Celebrating Women in Pet Businesses This International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise leadership, courage, creativity, and impact. In the pet industry, women are shaping how we train, care for, celebrate, and advocate for animals across Australia.
Today, we are celebrating four incredible women who are building meaningful businesses in Brisbane and beyond.
Dejana from
Founded in 2011 while studying at university, Dejana, known as De, built Sit Stay Play QLD from a team of one into a thriving team of four. Her vision was clear from the start. Create a business grounded in force-free, fear-free, functional dog training that supports both dogs and their families.
De’s story is one of resilience. She is a refugee whose father lost his leg during the Civil War. While he recovered and faced the lasting effects of war, De and her mother navigated life in a new country, rebuilding from the ground up. That lived experience shaped her strength, empathy, and deep commitment to helping others.
Today, operating across Brisbane and surrounds, Sit Stay Play QLD provides one-on-one behaviour training, dog walking, group outings, enrichment services, and tailored pet care. De also works with vulnerable people to assess and prepare suitable animals for therapy roles.
Her team bases their work on current research in animal behaviour and psychology, engaging in ongoing professional development to ensure ethical and effective methods.
Beyond private training, Sit Stay Play QLD leads initiatives such as Leave It with Brisbane City Council and is excited to be kick starting the Leave It program again. They continue to run puppy classes, Level 2 classes, and offer their full range of dog training and pet care services across Brisbane and surrounds.
If you are looking for ethical, research based, force free support for your dog, now is the perfect time to connect. Visit their website to learn more about upcoming programs and availability, and be sure to follow Sit Stay Play QLD on social media to stay updated on classes, community initiatives, and training tips.
Her mission remains clear. Help dogs and their owners thrive together through positive reinforcement, strengthening bonds one paw at a time.
Rose from
Founded in 2021 in Brisbane, Emily and Woo is a handcrafted jewellery brand inspired by a deep love of dogs and creativity. Named after Rose’s own beloved companions, Emily the Pomeranian and Woo the Samoyed, the brand celebrates the joy dogs bring into our lives.
Emily and Woo creates handcrafted jewellery, keyrings, brooches, and accessories inspired by more than 60 dog breeds. Each piece begins as a hand-drawn design, capturing the personality of each breed. Modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing are then used to bring the designs to life.
Every item is handmade in Brisbane and can take around five days to create. Resin layers are carefully poured, acrylic pieces are assembled and hand-painted, and no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
The result is wearable art that feels playful, personal, and heartfelt. For dog lovers, these pieces are more than accessories. They are small, joyful tributes to the bond we share with our pets.
To explore the full product range, visit her website and discover your breed in jewellery form. You can also follow Emily and Woo on Instagram for updates on upcoming markets and events, where you can meet Woo, Honey, and the newest addition to the pack, Daisy, in person.
Jennifer Founder of The Dogie Logies Awards
Jennifer Vines is the creator and founder of The Dogie Logies Awards, affectionately known as the Logies for Dogs. She launched the event five years ago while fundraising for RSPCA, raising $20,000 to support animal welfare. What began as a creative fundraising idea has grown into a standout celebration of dogs, community, and purpose.
With extensive experience as a red carpet interviewer covering the Logie Awards, AACTA Awards, and CMC Music Awards, Jennifer brings polish and personality to every event she leads. She is also the founder of Must Love Dogs TV and her new venture Hollywood Hounds, platforms dedicated to showcasing notable pets and celebrating dogs in the spotlight.
Today, The Dogie Logies Awards raise funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland. Jennifer incorporates the event into her broader fundraising efforts connected to Dancing CEOs, working alongside Lynley Welsh to create meaningful impact.
The event brings together the Top 25 canine contenders for a red carpet celebration filled with heart and purpose.
To stay updated on the next Dogie Logies Awards, follow Must Love Dogs TV on Instagram. You can also visit the website for details on upcoming fundraising events.
Jennifer’s work is proof that creativity, media, and a love of dogs can come together to make a tangible difference.
Diahann from
Diahann is the founder of Shady Paws, an Australian owned small business based in Currumbin on the sunny Gold Coast. As a small dog owner herself, she recognised a simple but important need. Pets deserve proper protection from harsh Australian sun while enjoying the outdoors with their families.
The Shady Paws portable shade is made from 95 percent UV rated material and weighs under 2kg, making it lightweight and easy to carry to the beach, park, markets, or sporting events. It sets up in seconds. Simply unzip and fold open.
Each shade includes a collapsible silicone bowl with clip, two galvanised pegs, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a removable padded inner lining. The front mesh panel allows ventilation while keeping pets cool and comfortable. Optional extras include a matching lead and personalised name pocket.
We met Diahann at a dog event years ago and were proud to be her very first clients. We still bring our Shady Paws shade to outings with our own dogs. It is practical, thoughtfully designed, and built for real life with pets.
If you love outdoor adventures with your dog, visit the Shady Paws website to explore the range and follow along on social media for product updates and event appearances. Protect your pet and enjoy the sunshine safely together.
Why This Matters
Women in pet businesses are not only building companies. They are strengthening communities, supporting animal welfare, and creating spaces where pets and people can flourish together.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who train with compassion, create with heart, and lead with purpose.
If you are looking to support local, ethical, and passionate pet businesses in Brisbane, these women are leading the way.
Happy International Women’s Day to the women making a difference, one paw at a time.