Meet the Team

Heather Gaida, Founder & Owner

Heather started walking dogs in 2006 while completing her master’s degree in education. Following graduation, she chose not to pursue teaching and, instead, to continue her path of walking dogs, a service that grew to become Trusty Tails.

As the owner, Heather holds the business to very high standards because she is passionate about providing the best pet care available. And she is always on the lookout for ways to improve systems, technology, training, and the team.

Heather is an active member of the pet-care community. She belongs to several pet-care business groups, both locally and nationally, and in 2018, she started the NJ Professional Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters Association.

Heather currently lives in Glen Ridge, NJ with her husband, two children, and two Kerry Blue Terriers, Blue and Lacey. She considers her pet clients, human clients, and team to be part of her extended family. She is extremely proud to operate with sincerity and integrity in every aspect of the business.

Ched, Human Resources

Ched’s love of dogs began at an early age, and she doesn’t remember not having had dogs in her home. At one point, her family had seven dogs and six cats, and they had birds and Guinea pigs as well. She has spent more than 15 years in human resources for business process outsourcing and IT companies. At Trusty Tails, she has developed HR policies and processes for the team and the care of our clients.

Zara, Neighborhood Manager

A graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, Zara prefers dog walking and cat sitting to programming. She grew up with animals in her home, including a Guinea pig, parakeet, and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and eating good food.