Top creature comforts for Fido . . . and the odd ferret
A BLIND sparrow, ferrets and a snake . . . Jo Davies has looked after them all. But the labrador is the pet for which she is most often called on to care.
The Petpals franchisee says: ‘ On average, our franchise-holders have up to 150 dogs they walk or board regularly. I have many labradors.
Jo, 44, formerly a pensions company manager, says: ‘I have owned dogs, rats, hamsters, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and fish and now have two cats, Jack and Freddy, and two rabbits, Arthur and Penny, so I am willing to offer the Petpals service for any species of animal.
‘I’ve also looked after just about every kind of pet, including ferrets, a snake and a blind sparrow.’
Jo, who has more than 200 clients, offers dog- walking, pet- sitting, rabbit and guinea pig boarding, home pet visits and a pet taxi service in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Kevin Thackrah, Petpals managing director, says: ‘We are delighted to see that the most popular dog breed we look after is the trusty labrador, the quintessential British family dog.
‘ Franchisees tell us they love Petpals as it allows them to take control of their own lives, and spend time in the fresh air walking happy dogs while building a business.’ Franchises cost from £12,500. After a number of years as an executive PA, Aly Rochester opened a Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel at her home in Luton, Bedfordshire.
‘I own two Ragdoll cats, Tilly and Roxie, and wanted a career looking after cats.
‘They all have their own little ways, so it’s a joy, and having two pets of my own reassures customers that their cats will be looked after to the same standard they would enjoy at home,’ says Aly, 44. ‘The franchise provides training, marketing help and ongoing support, so I am free to provide five-star care for the cats.’
Longcroft founder Abi Purser says: ‘After six years, the demand for Longcroft’s level of cat care across the UK remains huge.’
Investment is around £60,000.