical practice. I have worked as an LVT for the past thirteen years and although I will always have an interest in Veterinary Medicine, I am very much enjoying the special "fun" time that I spend with my furred, feathered, and finned friends in their homes.

Leslie Cockrell-Nalls; co-owner and PSI accredited professional pet sitter.
Throughout my life, animals of every kind have appeared at my doorstep injured, hungry, and homeless. I've always loved taking care of animals so I decided to make a career out of it. I graduated from Fullerton Community College with an Associate degree and from there I transferred to California State Polytechnic University in Pomona with a Zoology major in mind. I had plans of being a Wildlife Biologist or a Veterinarian. About half way through my coursework I met my husband and decided to relocate to Virginia where I met my partner Amanda Heishman. We worked together at a Northern Virgina animal hospital for a couple of years then founded Pet's Choice, Inc. in 2003. Although I've gone in a direction different than what I had planned, I am so thankful that I get to wake up every day and do something I love.

At Pet's Choice, Inc. we have the knowledge to recognize an abnormal behavior or emergency situation and the experience to react. This gives you the peace of mind that we are PAYING ATTENTION to your pet's safety and comfort. We keep detailed notes regarding your pet's disposition at each visit so we can monitor their health and spot when they might be headed for trouble. We have a state-of-the-art software system that allows you to view notes regarding your pet’s visits whenever you want, wherever you are. Our business philosophy is to develop a close and personal working relationship with our clients and we believe in forming a strong bond with our clients' pets through caring consistency. Your pet is our top priority and whether it's companionship and care for a perfectly healthy animal, or help with a pet who needs special attention, as our client you'll know you have a trained professional caregiver in your home who is responsible and reliable and loves your pet like you do.

Our company grew out of a desire to provide an in-home care option for those in our community with geriatric or special needs pets. We know that leaving your pet to go away can be an upsetting experience for the whole family and unfortunately, many pets don't travel or board well. The added stress of a car ride or an unfamiliar environment can sometimes exacerbate health problems. Pet's Choice Inc. is a personalized and relaxed alternative to the stress of removing your pet from the home to board or be hospitalized for treatment and medication while you're away. Your pet can stay in their familiar home environment which can minimize anxiety. We are proud to offer nursing care in addition to companion pet sitting services and have a Licensed Veterinary Technician on staff. We’ve also completed coursework and earned an accreditation with regard to companion animal care from Pet Sitters International; “the global leader in the pet-sitting industry…dedicated to educating professional pet sitters and promoting, supporting and recognizing excellence in pet sitting.”