Lazypaws aims to be a trusted, high-quality connection between people and their pets; one that values care, choice, and the everyday joy that animals bring into our lives. Channel Mag's Liz Cannon speaks with Halley Gui, the founder of Lazypaws, the new pet store in Takapuna.
Channel Mag: Your new store, Lazypaws, feels very personal. How did it all begin?
Halley Gui: Lazypaws was born from a very genuine place. I have a dog, and I also run a Maine Coon cattery, so caring for animals is part of my everyday life. Over time, realised that while the pet market appears full of options, the reality is quite limited; pets often end up eating the same food and using the same products day after day. I wanted something better for my own animals. At first, the store really was just for them, but it's grown into something I hope will serve other pet families who value quality, variety, and a more thoughtful approach to pet care.
What philosophy guides how you choose products for the store?
We follow one very simple rule: everything must be 'tested and loved by pets'. If my own animals don’t genuinely enjoy it or benefit from it, it doesn’t make it onto the shelves. That principle keeps us focused on quality, performance, and real-world use rather than trends or marketing hype.
Cat litter is a standout product at Lazypaws, particularly for larger breeds. Why is that?
As a Maine Coon breeder, litter performance is something I am always thinking about! Large cats come with specific challenges: heavy urination, edge peeing, and difficult clean-up. That’s why clumping ability is non-negotiable for me. One of our key products is Xucuihua cat litter, a premium cassava-based litter from China. It forms tight, solid clumps regardless of how the cat urinates, which makes cleaning quick, clean and stress-free. We also stock innovative functional litters, and currently offer two variants, both of which are used in veterinary clinics. One is a health-monitoring litter that changes colour (blue) to indicate potential urinary issues, with results visible for up to seven days. The other uses silver-ion technology to help reduce bacteria, making it ideal for multi-cat households or cats with soft stools where hygiene is especially important.
Food is another major focus at Lazypaws. What makes your range different?
Pet food is something I’m deeply passionate about. Under our own Lazypaws brand, we offer freeze-dried products across four main series. The idea is simple: high-quality, minimally processed food that keeps its nutritional integrity and variety. Our chicken series includes bites, cubes and whole chicken breast, while the duck series was born out of necessity - my dog refuses vegetables! We created duck rolls combined with vegetables like pumpkin, purple sweet potato, carrot, pear and brussel sprouts. Duck is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for sensitive dogs. We also offer pure duck products for pets with simpler needs.
There’s a strong New Zealand presence in the seafood range, too.
Absolutely. Our seafood line features premium New Zealand fish - salmon, ling, tuna, hoki, and gurnard - all freeze-dried to retain high protein and low-fat content. We also stock Goodnoze products, known for rich red meats like veal ribs and lamb ribs, which happen to be my dog’s personal favourites. For natural chewing, we offer air-dried venison from the South Island, as well as more adventurous proteins from Australia, including camel, crocodile and alpaca.
You also curate international brands alongside your own. Why is that important?
Not everything great comes from one place. Rosy Fresh, for example, produces dry food made entirely from fresh meat, and it played a key role in helping my imported breeding cats regain strength and health. Our Korean treats are another favourite; small, refined, and beautifully made, offering comfort and variety that many customers really appreciate.
How else do you support the pet community?
We actively support breeders and wholesale partners by offering vouchers and discounts for new pet packs. We also make our space available for pet-friendly events and collaborations, which I love. It brings people together and builds a real sense of community around pet ownership.
You also offer daycare services in Takapuna. What sets yours apart?
Our daycare is designed to feel personal and calm, not crowded. Prices start from $20 to $60 per day and include free treats, two daily walks, and genuine human companionship. We limit capacity to ensure quality care - up to six small dogs or four large dogs per day - making it a reliable option for people spending time in Takapuna who want their dogs cared for properly.
Lazypaws
447 Lake Road Takapuna
getintouch@lazypaws.co.nz
lazypaws.co.nz
Open Tues-Sun, 10am-7pm
For those interested in Maine Coons, visit our cattery at osmanthuschu.co.nz
