The Team

Brittany Johnson is the Chair and founding member of Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc. With extensive hands-on experience throughout her lifetime, along with years of theoretical learning and the operation of a professional dog-walking business in Christchurch, Brittany brings a robust understanding of canine welfare, group management, public-space risk assessment, and professional standards within the dog-walking services industry.  

While Brittany works with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, she has a particular passion for German Shorthaired Pointers—a highly intelligent and energetic breed that is often misunderstood. Brittany strongly believes that dogs thrive when their individual needs are understood and when they are provided with appropriate outlets for their physical and mental wellbeing.  

In response to the growing need for a clear distinction between casual dog walking and professional dog walking services, particularly concerning public safety and canine welfare, Brittany founded Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc. Her focus is on ensuring that professional dog walkers are represented accurately, responsibly, and constructively in public and regulatory discussions.  

As Chair, Brittany provides strategic leadership and governance oversight, ensuring the Society operates in accordance with its Constitution and the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. She is dedicated to education-based practice, evidence-informed decision-making, and transparent engagement with members, councils, and the wider community.  

Brittany’s approach emphasizes collaboration over conflict, professional accountability over assumption, and welfare-first decision-making in all aspects of professional dog walking.  

Under her leadership, the Society works to strengthen industry integrity while recognizing the shared use of public spaces and the importance of respectful, balanced outcomes for all.

Mikayla Wallace brings extensive knowledge in canine behaviour and body language, supported by years of hands-on experience operating her own professional dog-walking business in Christchurch. As one of the leading Christchurch dog walkers, she is dedicated to promoting canine welfare through her services.  

In addition to her professional work, Mikayla has significant experience volunteering with dog shelters, providing valuable insight into canine behaviour, assessment, and management across a wide range of temperaments and backgrounds. This experience is particularly valuable when engaging with councils and stakeholders, as it helps clarify the distinction between behavioural assessments within shelter environments and the practical, real-world considerations of dog walking services in shared public spaces.  

As Secretary of Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc, Mikayla plays a key role in supporting the Society’s governance, transparency, and effective communication. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records, managing official correspondence, and ensuring the Society operates in accordance with its Constitution and the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. This role supports the smooth functioning of the Society and ensures that decisions, processes, and communications are clearly documented and accessible.  

Through careful administration and attention to detail, Mikayla helps uphold the Society’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and respectful engagement with members, councils, and the wider community, while supporting clear recognition of professional standards within the dog-walking industry.

Brett Cusiel serves as Treasurer of Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc, bringing a practical, detail-focused approach to the Society’s financial oversight and governance. 

With extensive experience across multiple trades and the successful operation of several businesses—including running his own dog walking services—Brett brings valuable commercial, operational, and compliance-focused insight to the operations of CPDW Inc. His background supports sound decision-making and strengthens the Society’s governance and financial management frameworks. 

As Treasurer, Brett is responsible for overseeing the Society’s financial management, ensuring accurate record-keeping, transparency, and compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. This includes supporting responsible budgeting, monitoring income and expenditure, and ensuring that all funds are applied solely to further the Society’s objects as a not-for-profit incorporated society dedicated to promoting canine welfare. 

Brett’s role underpins the Society’s commitment to accountability and sound governance, providing confidence to members, stakeholders, and the wider community that Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc operates responsibly and in accordance with its Constitution. 

Through careful oversight and collaboration with the Committee, Brett helps ensure the long-term sustainability of Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc, enabling the Society to focus on promoting canine welfare, public safety, professional standards, and constructive engagement within the industry.

Christchurch Professional Dog Walkers Inc is guided by a small, dedicated committee of experienced professionals who collectively steer the Society’s governance, advocacy, and strategic direction, all with a strong focus on canine welfare. 

Our committee includes the Society’s elected Officers — the Chair / President, Secretary, and Treasurer — each contributing practical industry experience, professional insight, and a shared commitment to public safety and high standards of practice in dog walking services. 

How We Work 

The committee functions as a collaborative leadership team, working together to: 

- Uphold the Society’s Constitution and objects 

- Provide clear, accountable governance 

- Support education-based, evidence-informed practice 

- Engage constructively with councils, regulators, members, and the wider community 

This lean governance model promotes efficient decision-making, transparency, and accountability while remaining proportionate to the size and purpose of the Society as a not-for-profit incorporated society. 

Sub-Committees and Timely Decision-Making 

To facilitate quick, informed, and practical responses, the committee may delegate specific tasks or projects to sub-committees or working groups on a meeting-by-meeting basis. 

These sub-committees: 

- Are established for defined purposes or time-limited tasks 

- Support research, consultation, drafting, or member engagement 

- Enable timely responses where operational or advocacy matters require it 

All sub-committees operate under clear terms of reference and remain subject to committee oversight, ensuring accountability while allowing flexibility and responsiveness. 

Experience That Matters 

Collectively, the committee brings experience across: 

- Professional dog walking and canine handling 

- Canine behaviour, body language, and welfare considerations 

- Risk management in shared public spaces 

- Business operations, compliance, and governance 

Our Commitment 

All committee members are required to act in good faith, declare conflicts of interest, and operate in the best interests of the Society. This commitment underpins trust, integrity, and professionalism in everything Christchurch dog walkers do.