WHERE DOGS AND THEIR PEOPLE CONNECT
About The Canine Connection
At The Canine Connection, we’re more than just a training facility or a boarding service—we’re Chico’s premier destination for positive reinforcement training and top-tier dog care.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve helped thousands of dogs and their owners build better relationships through science-backed training and fun, engaging experiences.
building stronger bonds between
dogs and their people
At the root of all we do is a belief that dogs are thinking, feeling partners in our lives and that it is our responsibility to better understand them so that we can be their best guardians.
We believe that the connection between dogs and people can be life-changing, which is why we provide the resources to enhance that connection.
OWNER AND FOUNDER
Dr. Sarah Richardson
Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sarah Richardson, The Canine Connection began with a simple mission: to provide Chico, California with science-based, force-free dog training.
After realizing the area lacked positive reinforcement training options, Sarah opened The Academy to help dogs and their owners build meaningful, joyful connections through proven methods.
Soon clients were asking for play sessions, daycare, and overnight care, which led to the birth of The Resort, now a premier destination for dogs seeking fun and adventure while their owners are away.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-KA
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
Licensed Therapy Dog Evaluator
EXPERT CARE, Tail-Wagging Fun
meet the team
With over 23 years in business in Chico, The Canine Connection is home to many experienced trainers and caregivers who are dedicated to making every dog feel welcome, safe, and engaged.
Check out the profiles below for our Academy and Resort team members!
The Academy Team: Training And Behavior
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![ally pdgett and her dog midge]()
Ally Padgett
TRAINER - INSTRUCTOR
TRAINING COORDINATORB.S. Agricultural Business, Chico State
KPA CTP, Karen Pryor AcademyAlly grew up in Chico, surrounded by animals. She first came to The Canine Connection as a youngster, when her family brought their family dog, Georgie, through our puppy program. As Georgie grew, so did Ally's love for training.
By the time Ally graduated from high school in 2017, it was a given that she would have a place on our training team! Fast forward to today and Ally has become an accomplished trainer and helps guide clients to the services that will best help them and their dogs.
She has graduated from then acclaimed and challenging Karen Pryor Academy professional trainer program, specializing in positive training.
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Anna Basalaev-Binder
TRAINER-INSTRUCTOR
B.A. Fine Arts, Mills College
Graduate with Distinction, CATCH Canine Trainers AcademyAnna Basalaev-Binder graduated, with distinction, from CATCH Canine Training Academy. As part of her studies, she competed a training mentorship with Dr. Sarah at The Canine Connection and a shelter mentorship at the Northwest SPCA .
Anna is passionate about dog/animal liberation, welfare and rescue, and is excited to help dogs succeed in their learning and enrichment goals. Aside from a passion for dogs, she loves painting and holds a BA in fine arts from Mills College.
Anna lives rurally outside of Chico with her 3 dogs, 4 sheep, many chickens, 2 cats and a few human friends.
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Deb Martell
TRAINER-INSTRUCTOR
GROOMERB.S. Natural Resources Conservation
University of British Columbia
VSA-CDT (in Person with Distinction)Deb is a professional dog groomer and positive trainer who is originally from British Columbia, Canada, Deb first had a brief but rewarding career in wildlife management but then followed her true passion back to the best animal of all, the domestic dog!
Deb has been working as a groomer for about 15 years and finds it incredibly rewarding. Along the way, her work with shelters and foster dogs compelled her to want to learn more about dog behavior and positive training. She enrolled in the highly regarded Victoria Stilwell Academy for dog trainers and become a certified positive trainer as well!
With both grooming and training, Deb's work exemplifies her belief that dogs are intelligent, intuitive, unique creatures, and each one is truly a unique individual.
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Nancy Kerns
TRAINER-INSTRUCTOR
B.A. Journalism, San Francisco State University
Horsemastership Graduate, Pacific Horse CenterNancy is the founding and longtime (25+ years!) editor-in-chief of the internationally renowned Whole Dog Journal, a leading source of information about positive dog training, nutrition, and health.
She has extensive experience with puppy and adolescent dogs, having fostered over 100 puppies for Northwest SPCA in Oroville and then providing training assistance to many of their new families.
Nancy is the coordinator and lead instructor in our “Continuing Ed” program so don’t be surprised if you find Nancy and her students out and about, on trails or in cafes, practicing what it means to take training foundations to an even higher and more joyful level in our beautiful Norcal environments.
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![christine fixico-silver and her cat]()
Christine Fixico-Silver
CERTIFIED CAT BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT
B.S. Psychology, Chico State
M.S. Psychology, Chico State
CCBC, CVPM, MS, HAB, CCBC,
Fear Free CertifiedChristine’s life has always been about the animals. She began working professionally with them as a veterinary assistant in her hometown of Paradise and worked her way into practice management, overseeing busy veterinary practices in California and Arizona.
