Meet The Team

Company Directors

Karina Hart - Director

Hi, I am Karina, co-owner of Take The Lead Services.
I am a qualified and registered veterinary nurse with over 7 years experience in a small animal practice. My experience and dedication to animals means you can rely and trust that your pets will get the best care and attention and be treated as if they were one of my own. I know how much you love your special family friends and that's why I aim to provide a dedicated and experienced service to provide love, stimulation and reassurance to your pets when you are out at work or away on holiday. Since starting Take The Lead Services I have also completed nutrition and body language courses with the IMDT as well as completing the NVQ level 1 & 2 Dog grooming qualification at Merrist Wood in 2017. This has lead to the successful launch of an additional service at TTLS with 'The Stylish Dog' grooming salon in Ash.

Matt Hart - Director

Hi, I am Matt co-owner at Take The Lead Services. Prior to starting TTLS I served as a front line Police Officer with Surrey Police spending time on response teams, neighbourhood teams and the roads policing unit. In 2018 I decided to leave the policing world and focus full time on the business, and in particular dog training. I have been very fortunate to travel the UK learning from some of the best dog trainers the industry has to offer and completing many courses with the likes of Jens Frank (SWDI), Victoria Stillwell and Louise Wilson (Conservation K9C) to name a few.

For the last two years I have spent time overseas working on government contracts across Europe, training and handling operational detection dogs. This passion for detection work started when completing my scent instructor and scent detection dog handler qualifications with the WSDA & The UK College of Scent Detection. I thoroughly enjoy learning everything about scent detection and have brought my two working cockers along for the journey. Kizzy – Active searching, and Breeze passive & laser guided search.

Daycare & Walking Team

Catherine - Daycare Supervisor & Trainer

I joined Take The Lead in July 2014 after a successful career in teaching in order to pursue my passion for dogs. I have owned and trained dogs for over thirty years and under the mentorship of respected trainer Kay Attwood, I have become a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement training. I have been taught by some of the leading positive reinforcement trainers and behaviourists including Sarah Whitehead, Susan Friedman, Steve Mann, Jo-Rosie Huffenden and Nando Brown.

Terena - Daycare Assistant

I’ve always worked with animals since leaving school and have a small menagerie at home which I’m very grateful to my husband who puts up with whatever I bring home , I have known Karina for a very long time and felt privileged and honoured to be asked by her and Matt to join the TTLS team.

Naomi - Dog Walker

After 10 years in the care industry, looking after the elderly I decided that I would turn my focus and care towards man's (and woman's) best friend.
I have always had animals in my life and since having two dogs of my own my interest in working in this area has now become a reality. I want to give the dogs the best time on their walks and allow their personalities to shine. I am so blessed to be working in a job that fulfill's my passion for spending time, looking after and cuddling everyone's furry friends.

Working at TTLS never feels like a job when you're doing something you love every day! There is no better feeling than seeing a wiggly happy dog so excited to see you. After working as a travel agent for a few years looking longingly out the window in the summer at the sunshine I now feel lucky to be out enjoying the fresh air with the dogs. Yes even in the snow!

Emily - Dog Walker & Dog Groomer

Ellie - Daycare Assistant / Dog Walker

Hi, I am Ellie and I am so excited to have joined Take The Lead in a full time role. Having worked with the TTLS team over the last few years during various work experience stints, It has always been a dream to work with animals every day. I love walking and exploring new areas with my Bichon Frise Vinnie. I am looking forward to working at our Daycare facility, as well as being out and about walking and meeting all the new dogs.

Steph - Dog Walker

Bio coming soon...

Marketing & Events

Jonathan Hart - Social Media & Events Manager

I joined Take The Lead Services in August 2016 after 6 years at Frimley Park Hospital, where I finished my role as Portering Manager. After years of working and managing, there came a point in which I needed a new challenge, I was approached about taking on a brand new position where I would take control of the social media channels and organising events. This job role is extremely rewarding and the possibilities are endless... and the managers aren't too bad either! Expect to see a lot from the team here at TTLS!