My name is JoAnn Wiltz and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My passion for all creatures was sparked at a young age because my mother worked at a veterinary office and often brought home a wide variety of patients for after-hours care. Growing up around dogs, cats and other more exotic species, I gravitated towards the hard-luck critters, especially Los Angeles’ desperate community cat population, and neglected reptiles in need of rehabilitation.
I first started working for Hope For Paws on June 16, 2012 when I faced an emotional crossroad and needed to learn adulting fast...“or else!”...as my mom put it! Eldad, having known me since I was a little kid, took me under his wing and put me to work. I have been Eldad's assistant ever since.
My experience has greatly expanded Hope for Paws’ work with cats and exotics. Because behavior problems and under-socialization can be a huge barrier to adoption, I take great pride in helping animals learn to trust and eventually love humans. I became an ABC certified cat trainer in February of 2019.
I share my home with my young son, my dog Elektra, a pride of four lazy house-lions, and a revolving door of neonate kittens, puppies, and special-needs reptiles.