A little about us.
A lot of love for them.
We’re Cay and Heather, the two people behind Al Fresco Tails. We provide thoughtful pet care in Southeast Portland, with time for neighborhood wandering, good sniffing, and getting to know the dog at the other end of the leash.
Your pet’s people.
And yours, too.
There’s something special about becoming part of a dog’s everyday world. The greeting when they recognize your footsteps. The familiar sniffing spot that still needs a thorough investigation. The moment a shy dog decides you’re their person. We love getting to be part of all of it.
Those little things are the heart of Al Fresco Tails. Whether your dog loves a long wander or feels happiest close to home, we take time to learn what helps them feel comfortable. There’s room to pause, explore, and simply be a dog.
We run the business and provide the care ourselves. When you tell us about your pet’s routine, preferences, or favorite treat, you’re talking to the people who will be there.
Little adventures.
Very good company.
A walk around the block can be a whole world of discovery. We love being along for the ride.
A very important sniff
Taking the scenic route
Excellent company
Fresh air. Happy discoveries. A little mud happens.
Good company, on both ends of the leash.
Cay Mangione
Cay loves a walk with room for discovery: a new trail, a particularly interesting tree, or a familiar route seen through a dog’s nose. She brings curiosity and thoughtful observation to each outing, making space for dogs to explore at their own pace.
As a Certified Family Dog Mediator, Cay looks at the whole dog: their individual needs, history, environment, and experience of the world. That understanding shapes her everyday care and helps her choose outings that feel right for each dog.
Fear Free Certified Professional
Pet First Aid & CPR Certified
Heather Mangione
Heather’s love for animals started on her grandma’s farm in Upstate New York and has pretty much shaped her life ever since. A lifelong dog and cat person, she’s happiest when she’s outside, exploring somewhere new, and sharing the adventure with a four-legged friend. Now calling the Pacific Northwest home, Heather is excited to trade island trails for forest paths, mountain views, neighborhood walks, and all the muddy-pawed adventures Oregon has to offer. Whether she’s heading out for a long walk with an energetic pup, slowing down for a senior dog who wants to sniff every single thing, or winning over a skeptical cat on their own terms, getting to know each animal’s personality is her favorite part of the job. When she’s not hanging out with other people’s pets, you’ll probably find Heather biking around Portland, hiking somewhere in the PNW, checking out a new restaurant, listening to live music, or planning the next adventure.
From an easy neighborhood stroll to keeping a dog company at home, Heather makes getting to know them part of the care. Their pace, comfort, and enjoyment help shape the visit.
Our approach.
We prioritize calm, predictable experiences for dogs. Walks and visits are designed to feel natural and low-stress rather than rushed or overstimulating.
Kindness in every interaction.
Many of the dogs we care for are sensitive, aging, shy, or deeply bonded to their routines. Patience and gentle awareness guide everything we do. Cay is a Fear Free Certified Professional, and we both use kind, force-free handling that prioritizes your dog’s comfort.
Time to stop and sniff.
Our focus is on enriching outdoor experiences uniquely suited to your dog’s interests. We pay attention to body language and proactively avoid situations they may find stressful, creating a compassionate, low-stress walking environment.
The little details matter.
Reliability, clear communication, and respect for your home sit at the core of our work. Familiar routines and thoughtful photos and updates through Time To Pet help you stay connected to your dog’s day.
Island roots.
A new Portland chapter.
We started Al Fresco Tails in 2019 on Martha’s Vineyard. Seven years of walks, home visits, and friendships taught us how much consistent care can mean to dogs and their families.
Now we’re putting down roots in Southeast Portland. We’re building a small, local dog-care business around the things we love: being outdoors, getting to know our neighbors, and making everyday walks a little more interesting. Leafy blocks, muddy paws, a rain jacket by the door — and the same thoughtful care that brought us here.
An exciting, enriching world is out there waiting for your dog.
We’ll help you let them experience it. Tell us about your pets, and we’ll talk through their needs, our availability, and whether we’re a good fit.