Christine completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology at Chico State, focusing on the human-animal bond. Her passion for cats led to her becoming a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Christine consults with people around the country regarding the behaviors of their feline friends using Zoom and other technologies.
Christine lives in Peoria, Arizona with her husband, a clowder of cats, two ferrets, and a very tolerant black lab.
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![olivia porcayo and her dog]()
Olivia Porcayo
TRAINING ASSISTANT
B.S. Animal Science, Chico State
Olivia moved to Chico from Healdsburg to pursue her degree in Animal Science at Chico State. During her program, she spent a semester abroad in Spain. Upon her return, she began working for a local veterinary office.
When she began to develop an interest in animal behavior, Olivia sought out The Canine Connection and quickly became an important part of our team. Now a Chico State grad, Olivia splits her work time between veterinary care and The Canine Connection.
She has opened her heart and home to foster dogs that participate in our training program, helping them to become happier, better mannered, and more adoptable. What lucky dogs!
The Resort Team: Daycare and Boarding
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Kevin Swanberg
MANAGER, DAYCARE & BOARDING
B.S. Recreation Administration, Chico State
Kevin’s involvement with us began in 2009 when he was a student at Chico State.
After graduation, he moved to the Bay Area but later returned to Chico, along with a new baby and bride. We were thrilled that he wanted to return to “the best job he’s ever had.”
Kevin has an extensive background in hospitality services, a positive spirit for leading others, a talent for creating beautiful structures and settings, and an adorable mini Aussie named Arlo who (fortunately) works for treats.
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![jessica batista and her dog]()
Jessica Batista
DOG CARE SPECIALIST
B.S. Animal Science, Chico State
Fear Free CertifiedOriginally from Southern California, Jess moved to Chico to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Chico State.
Her love of dogs led her to The Canine Connection where she quickly learned their language, as expressed in body language, vocalizations, and behavior.
While Jess loves working with dogs, she and her sweetie are parents to two beloved cats whom Jess is clicker training!
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![avery beaudette and his dog]()
Avery Beaudette
DOG CARE SPECIALIST
B.S. Psychology, Chico State
Fear Free CertifiedAvery moved to Chico from Placerville to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Chico State.
Upon graduating from the honors program, he began his career working with animals, first at Chico Animal Shelter prior to joining The Canine Connection team.
He shares his home and heart with his energetic dog, Eowyn, his curious cat, Augustus (both adopted from Chico Animal Shelter) and his fiancé and son.
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![Lindsay Dollar and her dog]()
Lindsay Dollar
DOG CARE SPECIALIST
Fear Free Certified
Lindsay was born and raised in Chico. Prior to joining The Canine Connection, she worked with many species including tigers, bears, leopards, and all sorts of reptiles.
She is an avid reader and can often be found during her lunch breaks cuddling and reading with our visiting canine guests.
Lindsay is also an active gardner. She and her husband are parents to two boys and share their loving home with a sweet dog named DJ, adopted from the Northwest SPCA.
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![Reed Hansen]()
Reed Hansen
DOG CARE SPECIALIST
B.A. Environmental Studies & Studio Arts, UCSC
Reed has been part of The Canine Connection family since they were a child. Their family fostered dozens of puppies and dogs for local animal organizations and many of them came though our training program!
Reed has worn many hats while with us, from overnight attendant to client care coordinator. Reed is an accomplished oil painter and printmaker.
They enjoy their own art practice and volunteering with Chico State’s printmaking program.
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![Frankie Thomson]()
Frankie Thomson
DOG CARE ATTENDANT
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Fear Free CertfiiedFrankie is a dog enthusiast, cat lover, and recent graduate of the ROP Certified Veterinary Assistant program.
They enjoy cooking, crafting, and drawing. In fact, Frankie is the artist who created our beautiful greeting cards depicting our team dogs!
A Chico native, Frankie loves exploring Upper Park and other natural areas. They are proudly non-binary and advocate for inclusion and equality.
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![Izzy Otis]()
Izzy Otis
DOG CARE ATTENDANT
B.S. Animal Science, Chico State
Izzy grew up in SoCal with a large animal family that included dogs, goats, chickens, and tortoises. Her love of animals brought her to Chico State where she completed her Bachelors degree in Animal Science.
After graduation, Izzy headed off to South Africa to assist a non-profit that provided medical care to stray and wild captive animals.
Mom to two cats, Izzy is working on obtaining her certification to become an RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician).
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![Jazmyne Craig]()
Jazmyne Craig
DOG CARE ATTENDANT
B.S. Animal Science, Chico State
Jazmyne grew up in SoCal where
she was born with a love of animals. Throughout her life, she’s cared for almost every category of companion animal!Jazmyne decided to pursue a degree in Animal Science at Chico State after working with horses in her youth.
Her two dogs, Harley, a pitbull mix, and Copper, a dachshund, are the spoiled lights of her and her husband’s lives.
