When you’re prime carer to a Saint Bernard, two rabbits a cat and more, you pick up some top tips for being the best pet parent you can be.
This proud pet parent needs a lot of pet supplies. That’s how we came to know Elise Howard, a 23-year-old pharmacy student from Tasmania, who has taken it upon herself to be a much beloved carer to a group of animals. “People describe my house as a mini zoo!” says Elise. “I have a six-month-old Saint Bernard called Kara, two rabbits (Evie a dwarf lop, and Leo an albino English Angora), a six-month-old ragdoll called Wootie, two guinea pigs called Ziggy and Stardust, a princess parrot called Timmy, and three fish tanks!” 
So how on earth does this devoted animal lover manage to care for all of her pets? “With my Mum’s help and, of course, the many supplies I get from my local Petbarn,” says Elise. “I would say a lot of my time is devoted to caring for my pets, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” As you can imagine, Elise has to keep her house stocked with a huge range of supplies for all of her pets, which means she’s been named as one of Petbarn’s best customers. “Last year, I averaged visiting Petbarn every second day! I knew I was a regular customer but I didn’t realise I was this often! It is by far Kara, The St Bernard’s favourite place to go as well. As soon as we walk in the door she runs straight to the counter where she knows the treats are kept! The staff are her favourite friends!” For Elise, her pets’ nutrition is very important. “The advice I have received at Petbarn has allowed me to make good nutrition a priority,” says Elise. “It’s so hard to know what decision to make when there are so many alternative options out there. I firmly believe in science-based evidence, which helps me make my decision. Another reason I shop at Petbarn is because they sell quality rabbit, guinea pig and bird food!“ 
Elise’s pets live a love-filled life with her, but Leo the rescue bunny really needed it. “He was my first rescue and definitely needed a lot of love when he arrived,” says Elise. “We took him in and grew fond of him incredibly quickly and he is now the smoochiest and most loving boy you would ever meet.” That said, Elise plays no favourites. She’s very clear that each pet holds a special place in her heart. “I approach caring for them all the same, with lots of love! My two rabbits, Leo included, and guinea pigs are indoor pets and they enjoy a lot of attention. I think it is one of the most common misconceptions about rabbits that they are “easy pets”, they take a lot of work to look after but make up for it with the love they give in return. Even our fish constantly want to interact with us, they come up and take food from our hands.” For this animal lover, caring for her pets definitely makes her a better human. “I have always gravitated towards the saying ‘Saving one animal won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal’. That really rings true for me as, when you look after an animal, you are literally their whole world. I honestly don’t know where I would be without my pets; they help to keep me sane. I am a strong believer in animal therapy, if I am having a bad day, they are my first point of call.” 
And what is Elise’s advice for being the best pet parent you can be? “It’s all about trust – a strong bond with your pets must always be formed. Only then can you experience fully what they have to offer. Animals are often so misunderstood. I always strive to make sure they are living the best life they possibly can. I definitely believe that they make me a better human.” If you need additional advice on choosing the right food for your pet, be sure to chat with a friendly Petbarn team member in-store.