Giving Pets a Voice: The Story Behind Wag & Whisker Collective

Welcome to Wag & Whisker Collective: Why I Started This Journey

Hi there! I’m Alanna, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to Wag & Whisker Collective, a passion project that’s been brewing for years. Let me take you on a little journey of how this all came to be and why it’s so close to my heart.

15+ Years of Veterinary Nursing Experience

For over 15 years, I’ve been a veterinary nurse working in general practice, emergency, and specialist hospitals. During this time, I’ve cared for countless animals in all sorts of situations. One of the areas I’ve always been deeply passionate about is patient enrichment—finding ways to improve the emotional well-being of animals in our care. Whether it was reducing stress during a hospital stay or creating environments that felt safer and more comforting, my goal was always to make their experience a little brighter.

This passion didn’t stop at the hospital doors. I loved educating pet owners about recognising signs of stress in their pets and how to support them through multi-modal treatment options. Over the years, I’ve also spent a lot of time training veterinary staff on how to improve patient care and emotional well-being. Seeing the positive impact on pets and their people has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

The Problem I Kept Seeing

While my work has always been fulfilling, there’s one issue I kept encountering, both in the clinic and in my personal life: miscommunication between dogs and humans in public spaces. Whether at dog parks, on trails, or simply walking down the street, I’ve seen too many situations where misunderstandings between dogs lead to injuries and stress—for both the pets and their owners.

One example that always stuck with me involved my own dogs. I had one dog who was friendly but valued her personal space. She was perfectly content as long as other dogs didn’t rush up to her uninvited. On the other hand, I had another dog who struggled with anxiety and didn’t want any dogs near him while we were walking. He became protective of me and would try to attack if another dog approached, even if the other owner insisted their dog was “friendly.”

It was frustrating, and at times heartbreaking, to manage these interactions. I knew I wasn’t alone in this. Many pet owners are trying their best to do the right thing by keeping their dogs on a lead, but they have no control over how others behave—or how their pets react. Sadly, I’ve seen the fallout of these situations far too often in the emergency room, treating dogs with fight wounds that could have been prevented with better communication.

The Solution: Giving Dogs a Voice

That’s where Wag & Whisker Collective comes in. I wanted to create a solution that would help dogs and their owners navigate these interactions with more clarity and confidence. Enter: temperament patches.

Our no-pull harnesses come with customised Velcro temperament patches that communicate your dog’s needs to others at a glance. Whether your dog is nervous, prefers personal space, or is reactive, these patches let others know how to approach (or not approach) your dog. It’s a simple idea, but one I believe can have a profound impact on preventing altercations and reducing stress for both dogs and their humans.

A Mission Rooted in Education

Beyond the harnesses and patches, Wag & Whisker Collective is about education. I want to empower pet owners to understand their dogs better—to recognise subtle signs of stress, know when their pet is uncomfortable, and learn how to create safer, happier experiences for their furry family members.

With my background in veterinary nursing and my passion for animal behaviour, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned over the years and help foster a more compassionate, informed community of pet lovers.

Join the Movement

Wag & Whisker Collective is more than just a brand; it’s a movement to give our pets a voice and improve their lives. Whether you’re here to shop, learn, or simply connect with other like-minded pet parents, I’m so glad you’ve found us.

Let’s work together to make walks, dog parks, and everyday adventures safer and more enjoyable for everyone—because every pet deserves to feel understood and respected.

Welcome to the Collective!

Warmly,
Alanna
Founder, Wag & Whisker Collective