About Elia's Paws
We're not trying to be the biggest pet care service in Finland. We're trying to be the one people actually trust.
The Story Behind Elia's Paws
Elia's Paws didn't start as a business. It started as a favour. A friend needed help with her dog, and I had time. I'd just left a hectic job and was spending my days walking in the forest, trying to reset. When my friend returned, she said something that stuck with me: "That's the first time I've felt truly free in years."
Sulo - the dog who started it all
Word spread faster than I expected. More friends reached out, then their friends too. What they needed wasn't just someone to feed the cat or walk the dog. They wanted real care, from someone they trusted. I looked around and realised there wasn't a clear, personal, high-quality pet care service in Tampere. Just scattered freelancers and one-off arrangements. That's when I knew this wasn't just a favour. It was a need.
George with Hugo, one of our first customers
I grew up in what can best be described as the Moomin House. A home filled with animals, chaos, and love. Ferrets, goats, chickens, dogs. Every creature taught me something about patience, empathy, and being present. That kind of childhood never leaves you. Today, through Elia's Paws, I bring that same care into other people's homes.
George with Heidi and Katie, two of his childhood goats, some time in the 1990's
Our Mission & Values
We're not trying to be the biggest pet care service in Finland. We're trying to be the one people actually trust. That means showing up when we say we will, telling you honestly if something's off, and caring about your pet's wellbeing more than we care about filling our schedule. That's it, really.
Care Comes First
Every animal deserves to feel safe, loved, and truly seen. We care for your pets like they’re our own - with calm presence, patience, and a whole lot of heart.
Every Detail Matters
From first message to final tail wag, we put care into every detail. That means showing up on time, staying in touch, and making sure every visit feels just right.
Open & Honest, Always
You should never have to wonder how your pet is doing. We keep you in the loop with real-time updates, honest communication, and full clarity from day one.
Meet Our Team
The friendly faces behind Elia’s Paws - real animal lovers, not just names on a website. We’re a small, trusted team who take the time to know each pet, each routine, and each family we support.
George Waller
Founder
George started Elia's Paws after a friend asked for help with her dog and never looked back. Grew up in a house full of animals and has never really left that world. Runs the business, handles bookings, and still does visits himself.
Specialties:
Juuli Sotejeff
Pet Carer
Juuli has owned rabbits her whole life and has a natural calm around animals that they seem to pick up on immediately. Particularly good with shy or nervous pets. Handles small animals, cats, and dogs.
Specialties:
Tinja Kainulainen
Graphic Designer
Tinja looks after the visual side of Elia's Paws. She's the reason the website and brand look the way they do.
Specialties:
Halla
Marketing & Social Media
Halla looks after the social media and public face of Elia's Paws. A part-time artist whose paintings are mostly of animals — dogs and horses especially — she brings the same love for animals to her work as everyone else on the team.
Specialties:
Thomas
Pet Carer
Thomas has been around animals his whole life and has the kind of calm that makes even nervous ones settle. Grew up outdoors and still spends as much time there as possible. Speaks Finnish and English.
Specialties:
Evilda
Pet Carer, Helsinki
Evilda grew up in Stockholm surrounded by animals — mostly cats, but also dogs and at one point a snake. She recently moved to Helsinki and her own two cats are still back home, so she has plenty of love to give to others’. Speaks English and Swedish; working on her Finnish.
Specialties:
Our Journey
Key milestones in our growth
Started as a favour for a friend who needed help with her dog
Opened up to the public in Tampere and Kangasala
Juuli joined the team
First full holiday season. Fully booked.
Growing the team and expanding to Helsinki
Bookings Completed
Five-Star Reviews
Team Members and growing
Google Reviews
Think we might be a good fit?
We'd love to hear about your pet. Drop us a message and we'll take it from there. No commitment, no pressure.