Meet the team
Wellington’s Premier Pet Sitters
I understand that caring for pets in their own home requires a deep level of trust and responsibility,
along with unfailing and genuine love for all animals.
Meet The Creature Comforts Team
Byndie Maxwell
Founder & Owner
My love for animals has always been a big part of who I am, and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of being a pet slave to all manner of pets, from dogs and cats to chinchillas and frogs and everything in between!
After returning home from several years overseas, I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse and began working at a central Wellington veterinary clinic in 2002. During my time in the clinic, I recognised a need for a more personal, professional alternative to boarding for pets whose owners were going away. I wanted pets to be able to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, with someone they knew and trusted looking after them. That idea became Creature Comforts.
Since then, the business has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. More than 20 years on, I’m still learning, building on my experience and looking for ways to continually improve the care we provide. Many of our very first clients are still with us today, which means a great deal to me and reflects the lasting relationships we’ve built with the families who trust us with their beloved pets.
For me, caring for animals is about so much more than food, walks and cuddles. It’s about understanding their individual needs, keeping them safe and happy, respecting their routines, and giving their owners peace of mind while they’re away.
Creature Comforts is built on honesty, integrity, reliability and genuine compassion for the animals in our care. These are the values I believe in, and the standards I want every member of our team to uphold.
Our promise is simple: to provide loving, dependable and professional care for your pets, right where they feel most at home.
We continually strive to provide the very best care when you can’t be there!
Briar Simpson
Administration & Client Support
Briar joined the Creature Comforts team in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in animal welfare, a love for creatures great and small, and a knack for keeping things organised behind the scenes!
Having spent 20 years living in Japan, Briar was fortunate enough to work in her dream role as Tokyo Director of Animal Refuge Kansai. On returning to New Zealand, she continued her work with animals at the Wellington SPCA, further strengthening her passion for helping animals in need.
One of Briar’s proudest achievements is Grace, a former Tokyo street cat who made the journey home to New Zealand with her. Once a shy, untouchable stray, Grace blossomed into a confident, affectionate cat who now happily head-bumps children for attention — a lovely reminder of just how resilient animals can be when given patience, kindness and care.
After taking some time away to raise her family, Briar was delighted to return to working with animals through Creature Comforts. As part of our administration team, she helps keep things ticking along behind the scenes, assisting clients, coordinating bookings and helping ensure everything is in place for our team to provide the best possible care.
At home, Briar shares her life with Sergei, a cheeky farm rescue dog with a dodgy ankle and even dodgier manners! She loves the humour, companionship and unconditional love that animals bring to our lives and feels lucky to combine her organisational skills with her lifelong passion for animal welfare.
Tyla G
Pet Sitter & Veterinary Nurse
Tyla joined the Creature Comforts team in 2023 and has quickly become a valued member of our crew. Having grown up surrounded by animals, caring for them has always come naturally to her, and her love for animals shines through in the care and attention she provides.
Alongside her work with Creature Comforts, Tyla is a qualified Veterinary Nurse, holding a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and working in a veterinary clinic. This gives her valuable knowledge and experience in animal health and wellbeing, which she brings to her role with us.
Tyla also knows first-hand that every pet has their own personality, quirks and individual needs. At home, she shares her life with two much-loved older feline ladies, both with their own health requirements. Caring for them has given her an appreciation for the extra patience, understanding and attention that pets may need as they get older.
When she’s not working, Tyla enjoys spending time with friends and getting outdoors, whether that’s soaking up the sunshine at the beach or simply enjoying some time in nature. And, of course, there’s always time for a little extra affection for her two beloved cats!
Tyla loves getting to know each pet’s unique personality and looks forward to caring for your furry family members, making sure they receive the same patience, love and attention she gives her own.
Fadzi P
Pet Sitter & Veterinary Nurse
Fadzi joined the Creature Comforts team in 2019 and has been a valued part of our crew ever since. An enthusiastic animal lover, she brings a friendly, calm and caring approach to every visit, helping pets feel safe, comfortable and happy while their owners are away.
Fadzi holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour and a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, giving her a strong understanding of animal behaviour, health and wellbeing. Alongside her work with Creature Comforts, she also works as a Veterinary Nurse, bringing valuable hands-on experience and knowledge to the care she provides.
After spending time working at a veterinary clinic outside Wellington, Fadzi has returned to the region and is now working closer to home. We’re delighted that she continues to be part of the Creature Comforts team, allowing her to stay connected with some of the lovely pets and families she’s come to know over the years.
