“Behind every pet is a person — and we want to look after both.”
— Christina, Community Manager, Knose Pet Insurance
At this year’s Pawsitive Steps event — a community festival promoting fitness, fun and mental wellbeing — Knose Pet Insurance joined forces with Connect with Confidence founder Sam Lee for a special conversation about how pets support our emotional health.
Sam sat down with Nathan, Co-Founder of Knose, and Christina, Knose’s Community Manager, to talk about their passion for pets, their purpose as a company, and the deeper connection between animal companionship and human happiness.
The power of a pet’s unconditional love
When asked how dogs contribute to mental health, Nathan summed it up beautifully:
“In life we all have ups and downs — but with a dog, you don’t get the downs. You get unconditional love all the time.”
He explained that pets offer more than companionship. They give us structure — daily walks, feeding times, a sense of purpose — which can make all the difference during difficult times.
Christina added:
“They’re always by your side, no matter what. We love our pets, but behind the pets are people. We want to look after pets so that we can look after the people behind them.”
That philosophy — caring for both pets and the humans who love them — sits at the heart of everything Knose does.
💡 An Australian study discovered that welcoming a dog into one’s life was associated with reduced feelings of loneliness. Participants also reported better moods — likely thanks to the positive effects of building a strong bond with their furry companion.
Why Knose supports the Pawsitive Steps movement
For Christina, being part of Pawsitive Steps was an easy decision.
“We’re not just about the pets. We really want to show that we’re involved in the community and that we care about mental health. So being part of this initiative was a no-brainer.”
Nathan shared a moving story about a close family friend whose teenage son struggled with depression until they decided to adopt a dog together:
“That decision changed his life. My friend believes it saved his life. Having that unconditional love — and something to care for — gave him purpose again.”
It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, love truly comes on four legs and a wagging tail.
The Knose booth was a spot for leaving positive notes during the Pawsitive Steps event.
Companionship beyond words
When asked what advice they’d give to someone struggling with loneliness, both Nathan and Christina agreed: pets can play an important role in healing.
Nathan shared,
“If you’re lonely, a dog gives you a constant companion — and a reason to get out, move, and talk to others at the park. It’s a simple, safe way to reconnect with the world.”
Christina added that even if you can’t own a pet, volunteering with rescue groups or animal events can bring the same joy and connection:
“You give your time, but you receive so much more back. And if dogs aren’t your thing — cats can be wonderful companions too!”
The story behind Knose Pet Insurance
Nathan co-founded Knose with a mission to make pet insurance simpler and fairer.
“At the time, most brands were actually run by the same company behind the scenes — and products kept getting more complicated with sub-limits and hidden rules. We saw a chance to do things differently.”
Knose was built on transparency and trust. One policy, flexible options, no confusing tiers.
“If it’s 80%, it’s 80%. No sub-limits. No surprises,” Nathan explained.
Six years later, Knose has grown into a big team of passionate pet lovers — some of whom are vets and vet nurses — united by a shared goal: helping pet parents care for their animals.
“It may sound like we’re supporting pets, but really, we’re supporting the owners,” Nathan said. “We remove the financial worry so they can focus on getting their pets healthy again.”
Building real connections — with people and pets
As the conversation wrapped up, Sam asked both guests for their best tips on building meaningful relationships — whether in life, work, or community.
Nathan’s advice was simple but powerful:
“Listen. Ask questions. People love talking about themselves. The more you show interest in others, the more they’ll remember you as someone genuine.”
Christina added:
“Relationships take time. Stay involved, show up, and do the little things that matter — whether it’s inviting someone for a walk or cooking them a meal. It’s about being present.”
Knose Pet Insurance continues to show up in local events like Pawsitive Steps, not just to promote insurance, but to celebrate the unbreakable bond between pets and people.
You’ll often find our pink booth at festivals across Australia — handing out treats, chatting with pet parents, and sharing smiles.
Disclaimer
Coverage for illnesses and injuries is subject to your selected plan, Knose Pet Insurance terms and conditions, and only applies where the condition is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition and is outside any applicable Exclusion Periods. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
