About
VanPetz
About VanPetz Animal Consulting
At VanPetz, we help pets and their people build stronger, healthier, and happier relationships through expert training and behaviour support.
Founded by Alexa van Leeuwen, VanPetz brings together over 18 years of professional experience across veterinary care, animal behaviour, and welfare. Alexa has worked in a wide range of settings, including veterinary clinics and shelters, wildlife rehabilitation, fauna spotting and catching, exotic and marine animal training, and training and supporting assistance, therapy, and service dogs.
Alexa holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Psychology, a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, an Associate of Science with Honours in Exotic Animal Training and Management, a Diploma of Animal Behaviour, and is a certified Venomous Snake Handler and Fear Free Professional. Maintaining a current National Police Clearance and Working With Children Check, she upholds her commitment to safety and professionalism.
Beyond consulting, Alexa serves on Animal Ethics Committees with CSIRO, DPIRD, the University of Tasmania, and Hudson Medical Research, where she maintains her dedication to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical practice.
At VanPetz, our approach is practical, compassionate, and tailored to each pet and family. Whether you’re seeking help with behaviour challenges, preparing a dog for public access, or simply strengthening the bond with your pet, we provide support you can trust.
Why Choose VanPetz Animal Consulting?
At VanPetz Animal Consulting, we believe that creating harmony between pets and their people requires not only expertise but also empathy. Behavioural challenges can impact both pets and their families, and our role is to provide support that builds trust, confidence, and understanding.
Many of our clients face unique challenges, including trauma, anxiety, or disabilities—both in their pets and themselves. We specialise in these cases, developing personalised strategies that improve quality of life for everyone involved.
Every behaviour and management plan is tailored to your pet’s individual needs, focusing on their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Using positive, fear-free techniques, we empower pet owners with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate challenges and build stronger bonds with their animals.
Whether you’re addressing behaviour concerns, preparing your dog for public access, or simply looking to deepen your connection with your pet, VanPetz offers compassionate, evidence-based guidance you can trust. We work with dogs, cats, and a range of other species to create practical, lasting solutions.
Let’s work together to create a happier, healthier future for you and your pets.
