Holly
Astbury

Current job title or what you’re doing now:

I own and operate a professional dog walking and pet sitting business in Burton on Trent, offering tailored care for pets while their owners are at work or away. I provide personalised services, including daily walks, home visits, and plant care, ensuring pets receive the attention and exercise they need. My approach focuses on building strong relationships with pets, so they feel safe and relaxed, whether it's a lively walk through local parks or a calming stay in the comfort of their home. I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, offering peace of mind while creating lasting connections in the community.

Background:

1.Tell us why you chose to study at NTU and any key features which may have influenced your decision.

I chose to study at NTU because of my deep interest in exotic animals and my desire to broaden my knowledge. The opportunity to learn in an environment that encouraged real-world experiences really appealed to me. NTU offered numerous trips abroad to study wildlife, which was a key factor in my decision. I was fortunate enough to visit Jersey, Mauritius, and Madagascar, which not only enriched my understanding of exotic species but also allowed me to experience conservation efforts in diverse ecosystems. The combination of hands-on learning and the chance to travel made NTU the perfect choice for me.

The course also allowed me to take a sandwich year, providing the opportunity to gain valuable work experience either in the UK or abroad. I chose to travel to South Africa, where I could follow my passion for wildlife conservation. The knowledge and life experience I gained there were invaluable, and it gave me a new perspective on conservation and animal care in different environments.

Tell us about your memories of NTU:

1.What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures? What still makes you smile when you look back?

During my time at NTU, I gained a wealth of knowledge in exotic animal behaviour, wildlife conservation, and the ecological challenges facing different species. The practical elements of my course allowed me to apply these theories in real-world settings. What still makes me smile when I look back is the passion my lecturers had for their subjects. Their enthusiasm and commitment was contagious, and they inspired me to push myself and strive for success. Their motivation played a significant role in shaping my career path and has continued to drive me in my work today.

You today:

What does your current day involve? Take us through a “typical” day (if there is one!)

A typical day at Hol’s Pets starts with morning visits for cats and small animals. I make sure to feed them, clean their spaces, and, most importantly, give them lots of fuss and attention. I also keep clients updated on how their pets are doing, making sure they know their animals are happy and content.

Midday is when I head out for dog walks. I specialise in solo walks, either 30 minutes or an hour, ensuring the dogs get focused attention and exercise tailored to their needs.

In the evening, I shift gears into office work. This includes handling admin tasks, replying to enquiries and staying in touch with clients, managing my social media, and working on the Hol’s Pets blog to keep everything fresh and engaging. Every day is different, but I love the balance of hands-on pet care and the behind-the-scenes work that helps my business thrive.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and the opportunity to work closely with them every day is what truly drew me to this field. After studying exotic animals, I realised that my passion for animals could extend into helping them in a more personal, hands-on way. Running my own pet care business allows me to connect with both the pets and their owners, providing a service that ensures the animals receive the attention and care they need while their owners are away. The joy I get from seeing pets happy and well cared for, combined with the flexibility of running my own business, is what continues to fuel my passion for this work.

1. What challenges have you faced?

Running my own pet care business has come with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is managing the unpredictability of the job. Pets, by nature, can be unpredictable, and some days bring unexpected changes to schedules or the needs of the animals I care for. In the early days, balancing the practicalities of running a business—such as admin work and client communications—alongside pet care was overwhelming at times.

However, I overcame these setbacks by creating structured routines and systems. I developed a more efficient way to handle bookings and client updates, and I learned to be flexible with my time management. It was important to stay organised, prioritise tasks, and embrace a problem-solving mindset whenever an unexpected situation arose. Over time, these challenges helped me grow as a business owner and strengthened my commitment to providing the best care for the pets I look after.

2. What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

One of the biggest highlights of my career has been building Hol's Pets from the ground up. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact my services have on both the pets and their owners. Watching animals thrive and knowing that I’m providing a trustworthy service gives me a great sense of pride. Another highlight has been the strong relationships I’ve built with clients, some of whom I’ve been working with for years. The trust they place in me is invaluable. I also had the opportunity to appear on Burton Radio, which was an exciting experience that allowed me to connect with the local community and share more about Hol's Pets.

In terms of challenges, I took on several courses to further develop my business, including Level 4 Canine Behaviour, a Dog Walker and Pet Sitters Association certificate, and I became part of the NatWest Accelerator programme. Doing online courses while running a business came with its own set of challenges, especially when it came to prioritising my time more efficiently. I had to balance completing the programmes with building business plans, pitch decks, public speaking, and attending seminars—all of which have been vital in accelerating my business.

3. What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I plan to expand Hol's Pets into Hol's Pets Paradise, the ultimate destination for pet parents. This is an exciting and ambitious step, but it’s also been challenging as it requires a lot of planning, development, and investment to create a truly unique space for pets and their owners. My goal is to offer a full range of services and facilities. While the expansion presents its own challenges, I’m motivated by the opportunity to create something special for the local pet community and to further develop my business into a beloved destination.

4. If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at uni?

If I could go back to my time at university, I’d tell myself to trust the process more and not be so hard on myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of deadlines and expectations, but I’d remind myself that setbacks are part of the journey and are just opportunities to learn and grow.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our alumni community?

One piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out in business is to never underestimate the value of persistence. The road to success isn’t always smooth, and there will be challenges along the way, but sticking with it and continuing to push forward is what makes the difference. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace new opportunities—they can lead to unexpected growth.

A standout memory for me would be the first time a client trusted me with their pet for an extended period, knowing I’d take care of them as if they were my own. That trust meant the world to me and solidified my passion for this work.

As for what my friends would say about me, they’d probably mention my determination and how I’m always striving to improve. They’d also say I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my work, but I think that’s part of why I’m so committed to providing the best care for the pets I look after!

Read Holly's LinkedIn profile.