Travis Mitchell has always been an animal-lover since he was child. Over the last 30 years, he has worked with a wide range of creatures, from the smallest - mice - to the largest land mammals - elephants. Travis has worked for Washington University School of Medicine in four different capacities. He started as an Animal Caretaker in 1970 for the department of Internal Medicine and that's exactly what he did, took care of animals. He was certified through a Basic Laboratory Animal Care Course at Washington University School of Medicine. In 1977, while working for the department of Radiation Sciences as an Animal Caretaker, he was certified through AALAS as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician and after one year, he was certified as a Laboratory Animal Technician. He eventually received his certification as a Laboratory Animal Technologist and he also received another certification through Ralston Purina.

In 1982, Travis departed to manage E&H Pet Shop. His duties included grooming, setting up and maintaining aquariums, transporting pets and handling sales. Between 1984 and 1985, he worked at Monsanto in their Environmental Health Laboratories, Animal Care Division.

Between 1985 and 1990, Travis worked as a Keeper for the St. Louis Zoological Park in the elephant house. One highlight occurred on July 1, 1988, when a Nile hippopotamus attacked a co-worker and was close to killing him before Travis stepped in - a very frightening scenario for anyone. He also artificially inseminated Pearl, Rajah's mom, twice because he had the longest arms at the zoo. However, the insemination never worked and Travis was pretty tired of being peed on. He met some wonderful people and animals at the zoo and he received commendations for his outstanding services. Through some contacts there, his pet-sitting sideline that he had started as a hobby in 1970 had grown.

Between 1990 and 1992, Travis worked at Washington University School of Medicine as a Laboratory Technician in Pulmonary Division, Respiratory and Critical Care. In late 1990, he transferred to another position within the Cardiovascular Division as a Research Surgical Technician. In one year, he became a surgeon in the research field and began teaching MDs, PhDs, DVMs and medical students several surgical procedures, especially coronary surgery using the LAD (left anterior descending). As a matter of fact, one of the drugs he used in cardiology called TPA is on the market today.

Travis left the security of a full-time job in 1992 to devote his time and energy to his up-to-then sideline business, PetKeepers. He considers himself fortunate to have worked and played with animals in all of his previous jobs and he's certainly a better person for having learned so much in the animal field.

Travis served as a Board Member for the Humane Society of Missouri from 1999 until 2003. He also designed and assisted Condominium Associations and Apartment Managerial Staff with the implementation of a pet policy of Being a Responsible Pet Owner.

Travis was the Editor and Publisher of the only local pet magazine in St. Louis, St. Louis Pets that brought animal-lovers and professionals together to share what some of the best minds in the animal field know. They share stories and things that pertain to animals and pets. It is designed specifically to address animals, pets and their owners throughout the entire region.

Travis is a Born Again Christian and have been a member of Circle of Light Church since 1994 and he keeps God first. He's under the astute teaching of the gospel by Pastor Jeff Johnson Jr. and he feels bless seeing sinners of all ages and nationality being led by God to the Church seeking spiritual help. The majority of them are confused, tired of living in darkness, and being victimized by a deceitful and sophisticated devil a.k.a. Beelzebul's, Belial, Lucifer, Mastema, Sammael, Satan, or Semyaz. But Travis see them come to the Church in pretty bad shape i.e. economically, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Fortunately, when God through Pastor Johnson is finished with them, they experience peace of mind, joy, love, happiness, and total elation.

Travis acknowledges that God is leading him in all of his endeavors i.e. spiritually, materialistically, and economically. He still have time to enjoy his children: twins Travis II and Trinka. The children loves attending church and going on jobs with dad, and they're learning about God and the trade pretty early - and enjoying it. You can call it a family affair. Travis said he wouldn't have it any other way, as long as everyone is happy.