About Mia Vargas, M.S

Mia is an anthrozoologist, dog behavior expert, and animal welfare advocate dedicated to helping people build stronger, science-informed relationships with their dogs. She specializes in canine cognition, dog behavior and training, shelter welfare, and the human-animal bond.

Mia is the founder of Golden Standard Pet Services, where she translates cutting-edge anthrozoological research into practical, compassionate behavior solutions for dogs and their guardians. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, shelter welfare, animal rescue, and canine rehabilitation, she is committed to improving the lives of dogs by fostering deeper understanding and effective communication between pets and their people.

Passionate about science communication, Mia created Golden Standard Decoded—a blog dedicated to breaking down complex scientific studies into engaging, accessible, and useful insights for dog owners, trainers, and animal professionals. She firmly believes that science-based education is key to enhancing animal welfare and creating happier, healthier homes for pets and people alike.

Mia’s work and insights have supported local shelters, rescue groups, and community initiatives aimed at improving adoption outcomes, reducing pet surrender, and promoting enriched care practices in shelters. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband, three dogs, and one cat.