We’re one big family.

Shakkal comes to Firehouse Pet Resort with four and a half years of experience as a veterinary technician, with three of those years at Firehouse. We’re eager for you to meet her, knowing you’ll appreciate her positive energy and leadership skills as she guides and supports the team who will care for your pets.

Shakkal’s focus will be on making pets feel comfortable at Firehouse Pet Resort as if they were at their own home. She’s well-trained in using Fear Free techniques to help calm both cats and dogs. For example, she uses gentle touch, slow movements, and treats if they’re food-motivated to help pets ease into their new environment.

Shakkal is a native Texan. She graduated with a degree in agriculture, majoring in animal science from Texas State University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their beautiful daughter, Eliyah, hanging out with family and friends, eating out, dancing, watching movies, and volunteering to give back in her community. Shakkal grew up with dogs and just adopted her first cat, Spotzy.

Clients appreciate Grant’s communication skills and that he is always available to answer questions. Grant wants to continue to improve his care, so he focuses on what extra things he can do for each individual pet. His hard-working attitude and empathy make him a valuable member of the resort.
A huge dog lover, Grant is always excited to meet the dogs who come to the resort. At home, he has four cats who have stolen his heart: Alex, Hugo, Jack, and Percy. When not working, he loves to play games, draw, listen to music, and spend time with friends.

Lolita shares her home with Zion, a pit bull mix, and Noel, a Shih-Tzu. When not working or studying, she enjoys playing video games.

Karla plans on attending Texas Tech University where she will major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Currently, she is working towards her Level II Certified Veterinary Assistant Certification. Karla also values spending time with her family and her black Lab mix, Sultan.

Bio coming soon!

Relationships are very important to Nicole. She loves getting to know clients and their pets, and loves helping pets make new friends while staying at the Resort. Nicole pays special attention to each pet’s individual needs to keep them as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Clients appreciate Nicole’s communication skills and how she reaches out with specific updates about how their pets are doing. Through a transparent, detailed approach, she can help clients and pets have a productive, happy visit.

When not helping pets have the best time at the Resort, Nicole enjoys roller skating, going on nature walks, and thrifting. She also likes to read and try out new restaurants or activities.

Abel studied Business and Marketing at Austin Community College. On the weekends, he likes to play games with his friends, relax with his family, or hang out with his four dogs: Loki, Sakura, Kiba, and Ruby.

Mark attended Le Cordon Bleu Texas Culinary Academy, where he received his BA in Culinary Arts. When not working, he loves to play board games; he and his husband are huge fans of Gloomhaven. He shares his heart with Rocket (a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix) and Chelsea (a Chihuahua).

Lisa has a patient and knowledgeable approach to client and patient care. She welcomes everyone who visits Firehouse with a warm smile and Fear Free greetings. As a Firehouse client-turned-employee, she understands the importance of creating a safe, welcoming environment for pets and people.

Lisa has worked in veterinary and animal care since high school. Her specialty is helping reactive dogs feel more comfortable and confident. She loves helping pets feel secure at the vet – through treats, training, Happy Visits, and using Fear Free techniques.

Lisa shares her heart with her husband and three dogs – Ellie (a Boxer/Hound mix), Rigby (American Pit Bull Terrier/German Shepherd mix), and Remus (Pomeranian). Outside of work, she loves training and competing with her dogs in dog sports like Dock Diving, Fast CAT, and Scentwork. She and her husband also love trying out different dog-friendly establishments around Austin.

Ed believes in educating clients through demonstration. He utilizes Fear-Free techniques to help patients feel safe. He’s also known to provide lots of love and treats. Clients appreciate that he is reliable and dedicated to his patients.

Ed attended the University of Texas in Arlington for communications. To continue learning, he shadows doctors and his peers and watches training videos.

Outside of work, he enjoys photography, 3D printing, and playing video games. He also spends time with his dogs: Harper (Schnoodle); Cooper (Beagle/Catahoula mix); and Trip, a Pitbull who is the love of Edward’s life.

Sarah’s favorite thing about working in the veterinary field is getting to know the clients and patients who come into the hospital. She wants each experience to be positive for people and pets. She takes time to answer client questions and help find solutions for their pets’ unique needs.

Sarah is skilled at reading pets’ body language and adjusting her care as needed. Her specialty is working with scared, anxious, or “grumpy” pets. She uses proper handling and Fear Free techniques to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Sarah shares her heart with her two dogs: Luca, an Australian Shepherd, and Bella, a golden retriever mix.

Jettie greets pets calmly, setting the right tone for the rest of their visit. She helps nervous pets acclimate to the hospital prior to their appointment so that their visit can be successful.

Jettie shares her home with her three pets: Ginger, a rescue pit bull; and Fiona and Aria, rescued tabby cats. She and Ginger love to go hiking, but Jettie is happy just being outdoors.

Lili warmly greets every client and patient who comes into Firehouse, making them feel welcome. She loves to meet new people and pets, and finds fulfillment in helping pets live longer, healthier lives. She is always happy to give pets lots of love, attention, and treats, if allowed. Lili wants clients and patients to feel comfortable and secure when they are visiting. She is always happy to answer questions and provide support to clients. She loves being part of the Firehouse family and wants clients to feel like a member of the family too!

Lili has one dog, a senior lab mix named Luna. In her free time, she likes to go hiking, look for new comic books at local bookstores, and attend local punk and metal shows around Austin.