From early morning walks to expensive vet visits, pet parents know that owning a dog is a big commitment. They also know that it’s worth it when your pup wags its tail and cuddles up after a long day. Kerri-Lynn McAllister, CEO and founder of Pawzy, has first-hand experience with both the challenges and rewards of dog mom life. Her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Kingston and Kennedy, are simply the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. They’re also the inspiration for Pawzy, a website that connects modern pet parents to the best advice and services.

With a decade of experience building online marketplaces (RateHub.ca, Lift & Co.), Kerri-Lynn is now bringing her skills to the pet world. After spending time researching dog-related services for Kingston and Kennedy, she was surprised by the lack of accessible resources when it came to essential things like pet insurance and veterinary procedures. You see, Kerri-Lynn is the type of person that’s interested in the best, and that means the best for her dogs, her wallet and her busy schedule. And that’s what Pawzy is — a better platform for making informed choices. It’s less time calling vets, and more time playing fetch.

Keep reading to find out more about Kerri-Lynn and the Cavs that have inspired her every step of the way.

Hi Kerri-Lynn! Tell us about your dogs...

My dogs are Kingston and Kennedy. They’re Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Kingston is ten years old and Kennedy is just eight months. They’re both very sweet. Kingston is the well-behaved older sister that has a bit of an attitude. She has five teeth left in her mouth after multiple dental abstractions, so her tongue sticks out 50% of the time. Kennedy is very cuddly and will hug you with both paws. She’s a mischievous puppy that loves chewing running shoes.

What started your love of dogs?

My family always had bigger dogs, but it was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever that first sparked my strong connection to pets. There’s something about that breed. They’re very affectionate. His name was Gunner and we would plop his big head on your lap in the cutest way. It really affected me when he passed away.

When did you decide to get a dog of your own?

After university, I moved to Belgium and it was lonely being an expat in a country where I didn’t speak the language. My husband and I got Kingston and she’s been the best companion ever since. We named her Kingston because that’s where my husband and I met, at Queen’s University, and that was always home for me. As Kingston has gotten older, I realized that I can’t handle being without a dog. That was a factor in getting our new puppy Kennedy. It’s just the unfortunate reality that dogs have limited lifespans. My dad has always overlapped dogs and it’s a good lesson for helping with the inevitable heartbreak.

How did you choose the breed?

I knew I wanted an affectionate dog because my heart just melts for that love. Because we were living in a city full of cobblestone streets and few dog parks, we knew it was best to get a dog that doesn’t need much exercise or activity. We also wanted a dog with a calm, gentle demeanour that rarely barks. For all those reasons, we discovered that a Cav would be the best breed. That research inspired the breed selector tool we built for Pawzy.

What are the challenges of two dogs?

I forgot how difficult puppies are — it’s been ten years since I’ve trained Kingston. Puppies have so much energy and love to get into trouble. You really have to train them and it’s a lot of work. You have to stay focused on the end result. Kingston is such a great dog that I knew she wouldn’t be a challenge. It’s the new dog that needs patience. They get along great. Kennedy has brought fun and energy to the house. She’ll pester Kingston to play with her.

How did your dogs inspire Pawzy?

As a pet parent, I could see that there is a lack of resources online. There wasn’t a website where I could compare essential services like pet care, prices or reviews. When Kingston needed dental care, for example, I found price differences that were upwards of $500 depending on the vet offices. It was quite a difference for the same amount of work, which really shows the need to compare prices and options. Then, when I was looking for a laparoscopic spay for Kennedy, I had to call around to find a vet office that did the procedure. There wasn’t one place where I could search for available vet procedures, compare opening hours, prices, and other factors.

What would you recommend to potential first-time dog owners?

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you should definitely take into account the breed characteristics of the dog. You should also think carefully about your lifestyle, housing situation, time availability and financial situation. It’s a big commitment. Be realistic with yourself — if you’re not outside biking and running all the time, that’s not going to change if you get a high energy dog. I would also suggest easing into breeds. Some of them are more eager to please and easier to train.

What is the best thing about having a dog?

There’s nothing like the love you get from a dog. They’re so unwavering in their affection and loyalty. They’re happy to see you, whether you’re coming back from a weeklong vacation or just coming out of the bathroom. So many dogs help people through tough times. Mine certainly have, and now they’re the inspiration for helping pet parents across North America.