About

I am a fun and caring dog professional committed to enhancing the welfare of your pets.

How I help

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, pets don’t always get the level of care, stimulation and exercise that they need. Dogs are highly social animals and they need companionship from humans or other dogs.
Unique Pet Experiences offers one-on-one specialised care to support your pet’s wellbeing and health. We provide a wide range of unique, stimulating activities across the Sunshine Coast for dogs of all abilities and mobility.

Break your dog’s routine with confidence, knowing that our professional approach is tailored to your dog’s specific needs, capabilities and individuality.

Did you know?

Approximately 40% of Australian dogs are reported to be obese or overweight, which has important implications for their physical health.

The health problems that develop in an obese dog include arthritis, diabetes and heart disease which can lead to reduced quality of life and life expectancy.

There is a consensus that dogs should not be routinely left alone for more than 4 hours per day.

They can suffer stress, loneliness and boredom which leads to undesirable behaviour like separation anxiety, aggression, anti-social barking and destruction.

This is my story

My love of animals was evident from a young age. I adored my childhood and being surrounded by dogs, cats, chooks, trout (in our pool over winter) and sheep with their lambs. I pursued a career in human healthcare, rather than veterinary science because I prefer to immerse myself with happy, healthy animals.

I enjoyed a career as a pharmacist for 18 years, but my recent scare with breast cancer changed my life forever. There is nothing quite like confronting your mortality to prompt life assessment. In my case, I wanted a lifestyle career, and an opportunity to do the things I love. So, here I am realising my dream which integrates two of my favourite things, caring for animals and keeping fit.

I am very passionate about animal welfare and I love my dog, like a third child. Of course most people love their dogs but is love really enough? With our busy lifestyles, do we have unrealistic expectations of our dogs when we leave them home alone? These social animals are often missing out on physical exercise, companionship and mental stimulation.

My aim is to enhance the welfare of our dogs by providing activities for mental and physical stimulation. My approach is very individualised and personal. This means that many of my services will provide one-on-one care to your dog.

Health background

My qualifications include two degrees and a post graduate diploma. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Pharmacy with a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy.

Fully covered

Your dog is always safe with me as I have a current insurance cover including public liability and a valid National Police Certificate.

Up-to-date skills

I have completed several short courses online:

Pet First Aid (Hanrob College)
The Truth About Cats and Dogs (The University of Edinburgh)
Dog Emotion and Cognition (Duke University)
Animal Behaviour and Welfare (The University of Edinburgh)

I am in the process of studying a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Trainers Federation of Australia.

I volunteer as a dog walker at Noosa RSPCA and I have experience walking and interacting with dogs of all sizes, ages, temperaments and behaviours.

I am also a member of The Pet Professional Guild Australia.

My values

“Dogs do speak but only to those who know how to listen”.

Orhan Pamuk

Personalised care

All dogs have unique personalities, just like humans. My approach to caring for dogs is centred around their individual needs and limitations. The care (and fun) I provide will be tailored to your dog’s physical, social and emotional needs.

Exceptional communication

I believe that communication is the key to providing quality service and exceptional care. I listen to my customers and always respect their wishes and expectations when it comes to the care of their animals.

Service focused

I always strive to provide the highest quality service to my clients and bring “peace of mind” with my trustworthy, caring and respectful attitude.

Scientific approach

I am passionate about using observation and science to develop a deeper understanding of our canine friends. Dogs use different strategies or tools to solve problems and interact with their owners and other people or dogs. They also have their own unique style of communication, in which they use body language to show us how they are feeling. We need to learn how to interpret their cues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. I am a pharmacist and so I am confident in delivering medication and special care to animals if required.
Yes, your dog will need exercise and stimulation regardless of the weather. In extreme weather conditions I will always accommodate your pet’s needs.
I will always comply with your wishes and the council regulations in a particular area.
I work at the dog’s pace and set realistic expectations. I am aware of the triggers that cause fear and aggression in a particular dog. I am mindful of using distance to avoid the dog’s triggers. I use positive reinforcement and distraction techniques to take their mind off their environment.
Never punishment. Re-direction and positive re-enforcement.

I will collect your dog from your house and they will travel in my car and restrained adequately with a seat belt. I will return your dog to your home happy, clean and tired.
Maximum of 2.
Yes. Providing one on one care is fundamental to my business. I aim to ensure that each animal has an awesome experience and gets individual attention. Socialisation is incorporated into several of my services.
Yes! The purpose of our meet and greets are to ensure that you are comfortable with me. I will most likely be entering your home and caring for your pet(s) and so it is essential you feel at ease and have an opportunity to communicate your needs. It’s also an opportunity to familiarise myself with your home, collect the keys and go through some specific details about your pet(s).
My emergency plan is to firstly provide first aid care. Then I will seek medical advice/attention from the owner’s usual vet surgery or the nearest surgery or animal hospital. I will have emergency contact details for each animal on file.