THE FACES OF URBAN PETS
T - Cat Enthusiast, Bird Nerd & Trained Pet Nutritionist
Hi, I’m Tanikka—feel free to call me T! I’m 29 and have loved animals for as long as I can remember, growing up with everything from snakes to cats and dogs.
In 2011, I began my Level 3 Animal Management Diploma at Merrist Wood College, where I worked with a wide range of animals—including my favorite, Birds of Prey. I especially loved working with Cody the nervous Buzzard, Layla the fiery Harris' Hawk, and a Blue-Winged Kookaburra.
During my studies, I had the amazing chance to do work experience at Chessington World of Adventures, caring for exotic animals like Sumatran Tigers, Persian Leopards, and even a Binturong named Esmerelda.
From 2013 to 2022, I worked at Pets Corner, starting as a sales advisor and working up to shop floor manager, where I focused on high-quality pet care and nutrition.
After a brief time in healthcare, I stepped away due to a POTS diagnosis. From that transition, Urban Pets was born—a passion project with my partner to offer bespoke, affordable pet services.
DILLON - Animal Lover
Dillon had a similar upbringing in which he was surrounded by animals of all kinds. Dillon has always had rescue cats and dogs, as well as a Royal Python and a Goliath BirdEater (Tarantula).
He currently has a Long-Haired Chihuahua called Honey, a British Shorthair called Pepper and Boots, his Tarantula.
Dillon grew up in Bermondsey, South London where he worked as a licensed scaffolder and labourer for 7-years; after deciding the job was a detriment to his health, decided scaffolding was no longer viable.
Dillon's greatest passion and love is carp fishing - this is something he's been doing since he was a child with his father. Dillon's compassion for all animals is not only evident in his work, but also how he cares and treats the fish he catches; he always carries around antiseptic medicine in case a fish has an injury prior to being caught. He also only uses the highest quality bait when fishing!
Dillon eventually moved to Guildford to live with me, doing odd jobs here and there with different labour agencies before embarking on our own personal venture with Urban Pets.
KESSIE
11 YEARS OLD | BROWN ROSETTE BENGAL
Kessie is an energetic, intelligent and sometimes naughty cat who's definitely in charge within our home!
Despite being a very independent cat, she does have her moments when she wants to cuddle up on the sofa.
I purchased Kessie from a reputable breeder based in London as my first ever pedigree cat. After my childhood cat, Tabby, passed away I bought Alaska who was extremely terrified from being separated from her mum; Kessie took Alaska under her paw and raised her, despite only being 6-months old. Unfortunately both cats despise each other now, but I'm eternally grateful for Kessie mothering Alaska into the cat she is today.
ALASKA
10 YEARS OLD | PIXIE BOB x BENGAL
Alaska is quite easily the weirdest cat you'll meet; she's a Pixie Bob, a breed only recently established in 1998 and still very uncommon here in the UK, the breed is known for their bobtails, ranging anywhere from 1 to 6 inches.
Alaska had a difficult start in life with her breeders only being interested in making money and eventually selling Alaska's mum once she'd produced a second litter only 9 months later. Alaska was forced upon us after only visiting her at 7-weeks old, the reasoning being they wanted to take a holiday and wanted the kittens gone; kittens are best separated from their mum's at 12 weeks old.
Despite this, Alaska has blossomed into a beautiful girl who loves attention, especially from Dillon.
STORM
6 YEARS OLD | SILVER CHARCOAL BENGAL
Storm was bought as a companion for our other Bengal, Kessie and whilst they're best friends, their personalities couldn't be any more different!
Stormy is a lovebug, she wants attention all day, 24/7 - her favourite person being my mum, who she will constantly cry for until my mum comes to her cat wheel to sit with her.
She's also a bit of a diva and likes to boss everyone else around despite being the size of a 6-month old kitten!
Storm is considerably small for a female Bengal, only weighing 2.8kg - this is because when she was a kitten, she contracted Calicivirus (Feline calicivirus) a respiratory disease that our other cat, Alaska, had been carrying asymptomatically.
JASPER
1 YEARS OLD | POMERANIAN x HUSKY
Jasper is our newest addition to what was already a mad house! Although very high energy, Jasper is extremely loving, loyal and cuddly; he has made both our personal and professional lives so much fun, watching him interact with our clients' dogs.
T suffers with chronic depression and anxiety, alongside mild PTSD - having Jasper has helped massively with decompressing after difficult or long days and knows when she's not feeling okay.
Jasper is the definition of a daddy's boy, he often climbs into Dillon's arms to demand a belly rub or to be brushed.
Jasper loves socialising with other dogs, as well as travelling in our pet taxi - so if permitted to do so, he may join your dogs on their walks!