Behind the Leash: Get to know Haley

Welcome back to the Unleashed Blog! We’re excited to introduce you to another wonderful member of our team: Haley! With a lifelong love of dogs and a passion for continuing to learn about animal care, Haley has been a great addition to Off Leash MKE. We’re lucky to have her on our team, and we’re excited for you to get to know her a little better in this edition of Behind the Leash!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been part of our team?

My name is Haley, and I’ve been part of the Off Leash MKE team for a little over six months now! Dogs have been a huge part of my life since childhood. I grew up with a chocolate Lab named Molly and started attending dog shows when I was in grade school, which sparked my passion for working with dogs.

As an adult, I’ve continued to pursue that passion by working at a grooming salon and volunteering as a dog walker at MADACC. I’m so excited to continue growing my career in pet care and learning alongside the amazing Off Leash MKE team.

What do you appreciate most about working with Off Leash MKE?

The team! Everyone has been so supportive and willing to help whenever needed, whether it’s offering advice or sharing their experience to make each visit as comfortable as possible for both the pets and the team. I know that each person on the team has a genuine passion for animals and always wants what’s best for them, and that makes Off Leash MKE such a special place to work!

What's your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?

Let your dog sniff on their walk. It may seem mundane to us humans, but dogs’ noses are their way of experiencing and understanding the world!

Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.

I don’t currently have any pets of my own, but when the time is right, I know exactly what I’ll be looking for—the scruffy little mutt who has been waiting at the shelter the longest! I’d love nothing more than to give that dog a loving home and a second chance.

What are three things you ALWAYS bring with on dog walks?

Poop bags, treats, and hand sanitizer or wet wipes are an absolute must! There’s nothing worse than accidentally touching something you definitely didn’t want to while picking up after your dog. Wet wipes have saved me more times than I can count!

Are there any favorite dog parks or pet-friendly spots you recommend in our area?

I absolutely love Havenwoods State Forest! It’s especially great for dogs who are reactive or prefer a little more space, since I typically don’t see many other dogs while I’m there. There are so many trails to explore, making it a great spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. You could spend hours exploring and still find something new!

Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?

I’ve been an avid crocheter since I was 10 years old! I also enjoy knitting and reading. When I’m not crafting or getting lost in a good book, I love hiking, searching for rocks and fossils along the beach, and foraging for mushrooms.