Meet Our Pet Experts
Welcome to the Pets24 Experts Page, your hub for expert insights into all things pets! Explore the diverse backgrounds of experts we've interviewed, ranging from seasoned veterinarians to passionate animal trainers. This page provides a glimpse into their expertise and experience, offering valuable perspectives on pet care, nutrition, training, and more. Click on the article links to dive deeper into interviews featuring their invaluable advice and wisdom.
Megan Bayne
Pet NutritionistMegan Bayne is a pet nutritionist and the CEO of Claws 'n Paws (CnP), a leader in pet nutrition since 2016. Inspired by a passion for veterinary medicine, Megan shifted her focus to specialized areas like Animal Science, Dietetics, and Traditional Chinese Medicine after working at a veterinary practice in Cape Town. Under her leadership, CnP excels in personalized pet nutrition consultations and the development of high-quality pet foods, treats, nutraceuticals, and supplements.
Woodrock Animal Rescue
Animal RescueWoodrock Animal Shelter is a renowned non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing animals in South Africa. They care for over 500 animals, including donkeys, pigs, chickens, rabbits, geese, goats, dogs, and cats. As one of the oldest independent pro-life shelters in the country, Woodrock helps homeless, abused, neglected, injured, and unwanted animals, giving them a chance for a better life.
Angelique de Kock
Dog TrainerAngelique de Kock, the owner of Treat to Train, is a dedicated dog trainer who specializes in force-free, reward-based training. She is a qualified behaviour consultant (DipCABT C.C.A.B.), Blue Level Instructor, and Level 1 Judge with the World Scent Dog Association. Her goal is to create happy dogs and happy owners everywhere.
Kennel Union of Southern Africa
Registry for purebred dogs in South AfricaThe Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) is an organisation that is about hundred and forty years old. It is the official registry for purebred dogs in South Africa, registered by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in terms of the Animal Improvement Act as the Breeders’ Society and Registering Authority.
Dr Carra Walters
VeterinarianDr. Carra Walters is a dedicated veterinarian with expertise in emergency medicine and critical care. She holds a BSc in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry from Exeter University and a veterinary degree from The University of Edinburgh. Dr. Walters leads Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, a 24-hour practice in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. She also founded Just for Pets, an online pet store, and hosts the Paws and Effect podcast, where she shares veterinary insights and interviews fellow professionals. She is currently pursuing a Masters in pet nutrition.
Pit Bull Federation of South Africa
Pit Bull Advocacy and Responsible OwnershipThe Pit Bull Federation of South Africa is an organization dedicated to promoting responsible ownership and positive public perception of Pit Bull-type dogs in South Africa. They work to debunk myths and stereotypes surrounding these dogs, advocate against breed-specific legislation, and conduct community outreach programs to ensure the well-being of Pit Bull-type dogs and advocate for their fair treatment and equal rights as pets and members of society.
Leslie Obrien
Animal BehaviouristLeslie Obrien is the founder of Durban Dog School. Leslie specialises in science-based, positive training methods as a certified COAPE Animal Behaviour Practitioner and Fear Free Certified professional. She is dedicated to helping dogs of all ages become well-balanced, family-friendly pets through compassionate and effective training techniques
Oneplan Pet Insurance
Pet InsuranceOneplan Pet Insurance has been innovating for over a decade to bring South Africans simple and affordable pet insurance. Oneplan’s unique Upfront Claim Card and App allows you to preload funds BEFORE you see the doctor in as little as 1 minute, giving you peace of mind that your fur baby will always get the proper care they need. Oneplan also lets you keep your favourite vet with no vet networks. Oneplan Pet Parents receive up to 25% lifetime discount on all products in the Onepet Online Store, including premium pet food brands like Hills, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, and Montego, as well as tick & flea, dewormer, grooming, chronic care, accessories, beds, and more.
James & Kirsty
Travel EnthusiastsJames and Kirsty are a travel-obsessed couple based in Cape Town, who have turned their passion into a successful social media venture. After Airbnb-ing their flat in 2019 to explore the Western Cape, they fell in love with unique cabin stays and launched @cabin_fever_cpt to share these hidden gems. With backgrounds in corporate jobs, they transitioned to full-time travel and content creation in 2022. Their journey, enriched by self-taught photography and videography skills, continues to inspire a growing community of fellow travellers and cabin enthusiasts.