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![Eli Cook]()
Eli Cook
NIGHT ATTENDANT
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Eli, strength: can fold a fitted sheet. Weakness: Anything on a high shelf. After 10+ years of caregiving he pursued his passion of working with animals.
Having become a Certified Veterinary Assistant through the Butte County ROP program, he hopes to further his education in veterinary medicine.
A perpetual night owl, nothing makes him happier than singing show tunes to our lovely dog guests throughout the night.
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![JD Estep]()
JD Estep
NIGHT ATTENDANT
B.A. English, UC Berkeley
Ph.D. Communications Technology, Michigan Technological UniversityWhen JD was in grad school In Michigan, she missed her Chico dog so badly that she exercised and fostered dogs for the local humane society. When she moved back to Chico, she brought along her four newly adopted dogs.
Thirteen fosters and several additional rescue adoptions later, JD stays busy running family businesses, enjoying the Chico orchards with her husband and their three border collies, and lovingly caring for our overnight guests.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready for a Happier, Well-Trained dog?
Whether you're looking to strengthen your dog's skills or give them a fun, safe place to stay, The Canine Connection is here to help!
GIVING BACK TO CHICO
Community Involvement
We’re not just passionate about training dogs—we’re dedicated to helping dogs throughout our community. Our core values include extending our work beyond the walls of our center, outward to the community we love. We are dedicated to helping communities, people, and dogs in need.
Together, we can make our community - our world - a better place for dogs and the people who love them and care for them.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE PAW AT A TIME
Fundraising and Contributions
With over $128,000 raised for Chico Animal Shelter and Butte Humane Society, your support helps us give back to the animals who need it most!
2014 to 2023 – $100,000+ raised for Chico Animal Shelter
Our annual fundraiser, Walk Woof Wag, and other fundraising efforts for Chico Animal Shelter causes have raised over $90,000 for Chico Animal Shelter! Read more about this annual event HERE!
2011 to 2013 – $28,000+ raised for Butte Humane Society
TEAM CANINE CONNECTION raised over $28,000 for Butte Humane Society through Bidwell Bark. In 2011, we were the top fundraising team, and placed second and third in other years. We’re mighty proud that our little business could do so much!
SPREADING JOY THROUGH THERAPY PETS
Therapy Pet Squad
Our Therapy Dog Squad, comprised of people and their pets who have successfully completed all requirements to become Pet Partner volunteers, has been bringing joy to area agencies for over a decade. Pet Partners is a national organization that adheres to the highest standards for therapy pet evaluations and programs.
Dr. Sarah has been a licensed evaluator for Pet Partners since 2005 and a Pet Partner since 1998. She frequently holds evaluations for potential Pet Partner teams (a team is the person and animal that are evaluated together).
For further information about becoming a Pet Partner, please visit their website HERE. Please note that there are numerous steps involved in becoming a Pet Partner, with the team evaluation being the culminating step. Contact us at training@thecanineconnection.com or (530) 228-2822 to learn more!
Supporting Animals & Communities in Times of Crisis
Community Emergency Response
Dr. Sarah founded “Camp Fire Foster Animal Connection” to help place animals affected by the Camp Fire into foster homes while their families worked to rebuild their lives. She and The Canine Connection team also served as long-term volunteers in Camp Fire emergency animal shelters, providing care and support to displaced pets.
Beyond disaster response, The Canine Connection has stepped up in times of crisis, offering housing and organizing adoptions for Northwest SPCA dogs displaced by the Oroville Dam Evacuation. They also coordinated and delivered daily donations to NVADG shelters during the Camp and Carr Fires.
In partnership with Friends of Chico Animal Shelter, The Canine Connection hosted a no-cost microchip clinic in May 2019, ensuring nearly 344 dogs and cats received permanent identification to help them stay safe and reunited with their families.
Dr. Sarah is also a dedicated volunteer with the North Valley Animal Disaster Group, continuing her commitment to protecting animals in times of need.
“Sarah is a total hero to the animals in our community.”
When the Oroville dam crisis happened, and the Northwest SPCA animal shelter had to be evacuated… she took 16 of the more challenging dogs in at The Canine Connection, organized a troop of her paid staff and volunteers to walk and care for them, and found homes or fostered herself almost all the dogs so they did not have to return to the shelter.
For 5 years, she has organized Walk Woof Wag (helping Chico youth Bryce Velasco realize his dream of creating an event to help Chico Animal Shelter), a huge undertaking, to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the shelter’s medical fund.
She has created an army of helpers since the Camp Fire to care for and help foster and home the displaced animals. I could go on….”
- KYM CASPERSON
CHICO, CA
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Join Our Tribe
Are you passionate about working with dogs and dedicated to providing top-quality care? At The Canine Connection, we hire outstanding individuals to work with our amazing clients and their dogs.
Our standards for professionalism are high, the work is challenging, and the rewards are great. Check out our openings and apply today!