About Me

Hi, I’m Alexa van Leeuwen, founder of Riverness Animal Consulting!

For over 18 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping pets and their people build stronger, happier relationships. My journey in animal care has taken me across diverse fields, including general veterinary practice, shelter medicine, exotic animal training, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal care, assistance and therapy dog training, and even developing pet care technology. My career has given me a diverse, hands-on understanding of animal care and behaviour.

Animals have always been central to my life. Growing up surrounded by cats, dogs, and birds, I spent countless hours rescuing injured wildlife, nurturing my passion for animal welfare and behaviour. These early experiences inspired me to begin volunteering at shelters at age 14, and I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve worked with a remarkable range of species, from big cats to dolphins, sharks, hoofstock, primates, birds of prey, and domestic pets, such as cats, dogs, and small mammals.

My educational background reflects my lifelong commitment to animal care. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Psychology, an Associate of Science with Honours in Exotic Animal Training and Management, a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, and a Master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour. As a certified Fear Free Professional, I use positive, science-based methods to address behavioural challenges and promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Over the years, I’ve combined this knowledge with hands-on experience in various settings—training exotic animals in zoos, rehabilitating wildlife in Ecuador’s cloud forests, training and managing dolphins and sharks in Hawaii, preparing dogs for therapy work and public access, and introducing fear-free techniques to veterinary clinics and puppy classes. I’ve also developed innovative pet care solutions, like the VanPetz app, to help pet owners better manage their animals’ well-being.

Today, I bring this wealth of experience to Riverness Animal Consulting, where I focus on helping pets and their people achieve harmony and understanding. Committed to ongoing professional development, I stay at the forefront of evidence-based training and behaviour techniques to provide the best possible care for every pet I work with.

Why Choose Me?

At Riverness Animal Consulting, I believe that creating harmony between pets and their people requires not only expertise but also empathy. I understand that behavioural challenges can affect both pets and their humans, and I’m here to offer support that prioritises trust and understanding.

Many of my clients face unique challenges, including trauma, anxiety, or disabilities—both in their pets and themselves. I specialise in working with these cases, crafting personalised strategies to create positive outcomes that improve quality of life for everyone involved.

Every management plan I develop is tailored to your pet’s individual needs, focusing on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Using positive, fear-free techniques, I empower pet owners with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate challenges and foster a deeper connection with their pets.

Whether you’re addressing behavioural challenges, looking to train your pet, or preparing them for public spaces, I’m here to provide compassionate, expert support and guidance. I work with dogs, cats, and a variety of other species to create personalised solutions, helping you build the deep, stress-free bond you’ve always wanted with your pet.

Let’s work together to create a brighter, happier future for your pets—and for you!