Why choose us?

Armstrong Creek Pet Minding was founded by Rachel Dawson and has grown into a trusted local service providing high‑quality, compassionate care for pets in the Armstrong Creek community. Originally established prior to COVID, the business expanded into a full‑time operation in 2021 and now employs a team of seven dedicated staff members.

 

Rachel brings 16 years of experience as a Registered Nurse to her work in animal care. Her clinical background in assessment, emergency response, and calm decision‑making forms the foundation of her approach to pet safety and wellbeing.

 

Her passion for pet care deepened after supporting her first dog, Peppi, through palliative care. This experience highlighted the importance of celebrating pets throughout their lives and reinforced the need for owners to feel confident and prepared when unexpected situations arise.

 

Why This Pet First Aid Course Was Created:

Rachel began searching for a comprehensive, face‑to‑face pet first aid course to upskill herself and her team. The only available option required travelling to Melbourne, and the training delivered lacked the level of detail and practical depth she believed pet owners deserved.

 

Recognising this gap — and combining her nursing background with her love of teaching — Rachel developed this course to provide clear, practical, and accessible pet first aid education. The aim is to empower pet owners and pet professionals with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergencies.