PRESCOTT – If you’re a pet owner, this might be a familiar scenario to you: It’s time for your pet to have a nail trim and they hate it. They shake, they try to hide or they become aggressive. Taking them anywhere to have it done is a nightmare both pet and owner dread. That’s where Prescott veterinary technician Sarena McCarthy comes in with Sarena’s At Home Pet-A-Cures.

Based in Prescott but serving surrounding communities, McCarthy started her mobile pet care business in 2021. She has been a vet tech for more than eight years after earning her veterinary technologist’s degree from North Dakota State University.

“Being a vet tech, the idea came to me,” McCarthy said. “Nail trims, some people don’t want to leave their homes. Some dogs and cats do better in their home than in a clinic. They’re too anxious, or need full sedation, or it’s a totally different experience for them.”

Her goal is to help pet owners with tasks they might find frightening or stressful by creating a peaceful experience in their own homes. She offers dog nail trims and files, cat/small animal nail trims, ear cleanings, anal gland expressions, paw pad trims, sanitary trims, mat removals (especially for older dogs or cats) and lion cuts.

“I’m not a professional groomer,” McCarthy said. “I will help to make your pet comfortable, but I don’t do bathing, blowouts or full haircuts for dogs.”

She does offer lion cuts, which is shaving everything but the tail, head and paws. This is helpful, for example, to older cats who are arthritic and can’t groom themselves well or have mats.

“I started my business and people really took to it,” McCarthy said. “It’s very rewarding to help out people.”

The reviews posted on her business Facebook page show her compassion and care with people’s animals are a hit.

“Our Labrador loved her from the moment she walked in and began easing her toward her much dreaded nail clipping,” Jane Schwanke wrote. “Willow was calm as Sarena talked her through, and a treat cemented their friendship.”

Customers have expressed gratitude to McCarthy for offering them an affordable home solution after their pets were too scared or told not to come back to some places. It can also be hundreds of dollars to get nails trimmed at a vet’s office if full sedation is necessary for the pet to be comfortable.

“There are still some who do fine at the groomer, but their owner finds it easier to have it done at home,” McCarthy said. “The majority do way better in the home where they are relaxed.”

Animals have always been a part of McCarthy’s life. Growing up she always had pets and continually saved bugs from being squashed.

“I feel like a home is not really a home without one (a pet),” McCarthy said. “We’ve always had pets. I have a soft spot for animals, like pulling over to help an injured animal or help a turtle cross the road. It’s kind of how I’ve always been. I have empathy for all living creatures and I hope I’ve inspired others to do the same. They deserve the best care. They don’t really have a voice for themselves so we read their signals.”

McCarthy knew she always wanted to work with animals. She didn’t know exactly in what way until she enrolled at NDSU. The vet tech degree allowed her to pursue a career in helping her furry friends. She still works as a vet tech once a week while trying to build her mobile pet care business full-time.

McCarthy is available Mondays through Fridays with evening appointments available. Her service area spans River Falls, Hudson, Prescott, Hastings, Newport, Woodbury, St. Paul Park, St. Paul, Cottage Grove and Inver Grove Heights. She can be reached by call or text at 763-568-1165 or by email at sarenaspet.a.cures@gmail.com

People can also find McCarthy from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at the second annual Pet Expo at Farmer’s Insurance (1350 S. Frontage Road, Hastings).

“I want to help out anyone who thinks they need help,” McCarthy said. “I have experience and knowledge that people appreciate. Sometimes it takes baby steps, patience. It’s a personalized experience for me to come to their home. I am so happy when it’s successful. It’s nice to use my knowledge to work with people and animals.”