Meet Dr Lisa, Founder of DOG by Dr Lisa
Usually we’d say “meet Dr Lisa” — but chances are, you already have.
Whether it’s from her Bondi Vet days or her beautiful pet care brands DOG and CAT by Dr Lisa, she’s been in our homes (and on our screens) for years.
Now? She’s a mum of four kids and four animals, a business owner, an author, and a big believer in realistic parenting, sandy pizzas at sunset, and letting go of perfect.
What inspired you to start your brands DOG and CAT by Dr Lisa?
I wanted to create a range of sustainable, ethical products based on my clinical experience as a veterinarian and my personal experience as a pet parent. I saw a gap in the market for luxury, eco-friendly skincare products for pets, so I decided to create my own.
How do you manage running a business, being a mum, and making sure everyone (human and animal) is fed and alive?
It’s a juggle for sure. But somehow they all get fed! My husband works in the business with me, so we have a really good understanding of what it means to tag-team. We also rely a lot on our extended family and friends who live close by - we couldn’t have done any of this without them.
We love your books (My First Puppy and My First Kitten). What's the best thing about raising tiny humans alongside furry ones?
Kids that grow up around pets develop a strong sense of empathy and responsibility. Our dogs and cat provide our kids with the perfect balance of energetic play and calm, depending on their needs at the time. I love how the pets sense when one of the kids is upset or needs down-time - they somehow just know when it’s time to curl up on the sofa next to the child in need.
What's your ideal day out with your little ones?
An afternoon session on Bondi Beach in the summer - the kids boogie board non-stop. We stay there until the sun sets and love having a sandy dinner of Doughboy pizza while the kids run in and out of the water.
What’s something you let go of in motherhood or business that’s made everything feel lighter?
I have let go of the goal of trying to be perfect at everything - it’s simply not possible. It’s always important to stick to your long-term goals, but it’s equally as important to establish realistic, smaller wins along the way!
