About us
At MJ’s Pet Training Academy, we believe training and grooming are more than services—they’re commitments to dogs, their people, and our community. Our highly trained team continues to learn and apply the latest in animal behavior and care, bringing both expertise and passion into every class, consultation, and grooming session. From nail care to advanced obedience, every pet receives individualized attention and the highest quality care.
A Community Where Dogs and People Thrive
Led by Melissa “MJ” Viera, CPDT-KA, our academy is built on a simple promise: training should be positive, supportive, and joyful. Melissa and her team help handlers achieve goals they never thought possible, from mastering manners to exploring creative sports like Trickovation® and Scent League. We’re proud to foster a community where encouragement, fun, and progress go hand in hand.
About Melissa Viera, CPDT-KA
Melissa Viera, CPDT-KA has been immersed in training and grooming dogs long before she offered services professionally. Guided by a deep interest in animal behavior, creativity, and compassion, her journey began in junior showmanship and AKC obedience. At just 23, she opened the first location of MJ’s Pet Training Academy in 2013, later expanding to a larger facility to serve even more dogs and their people.
Today, Melissa continues to share her expertise as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed, AKC CGC Evaluator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, AKC FIT Dog Instructor, and more. She is committed to ongoing education, professional collaboration, and supporting fellow trainers through consulting, speaking engagements, and her podcast, The Pet Care Report.
Her vision is simple and clear: to provide reliable services, innovative training opportunities, and a welcoming community where every dog and owner can thrive.