Running a pet business can look wonderful from the outside.
The dog walks.
The puppy cuddles.
The happy client photos.
The freedom of being your own boss.
But behind the scenes?
Many pet professionals are exhausted.
In a recent special “podcast takeover” episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, returning guest Amanda VanTassel from No Hassle Dog Training interviewed me about the launch of my new membership community – The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus.
And honestly?
It became one of the most open and honest conversations I’ve had on the podcast so far.
Why I Created the Pet Business Wellbeing Circle Plus
The idea for Circle Plus didn’t appear overnight.
It actually grew out of years of conversations with pet professionals who were quietly struggling behind the scenes.
Dog trainers feeling overwhelmed.
Dog walkers unable to switch off.
Pet business owners battling imposter syndrome.
People falling out of love with businesses they once felt passionate about.
And the truth is…
I’ve been there too.
Before moving into mentoring, I spent over 13 years working in corporate and business banking, alongside building my own pet businesses. Over the years, I experienced severe anxiety, burnout, overwhelm and chronic health struggles.
At one point, I worked constantly and barely took time off for two years.
I thought that’s what being “successful” looked like.
But eventually, I realised something important:
Running a business should support your life – not consume it.
That sentence has now become one of the core values behind everything I do.
The Hidden Reality of Running a Pet Business
One of the biggest themes Amanda and I discussed was how many pet professionals enter the industry because they love animals – not because they wanted to run a business.
And they’re not alone.
Many brilliant dog trainers, walkers, groomers, behaviourists and vets are incredible at helping animals… but were never taught things like:
- Boundaries
- Pricing
- Admin systems
- Time management
- Burnout prevention
- Client expectations
- Business sustainability
So, people end up trying to carry everything alone.
And eventually, the emotional and mental load catches up with them.
Why Burnout Happens So Easily in The Pet Industry
Pet professionals are often deeply caring people.
That compassion is one of the things that makes this industry so special.
But it’s also what can make it so emotionally draining.
Many of us:
- Struggle to say no
- Reply to messages late at night
- Feel guilty taking time off
- Put clients before ourselves
- Worry constantly about money
- Compare ourselves to others online
- Feel pressure to always “do more”
Over time, that constant emotional output can leave people feeling depleted.
And yet so many professionals feel like they have to quietly “push through”.
Community Over Competition
One thing I care deeply about is creating safe, supportive spaces for pet professionals.
Not competitive spaces.
Not pressure-filled spaces.
Not places where people feel judged.
Just genuine support.
That’s one of the reasons I originally created the free Facebook community The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle, which has continued to grow steadily.
Circle Plus is the next step from that.
It’s designed to provide:
- Group mentoring
- Wellbeing support
- Guest experts
- Reflection prompts
- Accountability
- Business guidance
- Community connection
Because sometimes people don’t need another course.
They need reassurance.
Support.
Space to breathe.
And people who genuinely understand the realities of this industry.
Asking For Help Is Not Failure
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode was this:
Needing support does not mean you’ve failed.
In fact, reaching out for support is often one of the strongest things a business owner can do.
Even experienced professionals need guidance, mentoring, accountability and community sometimes.
We’re human first.
Business owners second.
And that matters.
Final Thoughts
This conversation with Amanda felt incredibly important because it highlighted something many pet professionals quietly feel but rarely say out loud:
This industry can be emotionally heavy.
But you do not have to carry it alone.
Whether you’re a dog trainer, dog walker, groomer, behaviourist, vet professional or pet business owner… your wellbeing matters too.
And hopefully conversations like this help remind people of that.
🎧 You can listen to the full episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast now wherever you get your podcasts.
And if you’d like extra support, resources and wellbeing-focused business guidance, you can also download the free Pet Pro Rescue Plan or join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle community.
Links & Resources
🌐 Nathan Dunleavy Website
🐾 Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan
📘 Free “5 Steps” Guide
💬 Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle (Free Facebook Community)
📧 Email Nathan: hello@nathandunleavy.com
📌 Amanda Van Tassel / No Hassle Dog Training:
