Our Team

Jayden Toulouse (They/Them)
Owner, Director of Animal Care, Trainer

Jayden is the founder and owner of Visiting Animal Friends. Jay has a B.S. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. He has 25 years of experience with animals. Leadership was developed in Jay on their small family farm in Oregon with their Mom where they stewarded the animals, at Greenpeace, Planting Justice, and Charlie’s Acres Farmed Animal Sanctuary, plus more. Jay received their certificate in Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh, as well as their Certificate in Dog Training from The Spirit Dog Academy. He has his certificate updated every two years in First Aid and CPR for dogs and cats. Jay plans and oversees the budget, manages all staff and contractors, maintains up to date records, plans the business’ strategic vision, chooses and facilitates strategic partner outreach, trains staff on skills including but not limited to animal care, animal photography, veterinary care, canvassing, public speaking, writing and editing, and works directly with pets and their parents for pet sits and training plans.