The power couple are known for their many animal rescues around Penang but most importantly, they are the founders of Nanny McPaw, a very successful pet boarding and daycare centre there.
But Nerissa and Nicholay weren’t always covered in dog fur and treats.
“I was previously an interior designer and even completed my studies in architecture,” said Nerissa, who also told FMT that she grew up in a household of six dogs and lived right opposite a veterinarian.
The 33-year-old quickly realised her disinterest in architecture and instead, wanted to pursue a new career working with dogs. She began by offering private home care for pets as well as pet-sitting services.
“I was looking after so many pets at one point that it almost became overwhelming,” said Nerissa.
But she soon noticed a similar pattern — there were no proper boarding places for pets in Penang.
“Boarding services typically involve placing your dog in a cage and letting it out for 10 to 15 minutes, twice a day. But, if we humans can feel trapped when we’re forced to stay in one place, what more dogs, who have more energy than us?” questioned Nerissa.
This inspired the duo to open up Nanny McPaw in November 2017, offering services such as doggy daycare, boarding, grooming and showering services.
Pet owners can also count on the nannies at Nanny McPaw to walk their dogs every morning and evening, to help keep pets active and in good spirits.
“Therefore, every dog that comes through our doors has to be non-aggressive and able to play with each other. Not many people know how to let their dogs mingle,” said Nerissa.
This is where her husband Nicholay, who used to work in an advertising firm, comes in.
“Dogs do well in group living situations and need an alpha, which is Nicholay — he is an assertive leader. That’s the aim of Nanny McPaw basically, to be a harmonious pack.”
Nanny McPaw prides itself on giving only the best to their furry clientele and assures their customers that “when they go for a holiday, their dogs will be going on a holiday too.”
Over time, customers with pet cats began inquiring if Nerissa could also come up with a place to board their pets as well — this got Nerissa thinking.
“I never grew up with cats but Nic has and he’s good with them. That’s why when I found this place in Tanjung Tokong and there was a stray cat in the empty room, I immediately told Nic that it was a sign to open a second Nanny McPaw,” joked Nerissa.
And thus, the second Nanny McPaw was built in February 2019, a boarding and daycare centre dedicated to cats.
But it’s not all fun and games running a pet daycare and boarding centre, according to Nerissa.
Getting bit is part and parcel of the job but what frustrates the couple more are owners who hide the truth about their dogs’ health conditions, such as tick issues.
What’s more, like many businesses impacted by Covid-19, Nanny McPaw has taken a hit as well. According to Nicholay, right before the MCO was implemented last March, the couple had their hands full.
“When the MCO first kicked in, we experienced almost 90% cancellations,” said Nicholay who remains grateful that the daycare operations are still ongoing, with pet owners still bringing in their pets to the centre.
While the couple hopes to expand their services in the future, Nerissa and Nicholay remain loyal to keeping their furry clientele happy at Nanny McPaw. They are, after all, lovers of animals first. Always were and always will be.
For more information on how you can send your furry friend for a fun playtime with his new friends, head on over to Nanny McPaw’s Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp them at 011 36137601.
Nanny McPaw (Dogs)
21, Lebuh Lembah Permai 1
Tanjung Tokong
11200 Tanjung Bungah
Penang
Nanny McPaw (Cats)
Level 2, Tanjung Point
508 Jalan Tanjung Tokong 10470
Penang