Holiday homes for dogs? They’ll lead you to happiness!
STARTING a business doesn’t have to cost a fortune and many franchises can be set up for under £15,000.
Andy Beck, from Rotherham, is a franchisee with Barking Mad and provides an alternative to kennels for dogs. It involves recruiting families as hosts for the dogs, matching owners to hosts and marketing the service.
‘I have always loved animals and once worked at a garden centre with farm animals, snakes, lizards and various creepy crawlies,’ says Andy, 32.
His family has had dogs since he was young. ‘We lost our Rottweiler Tyler last summer, so when the opportunity to become a franchisee for Barking Mad came up, I couldn’t wait to offer the service,’ he says.
‘The franchise can be run from home, and there is no stock involved, so the overheads are low and the rewards are great — it’s wonderful to see the joy that the dogs bring to the host families, then see the wagging tails when they are returned to their owners after their holidays.’ Barking Mad managing director Lee Dancy says: ‘Barking Mad offers a successful business model for people who want a business but who perhaps don’t have the resources for a retail premises or a high initial outlay. The Barking Mad investment is £13,950.
Lee adds: ‘This doesn’t mean the profits are small, though, as professional dog sitting services are in high demand throughout the year, even in recessions.
‘Our franchisees receive comprehensive support, allowing them to be profitable from year one.’
If affordability is an issue, examine the full franchise package. Most franchises require franchisees to pay ongoing management fees — but some have none or offer reduced fees.
Lesley Regan, founder of the Scamps & Champs dog walking and pet care franchise, says: ‘The £9,995 investment includes business software and training and we are offering no management fees for the first six months.’ n Barking Mad, 01524 276 476; Scamps & Champs, 0161 612 3811.