About Us
Vivian & Toby (Owners)
Vivian always had a soft spot for dogs, and has been actively placing unwanted animals her entire life. Originally from Colombia, Vivian grew up in Westchester and is a graduate of Tufts University and CUNY School of Law. She spent a few years as a hi-tech public relations executive, and then practiced as an environmental insurance claims attorney for over 17 years.
Toby, an Idaho native and outdoor enthusiast, grew up surrounded by animals his whole life. Toby is also a graduate of Tufts University, and worked as a hazardous materials environmental consultant for over 26 years.
Together, Vivian and Toby have shared their life with two Whippets (Barley and Dylan – RIP), two rescued Pitbulls (Zeli and Ketchum – RIP) and one Toy Cockapoo (Pete - RIP). They currently live in Crown Heights with two Whippets (Demi and Rocket), who share the responsibilities of HouseBroken's CPO (Chief Pet Officer).
Ben
Ben joined the HouseBroken team in 2021. He came to Brooklyn to write fiction after graduating from the University of Michigan. He currently lives in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where he enjoys listening to live jazz.
Brandon
Brandon moved to New York in July 2013 after graduating from Georgia State University, where he studied Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies. After doing some freelance work in consumer insights research, he joined HouseBroken to work with animals. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys long bike rides and cooking. He currently resides in Crown Heights with his rescued American Pit Bull, Emma, along with two cats he recently rescued.
Kim
Kim grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to NYC in 2012 and within a month was working for HouseBroken. Kim studied English Literature at MTSU, where she developed a passion for children’s literature. Now, she is expanding on her other interests in carpentry and has become an avid cyclist.
Lacey
Lacey joined HouseBroken in early 2020. She grew up in California and made her way out to New York for college. After Lacey graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree in theatre, she stayed to pursue her career. While building her career, she wanted to get a job that she would actually enjoy -- and here it is at HouseBroken! Being able to take care of animals is a big passion of Lacey's. She grew up with animals in her house and always feels the need to be around them.
Lauren
Lauren moved to NYC in 2021 from Orlando, Florida, where she studied film and media production at Florida Atlantic University. She loves to be creative taking photos and screen printing on clothes/fabrics. Lauren has always felt connected to dogs and enjoys getting to spend time walking them each week. She also has spent some time fostering dogs. Although Lauren does not currently have a dog of her own, she cannot wait to get a dog of her own one day.
Norah
Originally from Charlotte, NC, Norah has been working as a dogwalker since 2018 and joined HouseBroken in 2023. In addition to pet care, she works as a freelance trombonist throughout NYC, often playing jazz and brass band music. Norah lives in Prospect Lefferts Gardens with her wife Katie and two Yorkiepoos - Pookie and Mimi.
Paulina
Swedish born Paulina first came to New York in 2014 to study dance. Her love for animals and physical activity is what made her find her way to the HouseBroken team in 2018. Growing up with different kinds of animals and always volunteering to take care of her friends' pets, gifted her the ability to build meaningful bonds with her furry friends - even on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. When she’s not holding a leash, snuggling a guinea pig, or petting a cat, you can find her in a dance studio practicing her moves or at a circus facility in an aerial hoop improving her techniques.