The Unlikely Entrepreneur
Paula Stewart’s life has taken a dramatic turn after her father’s passing in 2013. The 44-year-old, who lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has transformed from a grieving daughter to a passionate animal lover and entrepreneur. With a collection of 40 exotic pets, Paula has turned her love for animals into a full-time business, running an animal talent agency that showcases the talents of her furry and scaly friends.
From Poultry Farm to Animal Talent Agency
Growing up on a poultry farm, Paula was surrounded by animals from a young age. However, it wasn’t until her father’s death that she started adopting and fostering animals. She bonded with her first rescue dog, Mitzi, who was on the “euthanasia list” due to stomach conditions. Paula’s experiences with Mitzi helped her cope with her father’s passing, and she soon found herself saving other animals, including a rescue dog named Riley, who had a brain tumour.
- Paula’s journey with her pets has been marked by numerous challenges and expenses, but she believes that the rewards far outweigh the costs.
- With over 40 exotic pets, Paula’s home is “like a zoo,” and she spends around ÂŖ400 per month on food, bedding, and activities for her animals.
A Life of Feeding, Hiding and Caring
Paula’s days are filled with feeding, hiding, and caring for her pets. She spends at least ÂŖ400 per month on food, bedding, and activities for her animals, including taking her dogs swimming. The costs of vet bills are also a significant concern, with Paula spending hundreds of pounds per visit. However, she finds solace in the fact that her pets have “saved each other.”
“Every time I’m working with my animals, it reminds me of him because he loved animals so much. I just feel like I learn something new every day about the animals, but also myself â they teach me so much about myself and what’s important in life.”
â Paula Stewart
From Rescue to Stardom
Many of Paula’s pets have starred in commercials, including dog Betty, who modelled for Newcastle United, Adidas, and Pets at Home. Other pets have appeared in adverts for 888 Casino and Foxy Bingo. Paula’s animal talent agency has placed animals in various productions, and she believes that any animal can be a star.
| Production | Pet Star |
|---|---|
| An Everyday Act | Mitzi |
| Short Film | Riley |
| Pets at Home Advert | Dog Betty |
A License to Care
To care for her exotic pets, Paula requires a license from the local council. She is regularly assessed by the council to ensure that she is providing the best possible care for her animals. The costs of the license and assessments are also a significant expense, but Paula believes that it is worth it to ensure the welfare of her pets.
From Passion to Profession
Paula’s passion for animals has turned into a full-time business. She founded The Animal Talent, an animal casting agency that places animals in film, TV, print editorials, marketing, and social media productions. Paula’s goal is to make her business more ethical and responsible in how animals are handled on set.
Expert Advice
Paula encourages those who are considering fostering or adopting an animal to do their research. She believes that the animals, particularly exotic breeds, are a “massive financial investment.” She emphasizes that looking after animals that have been “abandoned and abused” is extremely rewarding and adds, “They need help, too.”
By Paula Stewart
A Message from Paula
“I just felt that, with my new business, I wanted it to be a bit more ethical â how animals were handled on set. I think in general, there’s very good practice in film and TV these days, but I feel like I could push it a bit further.” â Paula Stewart
Conclusion
Paula Stewart’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. From a grieving daughter to a passionate animal lover and entrepreneur, Paula has turned her love for animals into a full-time business. Her menagerie of 40 exotic pets is a reflection of her commitment to providing the best possible care and showcasing their talents. As Paula continues to push the boundaries of animal talent and welfare, her story serves as a reminder that with great passion comes great responsibility.