Our Story

About Me & Our Mission

Hello, I’m Kirralee — the founder of Pixie Paws Pets.

My love for animals has always gone a little deeper than the bare minimum. For me, it’s never been about what’s considered acceptable care, but about what’s best for the animals we choose to share our lives with.

Long before Pixie Paws Pets existed, that mindset was already part of our home. From building a literal wooden mansion on wheels for our rats (much to my husband’s initial hesitation 😅) to carefully researching enrichment, nutrition, and safety for every species we cared for — I’ve always believed our pets deserve more than just “good enough.”

With the constant encouragement and support of my husband, Pixie Paws Pets was born from that belief.

Our mission may sound ambitious, but it’s simple at heart: to raise the standard of pet care. That means advocating for better housing, safer products, and more enrichment-focused lives for pets — especially birds, who are so often misunderstood or underestimated.

Pixie Paws Pets isn’t just a shop. It’s a place to learn, to do better, and to feel confident that the products you’re buying are chosen with genuine care, knowledge, and your pet’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision.

I grew up in a home where animals were family. Both of my parents are animal lovers, and that upbringing naturally led me toward rescue and wildlife care from a young age.

As a teenager, I worked alongside my mum in wildlife caring in Tasmania, and later had the unforgettable experience of wildlife caring overseas in Belgium. During a particularly challenging period of my life, I volunteered at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Hobart — a place that deeply shaped my values and planted the seed for what would one day become a lifelong goal.

That goal is to open a rescue that supports all animals — from mice and rats, to birds, to larger animals like horses. While that dream is still growing, we’ve already taken meaningful steps toward it.

While Pixie Paws Pets itself is a retail store and not a rescue organisation, my passion for rescue continues outside of the business, from our home. Since starting Pixie Paws Pets in 2020, we’ve personally been able to take in surrendered parrots and parakeets, providing them with safety, care, and the chance at a loving forever home. To date, we’ve helped rehome over 400 surrendered birds, each with their own story and second chance.

If you’re considering welcoming a new feathered family member, we encourage you to consider rescue. These birds have so much love to give — and by choosing them, you’re helping us continue this important work.