Community Highlights: Meet Joann Schermerhorn of Tending Pets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joann Schermerhorn.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve spent most of my career in wellness as a holistic esthetician, Ayurveda health counselor, herbalist, and sound healing practitioner. I’ve always been fascinated by the way energy and care can transform both body and spirit. But the path to creating Tending Pets began almost by accident—while I was house-sitting and practicing for a human sound healing event.

As I played, one of the cats in my care—an elderly, sick companion—softened almost immediately. Her breathing slowed, her body relaxed, and she seemed more at peace than she had in days. What surprised me even more was how the other cats responded: a blind cat followed the vibrations with curiosity, while a spirited two-year-old, fresh from chasing birds outside, stretched out at my feet and drifted to sleep.

That moment showed me something profound—pets, just like people, crave energetic balance, safety, and calm. It planted the seed for Tending Pets, and not long after, another experience confirmed it. I set up a full sound bath for three cats, and again, each one responded in their own way. I filmed the session and shared it with their guardians—my friend, Saturday Night Live star Heidi Gardner. Heidi was amazed at the transformation in her cats, and when she shared the videos on Instagram, people began reaching out, curious about the idea of sound baths for pets.

That’s when I realized this was bigger than a one-off experience. I launched Tending Pets to bring sound healing and Reiki to animals—whether they’re navigating anxiety, illness, aging, or simply in need of comfort. Today, I work with pets both virtually and in person, and I’ve had the joy of partnering with places like Whiskers Cat Café to host community sound bath events in Kansas City.

Every session is different because every animal is different. I design the sound journey with instruments like singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and steel tongue drums to meet each pet where they are. Sometimes it helps an older cat finally rest; other times it helps foster kittens feel safe in a brand-new environment. What I’ve learned is that sound is a universal language of comfort.

For me, Tending Pets isn’t just a business—it’s the weaving together of everything I’ve studied and loved: Ayurveda, sound healing, energy work, and most of all, the bond we share with our animals. It’s a reminder that all beings—human or animal—are wired for connection, safety, and peace.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most new businesses, the road hasn’t been perfectly smooth. When I first started Tending Pets, one of the biggest challenges was that the idea of pet sound healing was still very new to most people. Explaining what it is, how it works, and why it matters took a lot of education and patience. Many pet guardians were curious but hesitant, so I had to find creative ways to share stories, demonstrate results, and show that this work is safe, gentle, and effective.

Another challenge has been the practical side of running a business—balancing marketing, scheduling, and building visibility while also staying grounded in the actual healing work. Like many wellness entrepreneurs, I’ve had to wear every hat, from practitioner to business manager to educator. It hasn’t always been easy, but each step has taught me something valuable about resilience and creativity.

I’ve also faced skepticism from time to time. Sound healing for pets can sound “out there” if you’ve never witnessed it, and I’ve had to learn not to take that personally. Instead, I lean into the results—the calm after a session, the way a pet’s energy shifts, or the feedback from guardians who notice lasting changes. Those moments keep me moving forward and remind me why I started.

What I’ve learned is that challenges are just part of the path. Every obstacle has pushed me to clarify my vision, trust my intuition, and keep showing up for the animals and people who are open to this work.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is called Tending Pets, and it’s dedicated to supporting the well-being of animals through sound healing, Reiki, and luxury pet care. I specialize in working with cats and dogs, offering gentle, non-invasive sessions that help them release tension, ease anxious energy, and settle into a state of peace. Whether it’s a cat navigating illness, a dog adjusting to a big life change, or simply a companion who needs a moment of calm, I craft each session to meet them exactly where they are.

What sets Tending Pets apart is its blend of holistic expertise and intuitive care. With certifications in animal communication, holistic pet care, animal Reiki, and animal first aid, I’m able to offer a truly comprehensive approach to animal well-being. I use instruments like singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and steel tongue drums to design soundscapes for each pet, and I offer Reiki to deepen their energetic balance. Every animal responds differently—sometimes curling up in rest, sometimes curiously engaging with the vibrations—but the common thread is that they choose to receive the healing in their own way.

Alongside these healing services, I also provide luxury pet sitting in the Kansas City metro area, combining attentive, high-quality care with the same nurturing approach I bring to my wellness practice.

Beyond pet work, I also extend my services to humans. I offer sound baths, yoga, meditation, and breathwork classes because I believe the well-being of pets and their people is deeply interconnected. Each Wednesday, I partner with Wellknown Studio at the Bauer Building to lead wellness events, and I also collaborate with corporations and non-profits to bring restorative practices into workplaces and community spaces.

I’m most proud of how quickly Tending Pets has grown into something bigger than I imagined. From being featured in the Kansas City Star to partnering with spaces like Whiskers Cat Café for community pet sound baths, this work has touched lives in ways that continue to surprise me.

At its core, Tending Pets is about nurturing connection. Pets give us unconditional love, and when we create opportunities for them—and for ourselves—to rest, reset, and feel safe, we all thrive. That’s the heart of my work: weaving together Ayurveda, sound healing, Reiki, luxury care, and deep respect for the bond between animals and their people.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most essential to my success is deep listening and observation—both to people and to animals. My work relies on noticing subtle cues: the way a cat’s body softens when the right tone resonates, or how a dog shifts its breathing during Reiki. That sensitivity guides everything I do and allows me to personalize each session with care.

Equally important is authenticity. I’ve built my career in wellness by showing up as my whole self—honest, compassionate, and grounded. Animals respond to that energy, and so do their guardians. When people trust that I truly care, they’re more open to exploring new ways of supporting their pets.

Lastly, I’d say resilience and creativity have carried me through challenges. Starting a business in a niche field requires a lot of explaining and educating, but I’ve learned to see that as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Staying curious, adapting, and trusting the process has allowed Tending Pets to grow into something really special.

Pricing:

• Private pet Reiki or sound bath sessions start at $65
• In-person community events (like cat café sound baths): $20–$25 per person
• Corporate and group wellness rates available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tendingpets.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tendingpets