Be a top dog in the world of work
PET charity Blue Cross says one in ten British couples are offering a starring role to their pets as they get hitched. Now franchisees with petcare franchise Barking Mad are offering a dog chaperone service for weddings. Kerry Wells, owner of the Spalding Barking Mad franchise in Lincolnshire, says: ‘Wedding day pet care can be problematic, as pretty much everyone you would trust to look after your dog will be at your wedding. Our bespoke dog wedding chaperone service means the bride and groom can relax and enjoy the wedding, as we ensure their dog’s happiness and welfare, and we can also involve the dog in the photos.’
Lee Dancy, MD of Barking Mad, whose franchisees provide the wedding chaperone service as well as arranging dog boarding, says: ‘The day before the wedding, the franchisee takes the dog to their home-from-home accommodation for the next two nights, so they can avoid wedding preparations at home.
‘On the wedding day, the franchisee chauffeurs the dog to the wedding and looks after them during the ceremony and, while the photos are taken, returns the dog to their host’s home.
‘The dog is returned the next day or after the honeymoon.’ Mrs Dancy advises anyone thinking of bringing their dog to their wedding: ‘Ensure you book a dog-friendly venue (or one with an outside area for photographs), tell all guests that a dog will be attending, and consider the role you want the dog to play, according to their temperament.
‘Ensure any accessories are safe for your pet and ask your photographer to suggest photo ideas.’
Barking Mad is looking for more dogloving franchisees who want to run their own dog-care business. The franchise costs £14,957 (see barkingmad.uk.com or call 03333 444 972).
n SCOTTISH Franchise Week, on April 24 and 25, includes an educational seminar for prospective franchisees (see thebfa.
org/events), the Scottish Business Breakfast and Franchise Opportunities Scotland, a networking event at which you can find out about franchise opportunities in Scotland (visit