Santanna Vega
Facility Manager

I joined the Wags & Wiggles team at the beginning of 2012 after looking to switch fields from rescue work.  I immediately fell in love with Wags based on their candor and openness to all dogs and their families, an openness to meet and assess each dog personally and professionally.

I initially started in the play area and quickly moved up to supervisor.  I then moved into the front office after expressing my desire to get to know the parents of the dogs I had grown to love so much.

I officially joined the management team in 2015 after my husband and I welcomed our daughter.  Most recently I do more behind the scenes work with staff relations and staff training.  In addition to one stellar human child, I also have 3 fur kiddos: Brantley, Raleigh and Valor; all of whom I thank daily for the endless supply of laughs.  When I'm not at Wags, my hubby and I are always taking the family on new adventures.

EMAIL SANTANNA

Susan Yu
Manager

I was born and raised in Pismo Beach and moved to Southern California in 2004. I studied Kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton and served in the Army Reserves in 2006.

I joined the Wags & Wiggles team in the summer of 2015. I started on the play floor and rotated between our Big Dog and Small Dog rooms and maintenance. I eventually became part of the maintenance team. Now, I am a full-time Front office manager.

I have learned a lot about dogs while working at Wags and Wiggles, and the Wags staff is like a big family to me and Jackson.

I have always loved dogs as a kid, but my love for them grew more than ever as an adult when I had my first three dogs. I had two littermate cocker spaniels and a lab mix. (Jenny, Julie, and Jackson) Unfortunately, in 2023 and 2024, I experienced my first two pet losses. Jenny and Julie are together in rainbow paradise. They lived a good 18 years of life. They changed my whole life in a good way. While I love all dogs, I have a special place in my heart for the spaniel family.

My Lab mix Jackson, whom we rescued off the streets at 8 weeks, is over 11 years old. In December 2024, a few months after my second dog left to doggy heaven, he became a tripod due to bone cancer. Jackson still enjoys life as much as he can and always loves to see his Wags and Wiggles family, who love to spoil him like crazy. He has practically spent his whole life at Wags and Wiggles.

When I am not at Wags, I love to go on hikes, play sports, watch sports, and hang out with my dog. One day, I will have another spaniel of my own, but right now, I have to make the most of it with my best friend Jackson.

EMAIL SUSAN

Bryan Martinez
Manager

Working with and owning dogs and animals has always left a soft spot in my heart. Working at Wags has allowed me to work and care for animals in many ways, which has greatly impacted my life.

I started working here when I was 18, and though I've had various jobs, Wags has always felt closest to home. From the many dogs I have grown to know and love working on the play floors to appreciating little aspects of the facility when doing maintenance work, to working in the front office and getting to know the clients of the dogs we all care so dearly for, I have learned a lot about dog behavior and how to interact with them.

Most importantly, though, it's the tight-knit crew of crazy dog-loving staff, people like me, who make this workplace the fun and exciting place it is.

Though Wags is a huge part of my routine, when I am not working or hanging out with my dog at home, you can find me skateboarding at the local skate park or looking for the next plant to collect!

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of such a fantastic team!

EMAIL BRYAN

Jacalin McMinn
Manager jacalin

I've been a part of this beautiful family of wags and wiggles since late 2015. I did leave for two years due to moving out of state. Arms open wide for my return. Since returning, I’ve been heavily reminded why I am in this industry. It’s the impact we have on the dogs and their families.

For me, the impact is truly inspirational, especially for the dogs that overcome leaps and bounds with us. How we show up for the dogs reminds me daily of my life and my journey with having a daughter on the spectrum. She is superhuman and has wonderful people who impact her life, which is a huge shadow of what I do for the families we encounter here.

Since joining Wags, I’ve been all over the facility, started in the play area, baths, kitchen, and now a part of the management team. When I am not dedicating my time to wags, you’ll find me on a hike with my beautiful critter (aka human child) exploring the wonders of the world. Cheers to the years ahead of making tails wag.

EMAIL JACALIN

Jaqueline Hernandez
Assistant Manager jackie hernandez

Working with animals has always been a dream of mine. Since 2021, I’ve had the privilege of turning that passion into a fulfilling career at Wags and Wiggles. In my role at the front office, I’m often the first face our clients and their dogs see, and I take that role to heart. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where dogs feel safe, loved, and truly seen.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to know each dog’s unique personality. No two are alike, and it’s the little quirks, the tail wags, the silly habits, the shy snuggles that make every day so special. I do my best to make each dog feel like they’re part of our family because they are. Whether greeting them with a familiar voice, remembering their favorite toy, or offering a moment of calm reassurance, I want every dog to know they’re loved here.

Over the years, I’ve also built strong, trusting relationships with our pet parents. I understand their love for their dogs, and I do everything I can to reflect that love and care in how I treat their pets. It’s an honor to be part of their lives and to provide peace of mind knowing their dogs are in good hands.

Outside of work, my world still revolves around the love of animals. I spend as much time as I can outdoors with my 5-year-old cattle mix named Zeus, who brings me endless joy and companionship. Our hikes and quiet moments together are some of the most grounding parts of my life. I also treasure the time I share with my husband and stepson. Whether out on the trail or just enjoying a relaxing day together, being surrounded by my two- and four-legged family makes life all the better.

This isn’t just a career; it’s a part of who I am. Every day, I have the chance to make a dog feel safe and loved, and there is nothing more fulfilling than that.

EMAIL JAQUELINE

Sydney Nguyen
Assistant Manager

sydney n

I have been a part of the Wags team for over three years. I am going to Cal State Fullerton to achieve my degree in business administration.

I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. I have two dogs, a cat, and a bearded dragon.

I have met some of the most wonderful people here at Wags and have built many connections that will last a lifetime. I have also met so many dogs here that I care deeply for. They have made every workday worth it. Wags is not just a workplace, but a place for community.

EMAIL SYDNEY

Anthony Martinez
Maintenance Manager

anthony

With a fourteen-year tenure at Wags and Wiggles, I've grown from an entry-level position to my current role as Maintenance Manager, developing a comprehensive skill set along the way. My journey with Wags and Wiggles began in the small dog room, where I advanced to 'Small Dog Specialist' and later 'Bigs Floor Supervisor." From there, I've learned how to do just about every position here at the company!

Now, I'm the Maintenance Manager here at Tustin and have a lot of hands-on experience maintaining the building. I mostly taught myself how to do cleaning and sanitizing, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, and tech support over the years. I have a strong commitment to making the facility safe and a well-functioning environment here at Wags!

Wags has also helped me become a more knowledgeable dog owner. Learning to communicate with my deaf dog Freya using sign language and navigating her training has been a gratifying experience, mirroring the care and dedication we show all animals at Wags and Wiggles!

After fourteen years, my enthusiasm for contributing to the Wags and Wiggles family and ensuring our facility is at its best remains as strong as ever!

EMAIL ANTHONY