Petcare is much more than a walk in the park

Your love for animals could turn into a career — but you must also be business-minded.

‘I knew before I started my Petpals business it would not just be about walking dogs,’ says Sallyann gray, a former teacher who has been the Petpals franchisee in Darlington, Co Durham, for 11 years with her husband, David. ‘As well as offering various services, we also have to market them, build customer relationships, and deal with admin and financial tasks, and I now manage 12 staff.’

Even Sallyann and David’s golden retriever Jasper is involved. ‘Jasper’s an official partner of the team with his own Facebook page and is the official fitness coach and socialiser for all the dogs we look after, as well as “editing” our monthly newsletter,’ adds Sallyann, pictured with Jasper.

‘Running a petcare business is most certainly not just about walking dogs and cuddling cats. It can be hard work, so you need a genuine commitment because it is a 24/7 for 365 days a year.’

Kevin Thackrah, managing director of Petpals, says: ‘ We want animal lovers who also have a head for business. If someone is interested, but inexperienced, we provide full training’. A Petpals franchise costs £12,500. Jon Kay’s black labrador Loki inspired him to start a business and become the Canine Creche franchisee in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, through which he offers dog day care. Former quantity surveyor Jon, 33, says: ‘I still get time with dogs daily, but mainly I manage and grow the business. I do all the marketing, admin and finance and recruiting.’ Valerie Friend, group operations director at Canine Creche, says: ‘ We look for franchisees with business aptitude, but a love of dogs helps.’ The investment is around £85,000. PETPALS, 01264 326 362; Canine Creche, 01473 636151.