Annette Hughes

Annette has 18 years hands-on experience in companion animal rescue and rehoming, and 25 years of technology marketing expertise, which inspired her to establish a global social media service, Where Pets Are Found, for lost, found, and adoptable pets a decade ago.

Annette is a ‘pioneer’ marketer in the internet industry, having worked at the world’s largest media and technology companies across Australia, Asia, the UK and Europe.  She has led digital marketing innovation for some of North America and Scandinavia’s top brands.  Since returning to Australia, Annette has been a volunteer coordinator for community outreach at one of Sydney’s largest rescue shelters and an advocate for numerous animal welfare causes nationally.

In the founding year of the Companion Animal Rescue Awards, Annette drove our social media strategy and managed our online communities. Her knowledge of the Australian pet rescue sector, and integrated marketing experience, means she is well placed to continue as a judge this year.

Annette has enjoyed the companionship of pets all her life; from mice and parrots to dogs and cats.  Also interested in wildlife and conservation, she is an active citizen scientist in the Wingtags project.

Annette shares her home & garden with a variety of native birds; as well as Betty the Burmese Cat. Annette recently farewelled her senior dog Finn who was saved from death row at Blacktown Pound only to become a ‘foster fail’.  Together they advocate for responsible pet ownership – Finn & Betty are a constant reminder that Annette’s advocacy for microchips, pet ID, desexing/TNR, and adoption is time well spent.

I’m very fortunate to have had three of my passions intersect – internet technology, targeted geo-marketing, and animal welfare – to help people find their pets, and minimise the number of pets in pounds and shelters.

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