Meet Jenna Finch Finch | DOG behavioral therapist & Director of operations for a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenna Finch Finch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna Finch, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I grew up in San Diego in a family where animals were simply part of everyday life. My mom had a soft spot for strays and was always bringing home animals in need, so my sister and I grew up thinking it was completely normal to share our home with a revolving cast of dogs, cats, and all kinds of pets. My dad often took us down to Mexico, just south of Rosarito, where we were confronted with the heartbreaking reality of street dogs. As a child, it was impossible to see that kind of suffering and not want to scoop them all up and bring them home.

Those early experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. About ten years ago, I began immersing myself in rescue work, and five years ago I co-founded The Cantu Foundation with a close friend and rescue partner. Since then, we’ve rescued nearly 1,300 dogs and given them the chance at the lives they deserve.

My career found its own serendipitous path as well. Before becoming a dog behavioral therapist, I worked as an event planner. But when I lost my job during Covid, a time when so many people were bringing new dogs into their homes. My husband, who had been a very well known dog behavioral therapist in San Diego for over two decades, encouraged me to learn his methodology. What started as a way to adapt during a difficult moment quickly became my calling. I poured myself into the work, mastered the craft, and realized I had found exactly what I was meant to do.

Today, my life revolves around dogs in every sense, from caring for my own three, to helping families overcome the most complex behavioral challenges, to rescuing dogs off the streets of Mexico. Looking back, it feels Harmonious, almost inevitable, that a childhood surrounded by animals would lead me here. I’ve found my purpose, and I can’t imagine doing anything else

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is that my life literally revolves around dogs, and it’s not just a career—it’s my calling. I grew up surrounded by animals and strays, which gave me a deep understanding of their needs, their emotions, and the profound impact they have on people’s lives. My professional path didn’t follow a straight line; I started as an event planner and only became a dog behavioral therapist after losing my job during Covid. At the same time, the world was embracing pets in an unprecedented way, and I realized this was the perfect moment to pivot, learn, and fully dedicate myself to what I was always meant to do.

Building my career and co-founding The Cantu Foundation with my partner, Fatima, hasn’t always been easy. Rescue work and behavioral therapy come with immense challenges—sometimes heartbreakingly so—but they’ve also taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of empathy, not just for the dogs but for the humans who love them. I’m most proud of the nearly 1,300 dogs we’ve rescued and the transformations I’ve been privileged to witness, whether it’s helping a dog overcome deep-seated behavioral issues or seeing a family finally thrive with their pet.

The lesson I’ve learned is that passion, persistence, and surrounding yourself with people who share your vision—like Justin, Fatima, and my supportive family—can turn what feels impossible into reality. I want the world to know that my story isn’t just about dogs—it’s about purpose, love, and finding your calling in a way that truly makes a difference. Everything I do is driven by the belief that every dog deserves a chance at a happy life, and that mission guides every choice I make

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely show them the best of San Diego—but I’d also take them on a little adventure across the border to a place that’s very close to my heart.

We’d start in San Diego with all the classic must-dos: morning walks in La Jolla, a stroll through Balboa Park, and dinner at some of my favorite non-tourist restaurants in North Park, plus stops at my favorite taco spots. The goal would be to experience the city like a local, not just a tourist.

Then, I’d take them south to Rosarito, Mexico, where my rescue sanctuary is. They’d get a firsthand look at the street dogs we’ve helped, meet some of the pups we’ve rescued, and see the work that drives me every day. We’d also experience the local culture and food, soaking in the vibrant community just across the border. It’s an experience that’s really personal to me, and it’s a chance for someone to see a side of my life that truly defines who I am today—my love for animals, rescue, and giving dogs a second chance.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve credit for where I am today. First and foremost, my mom, who set the example by always opening her heart and our home to animals in need. Growing up surrounded by strays and rescues showed me compassion in action every single day.

I also have to give huge credit to my husband, Justin, who has been a dog behavioral therapist for over 20 years. He not only encouraged me to pursue this career but patiently taught me the methodology and believed in me until I believed in myself. And of course, my rescue partner and friend, Fatima. Together, we co-founded The Cantu Foundation, and we’ve been side by side in this mission for years. It truly takes a team to rescue at the scale we do, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without her.

Lastly, I’d dedicate this to the countless street dogs I saw in Mexico growing up. That experience left an imprint on me that I could never shake, and those dogs are what drive me to keep doing this work. Each one has taught me patience, resilience, and unconditional love, and they’re the real reason I do what I do

Website: https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training/sandiego/landing

Instagram: @thecantufoundation