701: Leaving False Happiness Behind with Shaheen Riaz

What happens when you realize your "stable" career isn't actually making you happy? Shaheen Riaz spent 16 years in demanding administrative roles before finally choosing to follow her heart into professional dog care. In this episode, she shares the leap of faith that led her to launch Aunty Shan Dog Care in 2023, the mindset shifts that helped her go full-time, and how her background as a PA transformed her approach to client care. We discuss why clarity, communication, and compassion are at the heart of every great pet-sitting business — and how Shaheen's story proves it's never too late to start again.

Main topics:

• Leaving a career for purpose
• Building Aunty Shan Dog Care from scratch
• Applying admin skills to pet care
• Communicating with clients and rescue dogs
• Overcoming fear and finding freedom

Main takeaway: "If you don't try, you won't know — and if you don't try, you won't grow."

Shaheen Riaz's story is proof that it's never too late to build a life you love. After 16 years in a stressful corporate job, she walked away to start Aunty Shan Dog Care — and found joy, purpose, and peace in the process. In this week's episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, she shares how she faced her fears, used her PA skills to elevate client care, and learned to define success on her own terms. Listen in for inspiration to take your next leap.

About our guest:

Shaheen Riaz is the owner and founder of Aunty Shan Dog Care in the UK. After 16 years in administrative and PA roles, she followed her lifelong passion for animals and launched her own dog-sitting business in 2023. Since then, she's built a reputation for excellence and compassion — earning the 2025 Animal Star Award for Dog Sitter of the Year (Southern Region). Shaheen is deeply committed to rescue dogs and often volunteers with European animal shelters to raise awareness and support their work.

Links:

Website: www.auntyshansdogcare.com
Instagram: @auntyshansdogcare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntyshansdogcare/
Email: auntyshan@auntyshansdogcare.com

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Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

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