Whether it’s going for walks, enjoying playtime, sharing a few cuddles or simply providing reassuring company, Fadzi understands that every pet has their own needs and personality. She’s passionate about making sure the animals in her care receive thoughtful, attentive care and feel at ease in their own homes.
We’re lucky to have Fadzi’s knowledge, experience and genuine love for animals as part of the Creature Comforts team!
Hannah B
Pet Sitter & Veterinary Receptionist
Hannah joined the Creature Comforts team in March 2026, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and experience working in a veterinary clinic. In her role on reception, she’s part of the team helping pets and their people, and she loves being able to combine that experience with caring for animals in their own homes.
Hannah understands that every pet has their own unique personality and needs, and she enjoys making sure each one feels safe, comfortable and well cared for while their owners are away. Her genuine love for animals shines through in the attention and affection she gives to every pet she looks after.
At home, Hannah is a proud pet mum to three cats — Saba, Bindi and the very aptly named Princess Fuzzy Carrot — as well as her much-loved dog, Indy. While she loves them all dearly, Princess Fuzzy Carrot has apparently managed to secure the top spot, thanks to her particularly snuggly nature!
When she’s not working at the veterinary clinic or caring for Creature Comforts pets, Hannah enjoys spending time with her own furry family and, of course, indulging in a good coffee.
Hannah loves getting to know the pets in her care and looks forward to making sure your furry family members receive plenty of love, attention and thoughtful care while you’re away.
Kiera B
Pet Sitter & Dog Walker
Kiera joined the Creature Comforts team in March 2024, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a genuine appreciation for creatures big and small. Growing up in a household full of rescued animals, her family has welcomed more than 15 cats and four dogs over the years, so it’s safe to say she’s been surrounded by furry friends since day one!
Her passion for the natural world led her to study Biology, Ecology and Conservation at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), giving her a deeper understanding of the animals and environment around us. These days, she has a furry companion of her own, her cat Toastie, who keeps her on her toes!
Alongside her work with Creature Comforts, Kiera works at a childcare centre in Khandallah. When she’s not busy with little humans or caring for four-legged friends, she enjoys getting outdoors, whether that’s tending to her garden, heading out on the trails for a hike or soaking up some Wellington sunshine. She’s also a social butterfly who loves spending time with friends and checking out local music events.
Kiera believes that caring for pets is about building trust, understanding their individual personalities and treating every animal with kindness and respect. She loves getting to know the pets in her care and making sure they receive the same affection, patience and attention she’d want for her own.
With her lifelong love of animals and enthusiasm for what she does, Kiera looks forward to meeting your furry family members and making their time with Creature Comforts a happy one!
Leah B
Pet Sitter & Dog Walker
Leah joined the Creature Comforts team in May 2026, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a wealth of hands-on experience caring for creatures of all shapes and sizes. Although she’s only been with us a short time, Leah has already become an invaluable part of our team.
Growing up on a large sheep and beef farm in Central Hawke’s Bay, Leah was surrounded by animals from an early age. Alongside the family dogs, cats and other pets, she spent time riding and competing horses and has also gained experience working on dairy and chicken farms. Her background has given her an appreciation for animals of all kinds and a genuine understanding of their different needs.
After moving to Wellington at the beginning of 2026, Leah was keen to continue doing what she loves by working with animals and caring for other people’s pets. She enjoys getting to know each animal’s individual personality and making sure they feel happy, safe and comfortable in their own homes while their owners are away.
Leah is also a very proud cat mum to her two beloved cats, George and Wilson, who are her absolute world! When she’s not caring for pets, you’ll usually find her spending time with her cats, catching up with friends, planning her next adventure or exploring everything Wellington has to offer.
With her lifelong connection to animals and her caring, down-to-earth approach, Leah looks forward to getting to know your furry family members and making sure they’re in loving, capable hands while you’re away.
Elliette G
Pet Sitter & Dog Walker
Elliette joined the Creature Comforts team in May 2026, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a decade of experience working with horses. Having grown up surrounded by pets, she’s always known that caring for animals would be a big part of her life.
Her years working with horses have given her plenty of hands-on experience and a genuine appreciation for the different personalities, needs and quirks that make every animal unique. She’s now delighted to be out and about caring for our clients’ pets, getting to know each one and making sure they feel happy, safe and comfortable while their owners are away.
