Grooming Director
Jo Marsden
Get Grooming

I am a Master Groomer and Small Business owner.  Having worked in the Pet Care industry for  4 decades.  I started as a kennel hand at 14.

I went on to study Animal Attending and Vet Nursing, working as a Vet Nurse for many years. I then worked at the National Guide Dog breeding and Training Centre in Kew Victoria. In 1993 I became a Cat groomer. I studied Business Administration and Management as well as bookeeping. 

After a Corporate career in in the Hospitality Sector for a few years before following my heart back to working with animals in 2003 when I became a Dog’s Groomer at a local salon then  opening my first Business in 2003. In 2004 I started one of the first Dog Day Care facilities in Australia and grew that business to employ a dozen staff. I sold the business in 2008.

Currently I operate Get Grooming in Allambie Heights NSW I still groom dogs part time and provide private training services to pet owners and businesses.

I also am the Distributor for Delta Grooming Scissors.  I started out as sales and business development and was recently awarded the distribution rights to Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA.  

In 2020 to 2022 during lockdowns I found myself supporting and advocating for my industry across multiple states to have us permitted to work as essential animal welfare primarily in 3 states.  I rallied a support network for my industry sector and we worked together to look after each-over.

I’m very passionate about animal welfare and the welfare of those who work in the grooming sector.

Suppliers & Manufacturers Director
Barry Tonissen
Boehringer - Ingelheim

I am currently National Sales Manager, Companion Animal at Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal health (Animal Health | Boehringer Ingelheim)

Following a career in FMCG and pharmaceuticals I joined the Animal Health team at Merial in 2003. In 2017 Boehringer-Ingelheim acquired Merial and I have remained in my current role since that time.

In my 22 years in the industry I have enjoyed to camaraderie and passion of those who work in this space. A proud achievement was winning the Kevin Pakes perpetual achievement award.

I look forward to representing all members of the PIAA and I am excited by the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead of us as an association, and more broadly as a voice within the industry. I look forward to working with the my fellow directors to add value to PIAA and maximise the opportunities. Now more than ever we need a strong PIAA dedicated to supporting all aspects of the pet industry  - we know that the lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways – when animals are well cared for and healthy humans benefit too. I look forward to joining PIAA and assisting to promote responsible pet ownership, and representing the suppliers and manufacturers within the industry.

Outside work I live in beautiful Kinglake Victoria with a host of animals including 3 horses , 8 chickens, 2 cats and 2 dogs

Retail Director
Fred Deveney
Macarthur Pets

Fred Deveney has been working in the pet industry since 2009, when he purchased a small shop in Narellan that sold reptile supplies. From there, Fred expanded the store into Macarthur Pets; one of the largest specialty pet stores in NSW. One of the first stores to receive a license to display and sell live reptiles, Macarthur Pets now sells a wide variety of reptiles, birds, cats, dogs, fish, and rodents, as well as a large range of specialty pet products.

Now located in Gregory Hills, Macarthur Pets prides itself on expert personalized service and a family-oriented experience, connecting people with the perfect pets to match their lifestyle and needs. Fred is a passionate and hands-on business owner and is actively involved in the daily running of the store. He prioritizes the ethical treatment and welfare of the animals above all else and holds his store to a high standard. Fred is committed to promoting and improving the rights and standards of pet retailers across Australia.

In his spare time, Fred enjoys fitness, spending time with his wife and two sons, and breeding reptiles and birds.

National Director
Jared Patrick
Premier Pet

Jared has been involved in the pet and aquarium industry and hobby for his whole life. Jared’s parents bought their first pet shop the year Jared was born so he has always been in and around the trade.

From a young age Jared was captivated by fishkeeping and kept and bred many tanks of fish under the house as a kid. Other pets, including reptiles, birds as well as many of the furry pets have also found their way into his care. As a young adult he undertook scientific studies in Marine Biology and Vertebrate Physiology before joining the wholesale business that evolved into Premier Pet.

Jared is the Managing Director of Premier Pet which imports freshwater and marine fish from around the world as well as pet and aquarium products. These products are distributed to pet and aquarium stores around Australia.

Jared is back on the PIAA board after an earlier stint and assists in advocacy matters in particular for the importation of fish. He has been on various government and industry workgroups in his time in the industry and works to protect the opportunity for as many Australians to keep fish and other pets.

National Director
Sandra King
King Insurance

I have worked in insurance for 30 plus years and known in the industry. Prior to commencing my own business I have worked with clients in the pet industry (and other occupations), with specific challenge to create products for the pet industry not previously on offer. Over the years I have expressed my passion for the Pet Industry and carried this into my own business King Insurance Services.

I love to meet people and support members and clients by attending shows and assisting with business training etc. As a business and association it is important to support and assist others. My clients, like  our fellow members are scattered around Australia, different locations require or need different assistance / products. Geographical concerns are important to PIAA members as well. I believe COVID-19 has shown this.

It is important to me that I assist members of the PIAA. Together we can make a difference and grow as an association. The Pet Industry needs us all and we all bring different skills to the table.