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.

Hannah is a veterinary nurse and first became a part of the PUR family when she joined our foster carer network, later joining as a case manager in 2021 and then taking on the role as Secretary in 2023.

Hannah is the guardian of Margie, a 4-year-old staffy x frenchie, with three legs, the cutest little face, and a penchant for carrying shoes around the house when she is happy.

Hannah is Fear Free certified is very passionate about a force free approach; this is one of the things she loves most about working with PUR. She believes in treating every animal with kindness, patience and understanding, which is exactly why we love having her on our team!

“PUR’s fear free approach helps animals from tough backgrounds regain their confidence and become their best selves.”

Profile coming soon

Growing up in a household that always had several cats and dogs, Grace has always had a soft spot for animals and wanted to help. This led her to becoming a foster carer with Project Underdog in 2022.

At one point Grace was fostering a whole litter of kittens, and often jokes that it was the best time of her life. Naturally, to no surprise of their family and friends, Grace and her partner Nathan were foster failures. They are now proud parents of Iris and her very cheeky daughter Magnolia!

When she isn’t busy spoiling her fur babies, Grace works in the legal industry, where she project manages the discovery process for legal matters. Grace finds great fulfillment in her work with PUR and is very grateful to be a small part of everything the incredible PUR team achieves!

Isabelle’s love for animals started from when she was a child and would spend hours a day playing with her best friend and family dog, Chloe. Since then, Isabelle has always been a big animal lover. Isabelle is a proud cat mum of two beautiful fur children, Winnie & Aster.

Isabelle fell in love with Winnie and soon realised she needed a little sister to play with, resulting in Isabelle adopting little Aster from PUR and that’s when Isabelle’s journey with Project Underdog Rescue begun. Isabelle enjoys knowing that she is part of a great organisation that is dedicated to making sure all furry friends have loving homes.

When Isabelle isn’t carrying Winnie around like a baby or trying to get Aster to stay still for a photo, she works in the disability industry supporting the early childhood space.

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.”