Emma Lawson
With a veterinary nursing background spanning 12 years of clinical context, Emma specialises in practical day-to-day home care for pet owners. Her guides break down everyday tasks — wound cleaning, nail trimming, medication administration, and seasonal care — into simple, step-by-step instructions grounded in veterinary nursing standards and professional home-care guidelines.
- Credentials
- RVN, pet first aid instructor, 12 years hands-on experience
- Focus
- How-to
Authored Guides
Backyard Dog Conditioning Circuit for NZ Summers
A New Zealand specific guide to building a safe, low impact backyard fitness circuit for your dog during long summer evenings. Covers UV and surface safety, Dog Control Act compliance, native wildlife considerations, and a six week plan tailored to common Kiwi breeds.
Canine Hydrotherapy in NZ: Arthritic and Overweight Dogs
A practical New Zealand guide to canine hydrotherapy for arthritic and overweight dogs, covering vet referrals, accredited centres, and summer planning. Includes home water exercises suited to Kiwi conditions and an eight week tracking framework.
Build a Safe Summer Catio in New Zealand
A complete guide to building a cat patio suited to New Zealand's intense UV, unique wildlife, and local building rules. Includes three build plans with NZD costs and tips for protecting native birds.
Create a Living Memorial Garden for Your Pet in NZ
A pet memorial garden suited to New Zealand's climate offers a meaningful, lasting tribute to a beloved companion. This guide covers pet-safe planting for NZ conditions, district council burial rules, and eco-friendly remembrance options.
Responsible Breeder vs Puppy Mill: NZ Guide 2026
A practical guide for New Zealand buyers to distinguish responsible dog breeders from puppy mills. Covers Dogs New Zealand health screening, the Dog Control Act 1996, and NZ specific red flags.
Pet Memorial Garden in NZ Spring: Safe Planting Guide
A guide to creating a pet memorial garden during New Zealand's spring months (September to November), with pet-safe plant choices suited to local conditions and practical advice for protecting surviving pets. Includes NZ-specific resources, climate considerations, and memorial options available to Kiwi pet owners.
Spring Grazing Runs for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs in NZ
New Zealand's intense UV, mustelid predators, and calicivirus risks make spring grazing setup unique. This guide covers predator-proofing, toxic NZ plants, and safe outdoor sessions for rabbits and guinea pigs.
How to Foster Neonatal Kittens in New Zealand
Kitten season in Aotearoa runs from September through April, flooding SPCA centres with vulnerable neonates. This guide covers everything NZ foster carers need to know, from sourcing supplies locally to navigating council desexing bylaws.
Navigating the Great New Zealand Autumn Moult: A Kiwi Vet Nurse's Guide to Coat Care
As the southerlies return and daylight fades, New Zealand pets face the 'Autumn Coat Blow'. Learn local strategies to manage shedding, combat bidi-bidi burrs, and protect your pet's skin against our unique maritime dampness.