A Pawsome Journey from Humble Beginnings to Global Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 NOVEMBER 2024

Sunshine Coast Business VetShopAustralia Turns 25: A Pawsome Journey from Humble Beginnings to Global Success

Picture this: It's 1999. The world is buzzing about Y2K, eBay is making its Australian debut, and over a family lunch on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, two brothers are cooking up a plan that would change pet care forever. Fast forward 25 years, and Mark and Steven Perissinotto's creation, VetShopAustralia, is celebrating over two decades of tail-wagging success.

From a few late-night orders to over 3.5 million fulfilled and counting, the journey from small-town startup to international powerhouse has been nothing short of extraordinary.

A Big Idea Over Lunch

It all began with a simple idea shared over a family meal. "We thought, why not bring quality pet supplies online?" says Steven. Within three months, Australia's first online pet supplies store was live, run part-time out of the back of Mark's veterinary clinic in Nambour.

"We were working around the clock," Mark remembers. "Fifty hours a week at our day jobs and another twenty in the evenings. It was hard work, but the passion kept us going."

A Game-Changing Moment

The brothers struck gold in 2001 when they noticed growing demand from US customers. Switching their international site's currency to USD sparked exponential growth, with sales climbing 10-12% month after month. By 2005, Mark swapped his vet coat for business attire, and Steven followed suit in 2007, leaving his law career behind.

From Local Roots to Global Reach

VetShopAustralia quickly outgrew its first home in Image Flat and moved to Forest Glen in 2009. Today, it's a bustling hub delivering to more than 2.1 million customers across 50+ countries. Along the way, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, winning the Telstra Business People's Choice Award and securing spots in the Power Retail Top 100 Retailers.

But the accolades don't stop there. Mark has been a finalist in the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and Steven was named one of the Top 50 People in E-Commerce by Internet Retailing.

Making Waves and Sponsoring Surfing Dogs

For VetShopAustralia, it's about more than business, it's about celebrating the special bond between people and their pets. Since 2012, the company has proudly sponsored the Surfing Dog Championships at the Noosa Festival of Surfing, showcasing their ability to combine fun with purpose.

25 Years Strong: Celebrate with 25% Off for 25 Hours!

To celebrate 25 years of supporting Australian pet owners, VetShopAustralia is hosting a special birthday sale. On November 25th, customers can enjoy 25% off all products for 25 hours when they spend over $25. It's a milestone moment and a way for the company to give back to the community that has been with them every step of the way.

About VetShop Australia

Based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, VetShopAustralia has been a trusted name in pet care since 1999. With over 8,000 products, including leading brands like NexGard Spectra, Bravecto, Purina ProPlan, Simparica Trio, ZamiPet, Hills, KONG and PAW by Blackmores, they're committed to keeping pets happy and healthy.

ENDS