Arizona Private Investigators specializing in Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation & Animal Cruelty Investigations. Trusted by defense attorneys, courts, and private clients throughout metropolitan Phoenix and Maricopa County.
AZ DPS PI LICENSE #1742339
Cool Cat Investigations LLC is a licensed and insured Arizona private investigation agency providing criminal defense investigations, civil litigation support, surveillance, background & due diligence investigations, asset searches, skip tracing, and animal cruelty case investigations. As private investigators serving Maricopa County, Pinal County, and surrounding communities including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Fountain Hills, we deliver investigative services aligned with state and federal standards.
With years of combined law enforcement and private investigative experience, our agency works in coordination with law enforcement agencies, court systems, and legal teams. Defense attorneys, public defenders, state and federal courts, businesses, and private individuals rely on our investigations to deliver documented, admissible evidence supported by lawful methods, detailed reporting, and testimony when required.
We are regularly retained for complex or sensitive matters outside routine investigative scope where discretion, evidentiary precision, and credibility are paramount. Call us… MEOW!


In 1597, English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon wrote, "scientia potentia est," which translates: knowledge is power. This hip cat knew the value of data, even before the age of information.
At Cool Cat Investigations, we can arm you with the knowledge you're seeking. With law enforcement background and years of investigative experience, we've got the skills and tools to empower you.

At Cool Cat Investigations, we combine classical detective work with modern innovation. We are a boutique firm with an elite network of partners and resources. Our tools of the trade include connections worldwide.
Whether you need tech-y tactics, a conventional approach, or a complementary blend, we will customize an investigative game plan that fits your needs.

Each case we work is approached via our Cool Cat Concierge Model - with integrity, transparency, high-end customer service, and importantly, the establishment and cultivation of long-term relationships.
We serve both the legal community and the private sector, and have a media relations specialist on staff with over 300 news connections nationwide, including the Associated Press.
• Criminal Defense Investigations:
Defense attorneys and public defenders rely on our team to locate witnesses, review evidence, conduct recorded interviews, document scenes, and identify investigative leads that may impact case outcome. Reports are prepared for court use, and we provide testimony when required. We are also contracted with the Maricopa County Office of Public Defense Services, Pinal County Public Defense Services, and the Federal CJA panel.
• Civil Litigation Investigations:
We work with legal teams through witness statements, background investigations, evidence documentation, timeline reconstruction, and due diligence. Our findings are structured for litigation and settlement preparation. We are additionally contracted with the Maricopa County Office of Public Defense Services for probate cases.
• Surveillance Investigations:
We conduct surveillance for legal cases, custody disputes, infidelity, and suspected fraud. Whether you need team surveillance, mobile surveillance, or static surveillance, we've got you covered! Detailed reports and lawfully obtained video/photo documentation are provided for evidentiary use.
• Family Law Investigations:
Custody concerns, cohabitation, activity documentation, and behavioral patterns relevant to family court proceedings are investigated with objectivity and professionalism. We document all observations carefully and thoroughly.
• Background and Due Diligence Investigations:
Comprehensive background investigations are conducted using lawful investigative databases and records research. Attorneys, businesses, and private clients rely on our findings to verify identity, history, and potential risk factors relevant to legal or professional decisions.
• Asset Searches:
We locate financial and tangible assets for legal proceedings, judgments, and due diligence matters. Research may include property holdings, business affiliations, and identifiable asset indicators appropriate for lawful investigative purposes.
• Skip Tracing:
We track down off-the-radar individuals for legal notification, court matters, or investigative purposes using records research, database analysis, intelligence, field work, and various investigative techniques.
• Animal Cruelty Investigations:
These specialized investigations address suspected animal abuse and neglect. We document scenes, process case materials, and prepare findings suitable for law enforcement referral or court proceedings. Our services are available to both law enforcement and private individuals/groups.
• Specialties:
We handle complex and sensitive matters outside routine investigative scope. These include ritual abuse and human trafficking investigations, political opposition research, cold case review and lost pet recovery plans. We additionally offer media relations connections for high-visibility cases, as well as professional industry training for investigators, attorneys, and law enforcement.
In many cases, investigations can begin quickly after an initial consultation and agreement. We prioritize time-sensitive matters whenever possible.
Yes! While we're based in Maricopa County and surrounding communities, we accept cases throughout Arizona, depending on the nature and scope of the investigation.
Absolutely! All consultations are confidential. We understand that investigative matters are often sensitive and require professional discretion from the moment we first speak with you.

Cool Cat is proud to be the first, most highly trained, only certified, & most experienced private investigation agency in Arizona specializing in animal cruelty investigations! We assist law enforcement, helping Arizona's animals & the people who love them. We also take on investigative work from private parties and community groups. Visit our "Services" & "Animal Cases" pages for more information on our animal crimes investigations specialty.
At Cool Cat, we believe in re-investing in our community. Each quarter, a portion of our fees is donated to a different animal advocate or nonprofit. Now, that's something to howl about! (Dog People, you didn't think we'd leave you out, did you?) This quarter, we're partnering with Saving Paws Rehabilitation Fund, a 501(c)(3) which provides payment for urgent medical care for animals at Apache Junction Animal Control Center. Click the pic!
We offer free briefing training for all law enforcement agencies in Arizona! This includes basic coverage of ARS 13-2910 (the state animal crimes statute), along with canine interaction and safety tactics. Our flash course is great for patrol officers, detectives, and especially FTO teams!
Licensed Private Investigator Amanda Schlichting is also a nationally certified Animal Cruelty Investigator. As a police officer, she served honorably and specialized in animal crimes investigations. In 2014, she led her agency in restructuring the department's animal policies, protocols, and procedures. She has trained law enforcement personnel across the US as a contract instructor with the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute's National Animal Cruelty Investigations School, and has completed AZ POST General Instructor certification. Have your training unit contact us!


Licensed private investigator Amanda Schlichting presenting at the 2025 AZ Association of Licensed Private Investigators Conference.

Licensed private investigator Amanda Schlichting as featured guest on The Bid Picture Podcast - available wherever you listen to podcasts!

Licensed private investigator Amanda Schlichting as guest contributor to The Chronicle, The Arizona Association of Licensed Private Investigators' official newsletter.
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Copyright © 2025 Cool Cat Investigations LLC - All Rights Reserved.
16743 E. Palisades Bl. Suite 102, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 602.686.2068
Arizona PI License #1742339