Our team is dedicated to the safety, health, and fulfillment of your furkid! We are a Fear Free certified facility that only utilizes positive training methods. We are licensed Animal Behavior Specialists, Veterinary Technicians, Canine Group Management Experts, Certified Trainers, and Canine Communication Experts.
We’re Helicopeter Parents Too!
Michelle Baker
OWNERTo say Michelle is a high-maintenance Pet Parent is an understatement—and she owns it proudly. She was more than willing to pay for top-tier pet care, but it simply didn’t exist. The choices? Dropping her pups off at a chaotic, unstructured daycare or subjecting them to a midday Florida heatwave for a quick 15–30-minute walk. Neither felt right for her or her furkids.
Six years, an animal behavior specialist education, and a pandemic later, Michelle finally had all the puzzle pieces in place. In June 2023, she launched Furkids Inc., setting out to redefine pet care with structured, enrichment-based services designed to enhance both a dog’s and their parent’s life. Over the past year, she has meticulously researched and developed a dog-loving curriculum that ensures every pup receives safe, engaging, and fear-free care.
Known as the “Dog Psychologist” by those who’ve seen her work, Michelle Baker is a canine behavior specialist and the founder of Furkids Inc.—Tampa’s only fear-free certified dog daycare. A former Tampa Tribune columnist, James Beard-nominated restaurateur, and award-winning entrepreneur, Michelle built a thriving career in publicity, hospitality, and brand development before dedicating herself to revolutionizing the pet care industry.
Blending her expertise in marketing, consumer engagement, and behavioral science, Michelle is raising the bar in pet care. She’s integrating cutting-edge infectious disease management with science-backed enrichment programs that prioritize not just exercise and socialization, but also the emotional and behavioral well-being of every dog. Her approach ensures a safer, healthier, and more fulfilling daycare experience.
A firm believer in pushing industries forward, Michelle is challenging outdated norms and proving that innovation, strategy, and heart are the keys to long-term success.
Angela Edens
Owner
I first came to Furkids as Chester’s mom. When Michelle Baker, Furkids’ founder, had to step away in the spring of 2025, I decided that I would rather buy Furkids and run it myself than to see it disappear.
Prior to Furkids, my dog training and management experience came from owning dogs that others had found challenging. My very different dogs taught me to meet each dog where they are and work with their strengths to encourage positive social experiences.That attention to individuality is at the heart of my approach to Furkids and it dovetailed nicely with the program that Michelle had built.
Furkids is dog-centric by design. We structure our days to promote positive group engagement, managed play, and enriching activities. We limit our group sizes to give us the flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of personalities, energy levels, social preferences, and play styles. Our goal is to create an environment where each individual dog can have a great day everyday.
Learn. Play. Nap. Thrive!
Michelle Baker
OWNERTo say Michelle is a high-maintenance Pet Parent is an understatement—and she owns it proudly. She was more than willing to pay for top-tier pet care, but it simply didn’t exist. The choices? Dropping her pups off at a chaotic, unstructured daycare or subjecting them to a midday Florida heatwave for a quick 15–30-minute walk. Neither felt right for her or her furkids.
Six years, an animal behavior specialist education, and a pandemic later, Michelle finally had all the puzzle pieces in place. In June 2023, she launched Furkids Inc., setting out to redefine pet care with structured, enrichment-based services designed to enhance both a dog’s and their parent’s life. Over the past year, she has meticulously researched and developed a dog-loving curriculum that ensures every pup receives safe, engaging, and fear-free care.
Known as the “Dog Psychologist” by those who’ve seen her work, Michelle Baker is a canine behavior specialist and the founder of Furkids Inc.—Tampa’s only fear-free certified dog daycare. A former Tampa Tribune columnist, James Beard-nominated restaurateur, and award-winning entrepreneur, Michelle built a thriving career in publicity, hospitality, and brand development before dedicating herself to revolutionizing the pet care industry.
Blending her expertise in marketing, consumer engagement, and behavioral science, Michelle is raising the bar in pet care. She’s integrating cutting-edge infectious disease management with science-backed enrichment programs that prioritize not just exercise and socialization, but also the emotional and behavioral well-being of every dog. Her approach ensures a safer, healthier, and more fulfilling daycare experience.
A firm believer in pushing industries forward, Michelle is challenging outdated norms and proving that innovation, strategy, and heart are the keys to long-term success.
Michelle Baker
Founder
Michelle will proudly tell you that calling her a high-maintenance Pet Parent is an understatement. She was more than willing to pay for top-tier pet care, but it simply didn’t exist. The choices? Dropping her pups off at a chaotic, unstructured daycare or subjecting them to a midday Florida heatwave for a quick 15–30-minute walk. Neither felt right for her or her furkids.
Six years, an animal behavior specialist education, and a pandemic later, Michelle finally had all the puzzle pieces in place. In September 2023, she opened Furkids Inc., setting out to redefine pet care with structured, enrichment-based services designed to enhance both a dog’s and their parent’s life. A former Tampa Tribune columnist, James Beard-nominated restaurateur, and award-winning entrepreneur, Michelle built a thriving career in publicity, hospitality, and brand development before dedicating herself to redesigning the pet care industry.
