Leeds mum on touching reason she launched her 'Dog Bus' business

Nicola Sykes says the dog-walking business was inspired by her daughter

A Leeds dog walker has opened up on the touching reason she launched her business.

Nicola Sykes, 36, based in Halton, runs ‘The Dog Bus’. The business was inspired by her autistic daughter Madison, 14, who struggles to communicate with people but is happier around dogs.

Nicola launched the business in February and has left her job in retail more recently. They’ve visited destinations in Wetherby, Temple Newsam, Harewood and Kippax. Nicola aims to give the dogs “days out, it’s about the experience” with picnics, dog ball pools, dog swimming, and agility parks.

Nicola said: “At the heart of The Dog Bus Leeds is a personal story. The idea was inspired by my daughter, who has autism and ADHD and has always had a special connection with dogs.”

“She struggles to communicate but she is comfortable and happy around dogs – and would rather be around dogs than people.”

Nicola has said the mere sight of her mini-bus attracts a lot of attention with “people stopping to smile, wave, and even take photos as it passes by”.

Nicola added she also previously worked in schools supporting children with additional needs while studying for a degree in Child and Family Studies, something, she’s “always felt deeply passionate about”.

The 36-year-old said: “Like many families, I found it difficult to balance traditional work with the flexibility our family needed. Bringing together my love for supporting others and our shared passion for dogs, The Dog Bus was created, not just as a business, but as a way to build something positive for both our family and the wider community.”

The mum-of-one, who owns two dogs, has said she aims for trips to be around 2.5 hours of walking time after travelling to the destination.

Speaking about the trips, she added: “From countryside strolls to post-walk treats like pup-cups or dog-friendly ice cream, every detail is about enrichment, excitement, and care.

“We don’t just walk the dogs we take them for days out, it’s about the experience. Days out to Harewood House for a picnic, dog ball pools, dog swimming, agility parks. Hopefully expanding further afield to the seaside in summer.”

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