HI, I'm Andy. I have worked in the animal care industry for a long time and I understand how challenging our work can be. We often turn up to the suffering and challenges of others, human and animal, and because we care so much about their welfare it can be hard to prioritise our own self care. This can be why so many in the animal care sector struggle with burnout, compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, and can find it hard to sustain healthy self esteem and a positive value of self worth. 

So, I have set up Your Safe Space as a coaching, mentoring, supervision and counselling service just for animal care professionals, that puts a focus on the professional’s emotional wellbeing and mindset, as well as looking at education and practical support. I support colleagues from varying sectors including Vets, Vet Nurses, Trainers, Behaviourists, Shelter worker and Groomers.

With a background in human therapy, holding current up to date Ofqual registered certificates in counselling, and my experience working at the highest level within the animal care community, I am well placed to offer a unique level of support to those who are seeking a safe space to build their confidence, improve their emotional wellbeing and create a healthy professional presence.

Your Safe Space is a discrete, confidential and private space that we create together.

No groups, no long term sign ups, just a safe space that you help to curate. 

I have 15 years of experience in the field of dog training and behaviour, and during that time I have established a thriving private practice business that has become the primary referral source for local veterinary practices. I understand the pressures of running a business, dealing with the public and interacting with other professionals. One of my significant achievements was the creation of the UK Dog Training and Behaviour Charter in the UK. This involved uniting leading progressive training and behaviour organisations to collaborate on regulatory matters and seek to enhance dog welfare. This gave me valuable insight into managing large projects and setting up recognised, industry wide bodies. I created the first emotional health support services for dog trainers, both for students at the online school, the ISCP, and for accredited trainers and behaviourists during my tenure as Chair at the Association of INTODogs. My educational work, through my highly successful and impactful Dog Centred Care platform, has contributed to reshaping the narratives surrounding dog training and behavior. Additionally, my partnership with Pet Remedy has helped elevate emotional well-being for animals, influencing both the general public and professionals across various disciplines. I am an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), and I use both positions to promote better emotional health for both animals and humans. I am also on the committee for BIGA and enjoy playing my role in helping steer the grooming profession. Finally, I have featured in mainstream and influential publications and spoken on many leading podcasts. I have also presented at leading behaviour conference around the world (in person and online), including the London Vet Show, ADCH, ABK, Head Vet Nurse Congress, BVNA and the Dog Behaviour Conference.

I have a degree in Human Psychology and ten years experience as a therapist prior to coming to working with animals. I have recently updated and refreshed my counselling education by completing Ofqual recognised certificates in counselling and currently working towards the NCFE CACHE Ofqual Level 4 qualification which will allow me to become a BACP registered counsellor.

All this experience means I am well placed to offer my clients insights and advice formed from these years of experience, working at the highest level and alongside leaders in the industry. I understand the trials of running a business, how to create a positive presence in the industry and how best to turn up to deliver the biggest influence possible, in a sustainable and emotionally healthy way.