Est. 2017

Happy Critters Pet Sitters

Illawara Region, Australia

Services include dog walking, pet sitting, group adventures

Welcome to the world of Happy Critters Pet Sitters, where the love for pets and the great Australian outdoors merge for Shona Hetherington, the heart behind Happy Critters! What sets Shona apart is not just her expertise and dedication, but also the unique environment she operates in. Located in Australia, Shona's dog walks are not your typical strolls through city parks — imagine your dogs having the chance to encounter kangaroos instead of squirrels!

From Vet Nurse to Entrepreneur

Shona's journey into the pet care industry began unexpectedly, stemming from her background as a vet nurse. She discovered her passion for pet care by offering pet sitting and dog walking services on the side, purely out of goodwill, nearly 30 years ago.

In those early days, such services were unheard of in Australia, with people hesitant to pay for them. However, recognizing the need, Shona transitioned her passion into a business, officially founding Happy Critters in 2017. Based in the Illawarra region, encompassing areas like Woongongong and Kiama south of Sydney, Happy Critters offers a range of services including dog walking, pet sitting, and the highly popular doggy adventures.

These adventures are not just walks; they’re experiences where dogs join a dedicated pack to explore the great outdoors. Her days begin with home visits to care for pets while their owners are away, followed by dog walks to beat the Australian heat. She utilizes gear that’s purposeful and reliable for every outing.

Hikes and Kangaroos!

On one memorable hike in Campbelltown, Shona and her pack were confronted by a kangaroo, a true test of their training and her ability to shift their attention! Shona whistled, and bam, all the dogs came racing back to her instead of chasing after the kangaroo. Talk about a proud dog walker moment! It's instances like these that define the essence of Happy Critters: Shona couldn't help but feel proud of her dogs' response to her call. Reaffirmations of the bond Shona shares with her pack let them all move deeper into the joy of exploring the great outdoors together.

The TinyHorse Advantage

TinyHorse gear is integral to Shona’s daily routine, fitting her needs perfectly. Its double clips and strong build give her the confidence to handle any situation, from securing dogs in the car to letting them run free on the beach. It’s the kind of gear that doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them, becoming a crucial part of the Happy Critters story.

She starts by clipping one end to the dog’s collar at their home, and once they’re at the car, the other end clips right in, keeping them secure. No more juggling different pieces of equipment; one leash does it all. When it’s time to head out, she just clips the leash to her belt, and they’re off on their adventure - using it from start to finish

Handler Pro | Super Grip - TinyHorse Mercantile

Handler Pro | Super Grip

Handler Pro | Super Grip

$39.99 CAD
$39.99 CAD
Lead-All Pro - TinyHorse Mercantile

Lead-All Pro

Lead-All Pro

$41.99 CAD
$41.99 CAD

When we're talking about TinyHorse products and dog adventures, I recommend it to everyone, even, clients who just have two dogs because of the tangle-free solutions that it offers. I've never found a better piece of equipment and I'm working in the bush, I'm working in the rain, I'm working in the ocean.”

It took a bit of practice to get the hang of it, but now it’s second nature. Whether she’s in the bush, in the rain, or by the ocean, this gear stands up to the test: 

“ For my job is what's made it easier, more enjoyable, and that's why I like to do it.”

Advice for Aspiring Dog Walkers

For those considering a switch to professional tools like TinyHorse products, Shona offers one piece of advice: give it time and practice. While the transition may seem daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh any initial challenges. Trust in the process, and you'll soon discover the difference that quality gear can make in your dog-walking adventures.

Thank you, Shona!

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Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog series are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of TinyHorse.

Photos and videos were submitted by the featured dog walker.

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