Hey Y'all! I'm Valerie Smith, owner of Fernandina Furbabies Pet Services, LLC.  I moved to Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island from Valdosta, Georgia in September 2016 along with my husband, Ben & my furbaby, Beau. Ben encouraged me to start my own pet sitting business because he knew of my love & passion for animals.  While living in Valdosta, I sat for friends' & neighbors' pets on the side while also working full-time as Family Services Director for Valdosta Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity.

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As a child, we had all sorts of animals. I grew up with dogs, cats, fish, turtles & chickens & as an adult, I had the privilege of living on a farm with a pot-bellied pig & a goat I called Frankie.

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I've always loved & cared for animals but my passion for animals really began once my eyes were opened to some of the tragedies suffered by animals, oftentimes at the hands of those who were supposed to provide love and care for them.

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In 2013, I, along with 5 other group members of Leadership Lowndes in Lowndes County Georgia did a Community Service project in which we partnered with Moody Air Force Base to have a 5K fundraiser & adoption event on base to benefit BARC humane society. With that one event many animals were adopted to loving homes & our group raised nearly $6000 to help pay vet bills of animals with injuries and ailments. This was a life changing event for me. I learned so much about the needs of animals in our community & kept in contact with the volunteers of BARC Humane Society & other animal rescues in the area. I have so much respect for what the volunteers, fosters and shelter workers do for their community.

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During that time, I revealed my dream to Ben about working with animals & little did I know that just 3 short years later he would encourage me to start my own pet sitting business. Once we moved to Amelia Island, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to begin my passion. The island is such an animal friendly community who loves their pets! And SO DO I!!! ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾

I have worked hard to become the best pet sitter possible & provide great service. Not only do I have experience in pet sitting, but I am also certified by Pet Sitters International & fully bonded & insured. Call me the next time you are away & your furbabies need care!