About Us

---

Yanina Montanez and her husband Joel Mundy are life-long animal lovers with a passion for helping those in need. Both of their connections to animals started at a very young age. Yanina grew up with dogs, birds, cats, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, and fish, and they were all considered family in her home. Joel grew up in a more traditional-pet home with two dogs who he loved dearly.

Yanina has been working with animals professionally since 2013.  She started as a volunteer at a small animal shelter in Portland, Maine as a Mutt Mentor and Adoption Counselor. She found herself drawn to the anxious, fearful and aggressive dogs who often went overlooked.  She found, with some love and basic training, she was able to help these dogs diminish their behavioral issues and find their forever homes. It didn't take long before she was hooked! Yanina has now worked in several doggy-daycares across the country, managed a dog training facility here in San Diego, and has been the proud owner of Trek Dogs SD since 2020.

Joel began dipping his toes into the professional world of dogs in 2020 working part-time alongside Yanina when she decided to open her pet care business. Lovingly referred to as “the unpaid intern” at the time, he assisted with as many dog walks, pet sits, and off-leash adventures as he could in order to get his dog fix! As the years went on it became clear that this was what he was meant to do for a living. After working in the corporate world for 15 years, Joel finally decided to turn in his notice and take the full leap into the dog business. He has experience with dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments and has fallen in love with them all!