EXCLUSIVE: Lagos youth turns love for dogs into business despite setbacks
At 17, Adekunle Oluwatimilehin Oluneye had no big office or deep pockets. All he had was a mobile phone, internet data and a love for dogs. What began as a teenage passion has since grown into a business he has fought to build despite painful losses and moments when he almost gave up.
In an exclusive interview with Western Post, Oluneye, the founder of MOONLIGHTpets, recounted his journey so far and shared his experiences as a young Nigerian entrepreneur in the dog sales business.
Popularly known as Timi, he started by helping dog owners find buyers online. According to him, his first deal involved a shorthaired show-line German Shepherd puppy he did not own. Timi said he found a buyer in Liberia and earned a commission. In his words, “That modest transaction gave me the confidence to pursue my interest as a business.”
From there, MOONLIGHTpets took shape. Today, the business sources dogs from international breeders and connects customers with locally bred puppies whose parents were imported.
Building a business online
The graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) disclosed that he built his business largely through social media, without a conventional office or showroom. Online platforms help him reach customers, showcase available dogs and earn the trust of people who may never meet him in person. He added that referrals have also helped him find new clients.
“I don’t operate a conventional physical office or walk-in store. Social media is my office, my showroom, my marketing platform and, in many ways, the foundation of my entire business,” he said.
MOONLIGHTpets deals in foreign breeds of dogs, including French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Cane Corsos, Alabais and Caucasian Shepherds. But Timi says the work involves more than finding a dog a new home, as he considers the credibility of breeders, animal health and proper documentation.
He further revealed that running the business is not cheap, indicating that monthly operating expenses range from about ₦250,000 to ₦300,000, depending on demand. Logistics, veterinary bills and changing exchange rates can eat into earnings, while rising prices make it harder to keep costs down without compromising animal care.
“I prioritise quality veterinary services, proper healthcare and good-quality dog food because, to me, these are not areas where you should cut corners,” he said.
When passion meets reality
For Timi, one of the hardest lessons came when he moved from sourcing and importing dogs to owning and breeding them. He had expected the transition to be manageable, but the reality proved overwhelming.
The pressure took a toll on his finances and health. He eventually lost all his dogs except one, which he had to sell to settle his debts. The loss was painful, both financially and emotionally, and left him wondering whether the business was worth continuing.
“Did I consider quitting? Absolutely. In fact, I would say I had already given up at that point,” he recalled.
The experience taught him that loving dogs is not enough to succeed in breeding. It requires money, knowledge, careful planning and access to proper veterinary care. Since then, he has focused mainly on sourcing and importation while continuing to learn about responsible animal care.
A lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs
Having experienced the risks firsthand, Timi cautions young Nigerians against entering the pet business simply because they hope to make quick money. He believes anyone interested in the industry should first understand animal behaviour, breed characteristics, veterinary care and responsible ownership.
For those who love the business side but are uncomfortable handling animals, he suggests alternatives such as selling pet food, dog accessories and grooming supplies.
“I would rather encourage someone to enter it with genuine passion, knowledge and a sense of responsibility than simply see it as another way to escape unemployment,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Timi is looking ahead. Within the next three to five years, he hopes to make MOONLIGHTpets a recognised name in Africa’s canine industry by building stronger relationships with international breeders, expanding his sourcing network and promoting responsible dog ownership.
His journey has been far from smooth, but he continues to build on what he has learnt. For Timi, success is not just about selling dogs or making a profit; it is about earning customers’ trust, learning from mistakes and finding the strength to start again when things fall apart.
