ABOUT US

Staff playing with two happy dogs

Welcome to Social Pet Hotel & Daycare!

We are a locally owned and community-focused pet care facility founded on the idea that quality pet care starts with caring, knowledgeable people who are passionate about enriching dogs' lives and the relationships they share with those who love them.

The Social Pet Mission

We are committed to a higher purpose of educating pet parents about dog behavior and why it is so important to understand that all dogs are unique and deserve customized care. A “normal” dog is not necessarily one that will enjoy playing with others for hours on end in a large dog pack. On the contrary, most dogs (over 60%) are too intelligent, active, and hungry for engagement to find long-term value in simply running around with other dogs  (The Dog Gurus, 2016). They deserve to interact with humans who understand this and respect the individual qualities that make them unique.

Mission Statement
Owner with a happy dog

Our Values

We approach pet care with an authentic desire to perform better tomorrow than we did today, even though today we are giving our best.

Each team member at Social Pet pledges to uphold our core values of Safety, Excellence, Passion, and Growth, to ensure exceptional experiences for each pet, each person, each day.

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Safety

We put the well-being of the dogs first, above all other considerations.

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Excellence

We will provide the best possible care for our human and canine guests.

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Passion

We will do whatever it takes to ensure each dog thrives in our care.

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Growth

We voluntarily expand our knowledge about pet care, customer service, and all aspects of the Social Pet experience.

Meet Our Team

Ownership & Strategic Team

Amy

Amy Hillis

CPACO, Owner

Amy Hillis, CPACO, is the Co-Founder of Social Pet Hotel & Daycare and a thought leader in the pet care industry. With a background in education, she applies her passion for meeting the needs of individual learners by helping Social Pet’s team enrich the lives of dogs and the relationships they share with those who love them.

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Bill

Bill Hillis

CPACO, Owner

Bill currently serves as Co-Founder & CEO of Social Pet Hotel and Daycare, with three locations in the Charlotte, NC area. He also owns and operates Cross Creek Farm Carolina which includes "farm stay" short-term rentals, campsites and an environmentally friendly farm operation rooted in sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in Millers Creek, NC.

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Kate

Kate Henson

Director of Operations

Rooted in a lifelong love of animals and shaped by her upbringing on a fourth-generation dairy farm, Kate brings both compassion and operational excellence to Social Pet. Early lessons in 4-H and FFA taught her responsibility, empathy, and the importance of meaningful care—values that continue to guide her leadership today.

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Kelli

Kelli Snyder

Director of People

Kelli has been a valued member of the Social Pet team for more than two years. With over 15 years of Human Resources and Recruiting experience, she brings a strong people-first mindset to the organization—helping foster a positive culture for both our teams and our pets. Her favorite part of working with animals is experiencing the excitement and happiness the dogs bring every day, making Social Pet a place full of energy and joy.

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Pineville Team

Toni

Toni Cockman

General Manager

With seven years of experience in pet care management, Toni loves building strong connections and bonds with both pets and their families. Creating these meaningful relationships is her favorite part of working in the industry.

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Arianna

Arianna Monteiro

Assistant Manager

Arianna loves working with animals because she enjoys learning about the unique traits and personalities of different breeds. With experience in management and grooming, she brings knowledge, care, and attention to detail to every interaction.

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Haylie

Haylie Picariello

Assistant Manager

Haylie’s favorite part of working with animals is building meaningful, trusting relationships and getting to know each pet’s unique personality. With more than two years at Social Pet, she brings compassion, patience, and a thoughtful understanding of animal behavior to every interaction.

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Catherine

Catherine Toro

Groomer

Catherine has been with Social Pet for four and a half years and brings seven years of grooming experience to our team. She is CPR certified and holds an AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification.

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Amanda Gainer

Groomer

Since joining Social Pet in April 2023, Amanda has loved getting to know each animal’s unique personality and connecting with them on a personal level. One of her favorite parts of grooming is seeing pets perk up after their spa services—fresh, clean, and feeling their best.

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Casey

Casey Heaton

Trainer

Casey has spent the last seven years at Social Pet (plus time volunteering at shelters and rescues) helping pets and their humans connect on a deeper level. He thrives on building trust, teaching new skills, and seeing the joy that comes from a strong bond between pet and owner.

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Charlotte Team

Charlotte

Leigh McCoy

General Manager

With almost seven years of experience in the daycare and boarding side of the pet care industry, Leigh has worked her way from the play yard to assistant manager, bringing a wealth of hands-on knowledge and passion for animals. Her favorite part of working with pets is their innocence and amazing ability to read human body language, creating meaningful connections every day.

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CarterJames

CarterJames Sullivan

Assistant Manager

With almost seven years of experience in the daycare and boarding side of the pet care industry, Leigh has worked her way from the play yard to assistant manager, bringing a wealth of hands-on knowledge and passion for animals. Her favorite part of working with pets is their innocence and amazing ability to read human body language, creating meaningful connections every day.

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CeCe

Ceanna McKee

Groomer

Ceanna has a genuine passion for working with animals, and her favorite part of the job is the unconditional love they give. With experience in dog grooming, front- and back-of-house operations, and team leadership, she brings well-rounded knowledge and a calm, confident presence to every pet she cares for. She is also CPR certified, ensuring safety is always a top priority.

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Northlake Team

Donna - Northlake GM

Donna Gragg

General Manager

Donna has spent the last five years in pet care learning how to connect with every pet in a way that makes them feel safe, calm, and loved. She adores their unique personalities and the unconditional love they bring every day. She also holds a Disney’s Approach to Quality Service certificate, which has strengthened her commitment to delivering exceptional care and customer service.

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Annabelle - Northlake Assistant Manager

Annabelle Sturdevant

Assistant Manager

Annabelle has been part of the Social Pet team since August 2024, bringing a deep love for animals and a passion for their well-being. Her favorite part of working with pets is the endless love they have to give. Prior to joining Social Pet, she spent two years working at a humane society, gaining hands-on experience and a strong foundation in animal care.

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Community Involvement

Social Pet exists to enrich the lives of dogs and the relationships they share with those who love them - and that includes shelter pets! Social Pet promotes the CMPD Animal Care and Control "Dog of the Month'' program to share stories and encourage adoption of shelter pets. We are a strong proponent of AC&C's Volunteer Animal Enrichment Program that is critical to maintaining the health and well-being of their featured dogs and others awaiting adoption. We also support the Humane Society of Charlotte in educating pet parents as they adopt a new furry family member on what to look for in a pet care provider.

Community involvement

Charlotte Mural

We've partnered with local artists to capture the diversity of our thriving human and dog community. View the mural key to learn more!

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