About Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Bridget Monrad

RN RET, Founder & CEO, Happy Tails Travel, Inc. 

I’m Bridget, and I founded Happy Tails Travel, Inc. in 1995 with a mission to ensure pets travel safely and comfortably, whether by air with care or ground safe and sound. 30 years later, my passion for providing top-tier care for pets remains as strong as ever. 

I have always had a deep connection to animals through my time spent on family farms, and always having pets in our life.  Before starting Happy Tails, I worked as a Registered Nurse specializing in chemical dependency and psychiatric care. My background in healthcare taught me the importance of empathy, ethics, and dedication—values that seamlessly translated into my work as an entrepreneur. 

Although I've spent three decades running my business, I’m committed to staying current with industry trends through continuous learning, consulting, and hands-on experience. My company’s success is a direct result of the incredible employees who share my passion for animal care, as well as my perseverance in upholding the excellent reputation of Happy Tails Travel. 

Owning a business that delivers exceptional customer service and prioritizes the comfort, safety, and well-being of traveling pets has truly been a dream come true. It all began when someone asked, “If you could do anything in the world, what would you do?” My answer was simple: work with animals. Four months of research later, Happy Tails Travel was born, and I’ve never looked back. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received along the way, especially from my dedicated employees who make my job as a boss so fulfilling. What I love most is being surrounded by people who share my passion for pets, from our team and drivers to our clients, veterinarians, and partners. Together, we’re making travel safer and more comfortable for pets everywhere. 

-Bridget 

Kim

Pet Travel Specialist/Domestic Manager

With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, travel, and management, Kim brings a wealth of expertise to the Happy Tails Travel team. She holds an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Kim’s passion for travel, animals, and helping others perfectly aligns with her decision to join Happy Tails in 2017.

While her dream job has always been to work directly with animals, Kim’s position with Happy Tails Travel has proven to be the perfect fit, combining her professional knowledge, capabilities, and personal passions in a way that aligns with her current season of life. Starting as an Administrative Assistant, she has advanced through various roles, from Pet Travel Specialist to Manager. In her current position, she oversees many internal aspects of the business, including staff training, development, and leadership. Additionally, Kim serves as a key point of contact for both clients and external partners. One of her favorite aspects of her job is managing the paperwork, particularly for travel to Hawaii. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that all required documentation is obtained and processed in a timely manner. Kim’s personal experience with the pet quarantine process, having moved to and from Japan with her late miniature Schnauzer, further strengthens her expertise in this area.

Outside of work, Kim is the proud pet parent to two rescue cats, one Japanese Tabby and one Russian Blue, and a devoted mother to two wonderful children.

“My furbabies mean the world to me,” she shares. “I couldn’t imagine life without them. They’ve been my family through thick and thin. I’m grateful to work for a place that values pets as part of the family just as much as I do!”

- Kim

Samantha

Pet Travel Specialist

Samantha has numerous years of experience in hospitality ranging from customer service to animal care. Having previously been the manager of an animal boarding facility, she is well versed in the care needed for all different breeds. She worked especially close with German Shepherds as the boarding facility doubled as a breeder! Helping to alleviate the stress from both pets and their families and create an easy transition to a new environment is something she truly takes pleasure in doing.

Having joined Happy Tails Travel in 2023 as a Pet Travel Specialist, Samantha looks forward to continuing to help pets and their families transition through relocations. She has a newfound passion for keeping families together in whatever situations life may throw their way.

“Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.”

-Samantha

Sherry

Administrative Specialist

Sherry’s extensive experience as an Executive Administrative Specialist has provided her with a unique skill set that makes her an invaluable asset to Happy Tails Travel. With a background in managing high-level calendars and coordinating both domestic and international business trips, she brings a sharp attention to detail and exceptional multi-tasking abilities to her role.

As a military spouse for over 20 years, Sherry is highly experienced in relocating with pets—having done so personally and now professionally. She understands the complexities of moving with animals and works tirelessly to ensure clients are fully informed about their pets' travel options.

Her passion for helping brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog and cat breeds, which she has a personal connection to with four of her own, sets her apart in the industry. Sherry knows firsthand the challenges these breeds face when traveling and relocating and is committed to providing the best support for these special pets.

"If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life."

-Sherry

Elaine

Ph.D., Project Manager

Elaine has three degrees in hospitality and tourism. She received her Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Tech and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida. Her work experience prior to joining Happy Tails Travel includes working in boutique hotels and working for Walt Disney World handling guest services, events, and reservations.

Elaine started working for Happy Tails Travel in 2014 as a Pet Travel Specialist, arranging both domestic and international pet relocation. Elaine then went on to becoming Project Manager, working more behind the scenes, analyzing the business and ensuring the company had the needed tools to run efficiently and successfully.

"I have a passion for travel and am an animal lover, so the opportunity to work for Happy Tails Travel combines the best of both worlds!"

— Elaine