Carmen Molinari, founder of Love At First Sit® and visionary of People’s Dog Training®, has been working with cats and small pets, and training dogs extensively in obedience, enrichment, and behavior modification for over 15 years.

A University of California, Berkeley alum with double majors, she is a multi-certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, animal care provider, and long time animal shelter volunteer. Her certifications includes Certified Dog Obedience Trainer (with honors distinction) ABCDT and Certified Service Dog Trainer ABCSDT from Animal Behavior College (ABC), Fear Free Certified® Professional Animal Trainer FFCP for cats and dogs, Master Course Certificate in Aggression in Dogs (Michael Shikashio, CDBC), Fear Free Shelters Graduate, and Certified in Pet CPR and First Aid from the American Red Cross and ABC. She is an Approved Evaluator for the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen™ Program and AKC Temperament Test, AKC Fetch Judge, AKC Fit Dog level 1 through 3 Instructor, and an Authorized Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College. Striving to achieve the highest level of standards, she is committed to continued education, and maintains affiliations with a variety of organizations including Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

As a trusted authority in her field, Carmen has won numerous awards  — some of which include being voted the City of Santa Monica’s 2026 Most Loved Pet Training and Independent Business, as well as a Most Loved Pet Service winner 6 years running —  and she is a sought after expert news guest for a variety of leading Los Angeles news media outlets, including KCRW Press Play with Madeleine Brand, providing commentary on a variety of pet topics. She writes her own news column in Pet of the Week in the Santa Monica Daily Press, and has been featured in Spectrum News 1 Socal as their “Everyday Hero.”

With over 5000+ volunteer hours, her Love At First Sit® Initiative engages in charitable endeavors, including volunteering at shelters, collaborating with nonprofit organizations including CAMP, Canine Companions, Beagle Freedom Project, Meals On Wheels West, The People Concern, and monetary giving.