Nathan Dunleavy
Pet Industry Mentor, Speaker & Multi-Award-Winning Pet Business Owner
Helping pet-business pros build sustainable, thriving brands with heart & strategy.
From banking to barking!
My journey to helping Pet Pros thrive
I help aspiring and established pet entrepreneurs turn their passion for animals into thriving, sustainable businesses.
With over seven years of running my own multi-award-winning pet care companies and a 13-year career in corporate and small business banking, I bring a unique blend of real-world business expertise and hands-on pet industry experience.
I’m a qualified dog trainer, professional dog walker, pet sitter, and certified canine behaviour consultant specialising in separation anxiety. Beyond the titles, I’m deeply passionate about mentoring, networking, and connecting people in our industry.
Through my mentoring programmes, I empower pet care professionals to launch, grow, and evolve their businesses with confidence and clarity without sacrificing their wellbeing in the process.
When I’m not working with clients or speaking at events, you’ll usually find me enjoying time with my husband, Mark, and our seven wonderful dogs in Southampton, UK, or sneaking away for a well-earned holiday.
Nathan recently spoke to my Facebook group, “Dog Dilemmas: Positive Training & Support,” and was a fantastic guest. He gave great advice on the challenges of running a dog-related business and offered excellent tips for overcoming them.
His passion and enthusiasm were contagious, and everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was very apparent to everyone in attendance that Nathan is an excellent business mentor and a genuinely kind person. I’m lucky to call him a friend and colleague.
Where to find me
The Dog Walking Business Mentor
Mentoring and support for dog walking business owners.
My award winning local pet care service.
The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle – Facebook Group
Support and mentoring for all pet business owners.
I’m the podcast host and lead ambassador for Yappily.
Nathan was a guest on my podcast. He was absolutely fantastic, his passion and knowledge are contagious!
If you are looking for a mentor or someone to guide you then Nathan is your man!
(he also gives THE BEST hugs if you get to meet him in person!)
Speaking & Media
I’m open to speaking in online groups, on podcasts, or in person at conferences and events.
I’ve been invited as a guest speaker on:
- BBC Radio Solent
- Voice FM
- The Pet Business Disruptors Podcast
- Dogs Do Speak Podcast
- Pet Professional Network (Members Group)
- Distinctive Dog Trainer – Geek Out Sessions
- Dog Dilemmas: Positive Training & Support
- Unleashed Online Networking
- Featured in the The Southern Daily Echo and The News (Portsmouth)
- The ISCP Big Psychology Summit 2025
Topics I love to talk about!
Whether it’s in a cosy online group chat or standing on stage at a pet industry event, I love sharing practical, real-world advice that helps pet professionals feel confident, supported, and excited about their businesses.
From navigating the early start-up days to creating a sustainable, wellbeing-focused business, my talks are designed to leave audiences inspired and ready to take action, without the overwhelm.
From love of pets to a thriving business
How to successfully launch and grow a pet care business without burning out
Business Wellbeing for Pet Professionals
Finding balance, avoiding overwhelm, and creating a business that works for you
Confidence & Boundaries
Navigating the challenges of running your own pet care business while protecting your time and energy
Collaboration Over Competition
Building a supportive pet pro community that helps everyone thrive
The Power of Mentoring
How guidance and support can fast-track success in the pet industry
From Start-Up to Sustainable
Building a pet business that lasts, with smart strategy and heart-led values
Nathan has now done a few training sessions for our Members of the Pet Professional Network and Students and Graduates in the Distinctive Dog Trainer Academy. These sessions have really helped our members and students.
I’m so proud that we can have speakers like Nathan with so much experience and passion. I highly recommend him as a Mentor and if you are looking for a speaker for a conference, event or for your organisation.
Nathan is an incredible Team Member, Affiliate and one of our approved coaches and mentor. This means that our Members have the best access to an incredible mentor who goes above and beyond.
Thank you Nathan
Awards & Achievements
Dog Walking Company of the Year – South England Prestige Awards 2025
Best Dog Walking Service 2025 – Southampton
LUXlife Pet Products & Services Awards
Pet Care Service of the Year (2023 & 2024)
LUXlife Pet Products & Services Awards
Best Pet Care & Behavioural Services Company 2024
Southern Enterprise Awards (SME News)
Dog Training Service of the Year – South England
Prestige Awards 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24
Best Dog Training Business 2021
Corporate Vision Small Business Awards
Accreditations
NVQ2 Counselling Skills
Approved Coach/Mentor – Pet Professional Network (PPN)
Guest Expert – Distinctive Dog Trainer Academy (DDT)
Registered Member/Dog Walker – Modern Dog Walkers Association (MDWA)
Accredited/Qualified Dog Trainer, Full Member – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy Qualified Instructor – IMDT
Approved Dog Trainer – Dog Training College (DTC)
Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behaviour Consultant – Trained by Julie Naismith
Certified & Recognised Specialist: Canine Body Language, Puppy Development, Canine Reactivity, Separation Anxiety, Assistance Dogs
Scentwork (Bronze Instructor – UK Sniffer Dogs)
Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
KAD Approved Professional (Kids Around Dogs) – School Dog & Children/Dogs Specialist
Pet First Aid Certified (trained by RVN Rachel Bean)
Dog Law Certified – DTC
Currently completing IICE Level 4 Dog Training Instructor Exam (ATI), preparing for ABTC register listing
Yappily Accredited Dog Professional
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