Skip to content
Hazel Russell — Founder of PawKeen
About the Founder

Hi, I'm Hazel.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science — Charles Sturt University
Member — Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) · ID 4005898

I started PawKeen after spending thousands of dollars on pet products that didn't deliver — and discovering that most "review" sites in Australia were either American imports or affiliate-driven junk.

With a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Charles Sturt University, I bring clinical knowledge to every review. But it's my experience as a pet mum to Bruno, Mochi, and Luna that keeps me honest.

🐕 Bruno 🐈 Mochi 🐈 Luna

Why I Started PawKeen

Five years ago, I adopted Bruno, a Golden Retriever mix with endless energy and a talent for destroying "indestructible" toys in under five minutes. I spent hundreds of dollars relying on 5-star Amazon reviews, only to find the products fell apart instantly.

I realised that most pet product review sites are run by huge media companies. The writers don't own the pets they're writing about, and they certainly haven't tested the products. They just aggregate Amazon reviews and paste affiliate links.

I decided to do it differently.

At PawKeen, every single product recommended has been physically held, used, evaluated, and tested by me and my trio of rescue pets. If it breaks, I'll tell you. If it's too expensive for what it is, I'll recommend a cheaper alternative.

The Testing Team

Meet the Official Product Testers

I couldn't do this without my furry counterparts. Together, they test durability, taste, and comfort against the most rigorous standards.

🐕

Bruno

Chief Destruction Officer

A 6-year-old Golden mix who can crack a "tough" chew toy inside of 12 seconds. He hates all large dog gear, harnesses, and indestructible toys.

🐈

Mochi

Feline Comfort Expert

A highly opinionated rescue tabby. If a cat bed, fountain, or litter box isn't up to her exquisite standards, she won't use it. She keeps things honest.

🐈

Luna

Small Breed Specialist

A 3-year-old anxious terrier mix. She specialises in testing escape-proof harnesses, anxiety vests, and cozy hiding spots for smaller dogs.

Our Promise to You

How PawKeen Reviews Work

My integrity is worth more than any affiliate commission. Here are the rules I live by:

🛡

No Sponsored Coverage

Brands cannot pay me for a positive review. If a brand sends a free unit, it does not guarantee a spot on the list — and I always disclose if it was gifted.

🧪

Real-World Testing

Products are tested in muddy parks, rainy walks, and messy living rooms for weeks — sometimes months — before making the cut. No unboxing-only reviews.

💰

Value for Money

Just because a product is $200 doesn't mean it's good. I always compare premium items against budget options to ensure you get what you pay for.

Want to Know More?

Meet the full PawKeen team, or see exactly how we test and score every product.