Shark & Paws K9
Paula Sharkey
K9 Support Specialist
Springfield, MO
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Protecting Teams, Honoring Instincts
At Shark & Paws K9, we believe every dog holds the power to serve, protect, and thrive—whether responding in times of crisis or learning to navigate the world with confidence. From Search & Rescue deployments to K9 wellness, our mission is rooted in compassion, preparedness, and purpose-driven partnership.
About Me
About Me
Welcome to Shark & Paws K9. I’m Paula Sharkey—owner, certified SARTECH III responder, and devoted specialist in canine behavior and wellness. With over a decade of hands-on experience, my work is rooted in one powerful belief: every dog deserves a chance to thrive, and every guardian deserves support through that journey.
My path began with a rescue pup who changed everything. Through patience, advocacy, and tailored training, I learned how to nurture potential where others saw problems. Today, I apply those same values across the fields of behavior modification, search and rescue, and K9 wellness care—helping dogs with anxiety, reactivity, or trauma develop the confidence to serve or simply live in peace.
Whether you're facing behavioral challenges, prepping your dog for response work, or seeking reliable care in a crisis, Shark & Paws K9 offers thoughtful, expert guidance built on experience, compassion, and ethical practice.
Beyond the leash and field, I’m committed to building communities, challenging stereotypes, and giving every dog—especially the overlooked—the space to be seen, understood, and empowered.
Thank you for being here. Together, we’ll protect what matters most.
Transitioning with Purpose
Shark & Paws K9 is entering a new chapter, with a sharpened focus on canine wellness, behavior support, and community care. As part of this evolution, we are no longer accepting new clients for drop-in visits, day care, or basic boarding services.
Existing clients—rest assured, nothing changes for you. The care, consistency, and compassion you've come to rely on will continue as always.
Our priority is shifting toward specialized wellness efforts and community outreach, allowing us to deepen the impact of our work where it’s needed most.
Intensive Behavioral Diagnostics: For Those Ready to Do the Work
This service is not for everyone—and that's by design. At Shark & Paws K9, we offer a deep-dive 3-hour behavioral assessment intended for clients who are truly committed to understanding, healing, and advocating for their dog’s behavioral wellness.
This session is intensive, both in time and in expectations. It’s designed to uncover root causes of reactivity, anxiety, or maladaptive behaviors through functional analysis and real-world observation—not just surface solutions. If you’re searching for a quick fix, this isn’t the service for you.
What It Includes:
- Multi-environment behavior observation
- Functional analysis to identify triggers and patterns
- Actionable, compassionate strategies rooted in behavioral science
- Hard truths, clear goals, and a path forward—if you're ready to walk it
💰 Cost: $275. This covers the full diagnostic experience. If you choose to continue with a structured recovery plan, this amount will be credited toward your program.
This session is for those willing to show up—for their dog, for themselves, and for the work. We believe in transformation, but only when it’s earned through consistent, ethical effort.
Thank you for considering SPK9 for your dog's lifeline journey. I look forward to meeting you and your four-legged friend soon!
Military Active Duty/Veteran, Law Enforcement, First Responder, Rescues -
please contact us for a discount!
Thank you for your service!
As a one-woman show dedicated to providing exceptional service, I want to ensure that every furry friend receives my undivided attention during their time with me. Whether it's training, pet sitting, or behavior consultations, your pets deserve my full focus.
Here's how we can stay connected:
Text Messages: For non-urgent inquiries, please feel free to send me a text message. I'll respond promptly once I've completed my current appointment. 📱
Phone Calls: If you prefer a call, leave a message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm available. 📞
Remember, just like you want the best for your pets, I'm committed to providing the same level of care and attention to each and every client. Thank you for understanding!
Help a small business out today! ✨
Help a small business out today! ✨
Your review can make a big difference for small businesses like mine. If you've had a positive experience working with me, consider leaving a Google review to help spread the word. It only takes a few minutes and means a lot! 😃
Whether you received pet sitting services or training, leave us a Google review today! 🐾
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