Hillary Sewell and Laura Mathieson have had a successful history in all previous endeavors in the animal industry, working with, and training animals throughout their lives. Hillary Sewell has a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in psychology with an emphasis on Animal Behavior. Laura Mathieson has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Biology. Both owners have experience in horse husbandry, training and competitive horseback riding.

 The SNIFFERS owners both worked as animal keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park for over five years, where they specialized in animal husbandry, management, training, and enrichment. They were responsible for education programs for the public and volunteers in both formal and informal settings. Working at the Zoo, they produced and implemented protocols necessary to run a successful facility, manage a collection of exotic and endangered animals, and maintain standards and regulations of governing organizations such as AZA and USDA. Both owners also have many years of experience with paid in-home pet care. Furthermore, both are long time, loving pet owners. This education, professional and personal experience with animals has given them the tools they need to successfully manage animals in a daycare setting.