Her Story
About Tami
Tami Vazzana is the owner and operator of The Walking Dog, a pet care company based in Hooksett, New Hampshire, offering dog walking, day boarding, and mobile grooming services. She launched the business a little over a year ago after an injury brought her long-standing corporate career as an executive assistant to a close, prompting her to turn a lifelong passion into a full-time pursuit. That passion traces back to her childhood on a farm in Wisconsin, where her mother worked as a dog breeder, giving Vazzana an early and lasting connection to animals.
Since founding The Walking Dog, Vazzana has grown the company into a team of thirteen employees serving more than three hundred clients, later expanding her offerings to include mobile grooming after acquiring a grooming van business. Prior to entering the pet care industry, she spent nearly two decades in administrative and executive support roles at companies including Autodesk and Analog Devices, where she managed events, budgets, and travel coordination for large teams. Her academic background includes studies at Crown College and Berkeley Business School, where she focused on interior design, and she holds certification in pet CPR and first aid for pets.
Vazzana is guided by a philosophy of showing up with intention, honesty, and hard work, treating every client's pet as a cherished member of the family. She is a member of Pet Sitters International and stays actively involved in her community through philanthropic efforts such as supporting the Tailgate and Transport dog rescue, organizing fundraisers like Wine and Whiskers, and contributing to food and blanket drives for those in need.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tami
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being able to overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. I always try to show up with intention and a smile on my face, being personable in every interaction. I remember that I'm entering into situations involving people's family members, their fur babies, so I treat them with the love and respect they deserve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is that a career path isn't a straight line, it's a zigzag, and I've learned to follow that zigzag wherever it leads. I've also learned that it's okay to say no and set boundaries for myself. If I'm not mentally and physically present, I know I won't be able to grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to get out there and do it. Build your clientele and don't let negativity stop you. I also encourage finding the positives in every day. At family dinners, I like to ask for five positive things that happened, whether that's waking up on time or making someone laugh or smile. That's how I choose to move through life happy.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are the values I hold most important, both at work and in my personal life. I believe in always showing up with intention, working hard, and staying honest. Showing up with a smile and being personable matters just as much to me as the work itself.
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