At home, Elliette has a little animal crew of her own, including her dog, two cats and four chickens! It’s safe to say animals are very much part of everyday life for her.
Elliette loves the opportunity to meet new furry friends and enjoys building a connection with each pet she cares for. She’s excited to be part of the Creature Comforts team and looks forward to giving your pets plenty of attention, care and affection while you’re away.
Duncan C
Pet Sitter & Veterinary Nurse
Duncan has had a lifelong love of animals, which inspired him to pursue a career in animal care. He holds a New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Otago Polytechnic, as well as a Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care from the Southern Institute of Technology. He brings valuable knowledge and a genuine passion for animal wellbeing to the Creature Comforts team.
Having grown up surrounded by animals, Duncan understands the special place they hold in our lives and the importance of providing care that meets their individual needs. He is passionate about ensuring every pet feels safe, comfortable and well cared for while their owners are away, whether they’re furry, feathered or scaled!
At home, Duncan shares life with two much-loved family dogs, Rex and Timmy, a pair of wire-haired dachshunds who keep things fun and lively. When he’s not caring for animals, he enjoys creating animal illustrations, playing the piano and learning new songs, or getting out into nature for a walk.
Duncan looks forward to getting to know your beloved pets and providing them with the same compassion, patience and thoughtful care that he believes every animal deserves.
Shawna W
Pet Sitter & Veterinary Nurse
Shawna joined the Creature Comforts team in August 2024, bringing with her a lifelong love of animals and a genuine passion for their health and wellbeing.
Originally from the Wairarapa, Shawna moved to Wellington to pursue her career in animal care. She proudly completed her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through Otago Polytechnic in 2023 and has since gained valuable practical experience through veterinary clinic placements. She has also worked on veterinary reception and helped care for cats in a clinic cattery, giving her experience with a variety of animals and their individual needs.
Shawna understands that every pet is different, from playful puppies full of energy to nervous cats who need a little extra patience and reassurance. She takes pride in providing calm, attentive and compassionate care, helping pets feel safe and comfortable in their own homes while their owners are away.
At home, Shawna has her own adventurous cat, Jasper, who keeps her on her toes with his love of exploring! When she’s not caring for animals, she enjoys shopping, spending time with friends, getting outdoors for a walk, or simply relaxing at home with a good movie or video game.
Shawna loves being able to put her veterinary nursing knowledge and passion for animals to use at Creature Comforts. She’s looking forward to getting to know your furry family members and making sure they receive the thoughtful, loving care they deserve.
Shirley J
Pet Sitter & Animal Care Professional
Shirley has a passion for all creatures great and small and has spent several years volunteering with Wellington Zoo and the SPCA, as well as fostering cats and kittens as they prepare for desexing and adoption into their forever homes.
Through her volunteer work, Shirley has developed a particular interest in environmental enrichment and finding creative ways to keep animals happy, stimulated and engaged. Whether it’s building cardboard castles for curious kittens or making puzzle feeders for kākā, she enjoys finding ways to encourage animals to explore, play and express their natural behaviours.
In 2017, Shirley completed her New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology through Otago Polytechnic, further building on her knowledge and passion for animal care.
Shirley loves being able to put her experience and understanding of animal wellbeing into practice and believes that caring for animals means looking beyond their basic needs to ensure they are happy, comfortable and enriched.
Gemma K
Casual Pet Sitter & Veterinary Nurse
Gemma has been a valued member of the Creature Comforts team since 2013, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our crew! Despite her busy full-time role as a Practice Manager at a Wellington veterinary clinic, Gemma continues to help us care for our clients’ pets in the Wainui area, where she’s a local.
Gemma’s veterinary nursing career began in 2005, when she worked alongside Byndie in her very first veterinary nursing role. Since then, she has continued to build on her experience in the veterinary industry, progressing into the role of Practice Manager in 2015 — a position she thoroughly enjoys.
Her extensive experience in veterinary care, combined with her understanding of animal health and wellbeing, makes her a wonderful addition to the Creature Comforts team. We’re grateful that she continues to share her knowledge and passion for animals with us, even alongside her busy day job.
At home, Gemma has a furry and feathered-free little crew of her own, including Boss, her Huntaway-Rottweiler cross, two cats named Jam and Mo, and two guinea pigs, Panda and Wolfgang!
We’re delighted to have Gemma’s experience, dedication and love for animals as part of Creature Comforts, and we’re sure her own animal family keeps life entertaining outside the clinic, too.