About Atticus

Atticus was created to offer a different kind of animal education - one that puts welfare, accessibility, and real-world understanding first. Many online schools are either overly academic, aimed only at those pursuing specialist careers, or mass-produced courses designed for profit rather than the wellbeing of animals. Atticus provides a better alternative: learning built on real industry experience, supported by science, and designed for people who want to improve the lives of animals with confidence, compassion, and practical knowledge.

The People Behind Atticus

Rebecca Hanlon
Curriculum Designer & Educator
Level 6 Behaviourist, Level 4 Teacher, Level 3 Nutrition Practitioner, NVQ in Social Care
Rebecca has always had a natural connection with animals, growing up surrounded by them and caring for everything from small pets to farm animals. After working in mental health for 20 years, she chose to follow her passion and moved into animal science, becoming a Level 6 behaviour practitioner with additional qualifications in areas including nutrition and communication. She now tutors future trainers and behaviourists through the respected Dogenius Institute. Through her work, she recognised a clear gap between academic knowledge and what is realistically available to the public, and became determined to help make high-quality animal education more accessible.
Dan Baseley
Business and Community Lead
NVQ in management + 10yrs in the pet shop industry.
Dan, a long‑time pet shop owner, has spent over a decade supporting guardians face‑to‑face. From a market stall to two thriving shops, he’s helped thousands of people and lived with an ever‑changing mix of animals—from bearded dragons to cats, guinea pigs, and even spiders despite his arachnophobia. His passion has always been to help people understand their animals better.

A Collaboration Unlike Anything Else

Together, Dan and Rebecca realised they had something rare: two worlds meeting in the middle. Practical, everyday experience and high‑level science. Industry insight and welfare‑first education. A shared belief that learning about animals should be accessible, ethical, and rooted in real understanding—not jargon, gatekeeping, or mass‑produced content.

The name Atticus, inspired by the character who stood for justice and integrity, reflects their commitment to doing right by animals and the people who care for them.
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Expert Contributors

This project has been shaped by a diverse team of dedicated professionals who have generously shared their expertise and time. From experienced veterinarians, vet nurses, anthrozoologists, ethologists, behaviourists and nutrition practitioners to compassionate educators and community advocates, each contributor has brought unique skills and perspectives. Their collaboration ensures that every learner benefits from a rich blend of scientific knowledge, practical insight, and heartfelt commitment to improving animal lives.
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What This Means for You

When you learn with Atticus, you’re investing in education built from genuine passion, lived experience, and strong science. This platform has been made clear, kind, and accessible for everyone. It’s a place where welfare comes first, questions are encouraged, and learning is grounded in real life, not algorithms or profit‑driven shortcuts.

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