our people

Tom first began volunteering for PUR after adopting Penny, his second PUR alumni, in 2018. Initially he worked as a Case Manager but has since stepped up to become our Vice President and Animal Rescue Program Leader.

Tom also heads up Happy Dog Project, PUR’s number one choice for animal training and behaviour advice. He has a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services with the Delta Institute and is a Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer and Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer.

Tom is also a member of the Pet Professional Guild of Australia, the leading body representing Force-Free Pet Professionals.

Tom’s fur family includes two PUR Alumni animals: Rosie, the 10-year-old staffy x rottweiler who makes a habit of staring at guests until they move from her spot on the couch; and Penny, a 5-year-old staffy x that brings joyful chaos to the house from the moment she wakes Tom up by gently biting him on the thigh.

After adopting PUR alumni Rosie and Penny, Jessie put up her hand to help out with social media and step-by-step took on a few more things and eventually became our Company Secretary in 2019.

Jessie is a certified spreadsheet legend (if there isn’t a real certification for that already, someone should make one), admin guru, and the biggest cheerleader of our animal rescue team – always on hand to bring the good vibes, emotional support, and comedic relief when it all gets a bit too much.

Jessie’s favourite thing about rescue is seeing the impact it makes on the lives of animals in need.

“We save our animals from some pretty horrific situations, and we give them a loving family and a community that truly cares about their wellbeing – mental as well as physical.”

Bridie joined our team in 2020. She has several years of experience working in animal rescue including specialist experience raising neonatal kittens.

Funnily enough, despite being our cat case manager, Bridie is yet to welcome a cat into her forever family! She is currently the guardian of Buzz, a 10-year-old cavoodle that has been with her for two and a half years.

Having volunteered with many other rescue groups, Bridie’s favourite thing about PUR is our focus on quality over quantity – we are dedicated to this value and never want to grow to a point where we cannot give personalised care to every animal in our foster program.

“I love being part of a team that is focused solely on the best interests of the animals. The fact that I am always learning new things is just a plus!”

Kate officially joined PUR in 2020, although she had previously helped with the medical care of some PUR alumni animals in her role as a vet nurse.

Kate is a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Nurse and is passionate about providing gentle and compassionate care to all animals.

Kate’s fur family includes Millie, a 13-year-old cocker spaniel cross, and Boss and Olive, her pair of PUR alumni mischievous cats.

Kate’s favourite thing about working in rescue is seeing the positive change in rescue animals when they are given proper vet care and the TLC that many of them haven’t had in their lives before.

“I just love working with and meeting so many amazing people who devote so much time and effort into giving animals a second chance at life.”

Dr Brigida first joined PUR in 2019 and is now the head veterinarian at Project Underdog Veterinary Care, Melbourne’s first 100% Fear Free Certified mobile vet clinic and the perfect choice for anxious companion animals.

Dr Brigida is passionate about providing the highest standard of care to each and every patient she sees and will always take the time to explain her observations, treatment plans and recommendations.

Her favourite thing about working in animal rescue is seeing the transformation animals undergo from when they first enter PUR’s rescue program to when they find their perfect forever homes and beyond.

“All animals have a beautiful soul regardless of breed. It is up to us to pay attention to and then address the many behavioural signs they show, which could indicate pain, fear or anxiety.”