Venusha
Pet NutritionistVenusha [known as V] is a certified pet nutrition coach that brings her training in microbiology and cellular biology to the field of pet nutrition. Her focus is on empowering pet parents to understand how to feed their pets thereby impacting longevity and wellness. She works with healthy pets as well as pets diagnosed with medical conditions. V has 4 pets who have autoimmune conditions and living well past their prognosis due to their natural diet.You can book an online consult with V through https://calendly.com/littleangels-consults or contact her through her social media platforms.
Bianca De Vos
Behaviorist and TrainerBianca De Vos is the proud founder of Pawsitively Pet Sitting and Training, which wasestablished in 2020. She is a qualified animal behaviourist and trainer, having completed Dogwise (CO1) at COAPE International and earning her Diploma in Animal Behavior. Bianca is passionate about her work and continuously expands her knowledge through ongoing studies in behaviour and training, believing that learning about animals is a lifelong journey.
TEARS Animal Rescue
Animal RescueTEARS Animal Rescue is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of animals and ending pet homelessness in Cape Town. Through our rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts, we provide a lifeline to hundreds of stray, abandoned and abused animals each year. Our Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Clinics deliver essential medical care and no-cost spay and neuter services to under-resourced communities, ensuring a healthier future for both pets and their people.
Dr Johan Venter
VeterinarianDr Venter qualified from Onderstepoort in 2011. After a stint in mixed animal practice he started at Panorama Veterinary Clinic in 2017 as a general practitioner and often locums for the Panorama after hours emergency clinic.
Jessica Prinsloo
Animal BehaviouristJessica is a COAPE International Companion Animal Behaviourist (CCAB, CAPBT, ICAN). She is the owner of Beyond Behaviour and is passionate about animal welfare and specialises in cat behaviour modification. Jessica is also a Certified Parent Educator and is currently completing her psychology degree through SACAP. She hopes to combine her knowledge of animal and human psychology to support families to get the most out of their relationships.
Retha van der Walt
Pet NutritionistRetha Van Der Walt is a dedicated pet nutritionist and the visionary behind Pawsome Raw. With a background in retail and financial services, she transitioned her passion for animals into creating high-quality raw nutrition products. Retha oversees daily operations and leads product development, ensuring pets receive top-tier nutrition backed by her expertise as a raw food specialist.
Dr Nicola Griffin
VeterinarianDr Nicola Griffin is a small animal veterinary surgeon working as a General Practice team member at Panorama Veterinary Clinic and Specialist Centre. After obtaining her degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of South Africa, she went on to complete her degree in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort) as an equine elective. She completed her compulsory community service year in Mamelodi which piqued her interest in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as a passion for teaching.
Niki Elliott
Behaviorist and TrainerNiki Elliott developed a deep love for animals from a very young age. She pursued her passion for animal care, becoming a TTouch Practitioner and qualifying in puppy socialisation, obedience, clicker training, and dog aggression behaviour. In 2006, Niki founded Fluffs-n-Tufts, now Animal Think Tank, offering doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services. She also runs the ATT Café, a pet-friendly space. Niki lives with her husband, two cats, and eight dogs, and remains actively involved in daily operation
Woofable
Pet Nutrition and SupplementsWoofable was started on 1 March 2020. Woofable is owned by an Ofqual qualified canine nutrition advisor. They sell species appropriate raw dog food, herbal and CBD supplements for many ailments and conditions. We also produce healthy dog treats, biscuits and chew options. Nutrition consultations are available. They walk the journey with you and your beloved dogs every step of the way.
Lucy Breytenbach
Animal BehaviouristLucy Breytenbach BSc (Hons) Animal Science Behaviour and Welfare (SABCAP Beh. AAA.) Canine Behaviour Practitioner and Animal Assisted Activities.Owner and behaviourist at Just Dogs and Just Cats. Founding director at Honeys Garden Medical Alert Dogs SA NPC PBO. Specialises in pet dog behaviour, emotional support dog training and medical service dog training in South Africa.
Sharon Wright
Pet GroomerSharon has proudly owned Pets Parlour Assagay for 20 years, having had a deep affinity with animals since childhood. Her passion began with playful interactions with her family's Dobermann and other pets. At Pets Parlour Assagay, she takes a holistic approach, using pure essential aromatherapy oils and gentle massages to ensure pets have an enjoyable experience. Sharon's dedication is evident in her roles as an animal communicator, animal iridology student, and Reiki consultant. For her, the best reward is seeing dogs leave the parlour with wagging tails.
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Disclaimer: The expert articles and the contents thereof are based on the opinions of the respective experts mentioned in the articles. They are not intended to serve as professional advice. Neither the expert nor Pets24 shall be responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in these articles. Pets24 and the experts are excluded from any liability whatsoever.