Purchase a new Petpals pet care franchise area

Purchasing a new Petpals pet care franchise

Thank you for your interest in a new Petpals franchise. This page will introduce you to the Petpals franchise and the process to apply. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and also to apply for a franchise.

Petpals is the first UK fully turnkey bespoke professional pet care franchise. Its uniquely designed, fun and tested service allows pet owning customers to leave their cherished pets in the hands of fully trained and qualified Petpals franchise owners.

The demand for this type of specialised pet care service is far greater than the supply of trained and qualified operators and this gap widens every year as the country’s kennels and catteries struggle to keep up with the number of new pets. Also there is a growing trend with pet lovers to move away from the kennels and catteries and look for a service which combines at home pet care with the added advantage of additional home security. These needs are fully satisfied by Petpals who allow the pets to stay in their own safe and secure environment, with familiar sights and smells or with trained and experienced carers in their own homes.

What services does a Petpals franchise offer?

A Petpals franchise owner has tried and tested income streams generated by the following services:

• At home pet visits
• Dog walking
• Home sitting
• Home boarding
• Pet to vet
• Pet to trainer or groomer
• Pet taxi or relocation
• Pet foods
• Pet supplies
• Pet accessories

What is the process to apply for a franchise?

• Application

  First we must learn more about you. As the rights to operate under the Petpals brand are for a considerable term, it is vitally important that both parties are confident in the other’s ability and commitment to making the business grow and prosper. A franchise relationship is a very special partnership.

  Please contact us for a detailed information pack, which is designed to give you an insight into our Petpals Pawprint for Business Success, a Confidential Application form, this will give us a clear indication of your substance and ability to meet the investment parameters as well as give us an insight into your background before we first meet, a Confidentiality Agreement and Discover Day booking form.

• Discover Day

  After we have received and reviewed the above forms we will contact you to answer any initial questions you may have and then arrange for you to spend a day with an existing Petpals Franchise near you. During your Discover Day you will see Petpals operating in a variety of different situations. You will also see both the good and the bad of what we do and you may even talk to our customers about the Petpals experience!

• Area assessment, Business Plan & Franchise Agreement

  We work together to draw up a business plan based on your personal finances and carry out a demographic and market assessment of your area. We also go through the Franchise Agreement with you.

  • Area assessment
  • Business Plan
  • Franchise Agreement

• Decision & Secure Area

  We work together to decide whether we are right for you and you are right for us.

  • 2-way decision based on application process, Discover Day, Business Plan and returned references.
  • Reserve your area with a £2500 + VAT deposit.

• Operations Planning Day

  Your Operations Planning Day at Andover is the start of the detailed planning process that leads to:

  • Pre launch marketing campaign
  • Operational set up
  • Initial training
  • Work experience training
  • Launch training and Launch

• Setting up your franchise

  After the initial meetings and disclosures, should we decide to proceed, a Franchise Agreement will be drawn up. A training course will be provided for the key personnel who will be operating the business in your territory. Copies of all manuals (Operational and Technical) and materials necessary for the running of your business will be provided. Franchisees will be required to operate at least one vehicle in the local market and make the necessary provisions for back up personnel to cover days off and holidays.

Common Questions

I could do this myself, why should I become a Petpals franchise owner?

• You will become a member of the exclusive Petpals network. It is a nationally branded company with a tried and tested business strategy, that will allow you to own and operate an exciting, successful and rewarding business that grows every year, with on-going support and training, in one of the fastest growing service sectors.
• You will be joining a professional organisation that has many years experience in franchise ownership and that is financed, owned and controlled by successful dedicated business professionals.
• You will develop new business and pet care skills and qualifications via Petpals commitment to on-going training and development.
• You will be joining a growing number of successful franchises operating under a trusted and recognised national brand with a tried and tested business model that will allow you to own and operate an exciting, successful and rewarding business.
• You will receive comprehensive training at the Petpals head office in Andover as operational and marketing support throughout your launch period and development year. In addition you will receive ongoing operational support and access to your fellow Petpals professionals.

Is this a seasonal business? Who is going to use our services when it’s not holiday time

Yes, but this does not affect us in a negative way. On the contrary, it is a benefit for us. Using the Petpals system you will build a client base that uses you every day, thus guaranteeing steady and regular income. There are thousands of customers out there who will need the Petpals service every working day as we care for pets that cannot be looked after by their owners due to work commitments, age, sickness or infirmity. Often our regular customers also become holiday customers.

The seasonal holiday customers, who in turn often become regular customers, then complement these customers.

These customers will then use the Petpals service every time they have to leave their pets, month after month, year after year.

Who gets the customers for the franchise owner?

The short answer is, we both do. We work with the local newspapers, vets, pet shops, groomers, trainers etc, prior to and immediately following your launch. Petpals then continues with national marketing, internet advertising and pet events. It is however your business and your responsibility to maximise customer acquisition opportunities.

Can I hire help?

Yes.

Can I work outside my exclusive area?

No. How would you like someone coming into your area? It is not necessary to fight amongst ourselves, as there is just too much business around. We often ask the nearest franchise owner to act as a caretaker to the area, although, don’t forget, you always have the option to purchase additional areas, if you wish.

What happens if the area I would like has already gone?

Take the next available area that is closest to your home. With a spectacular opportunity like Petpals, areas are going fast. It is people that can immediately spot the opportunity that petpals offer who can generally do well.

Can I see Petpals in practice?

Of course, that is the first step in applying to become a Petpals franchise owner. We ask that you spend a Discover Day with one of our franchise owners near you to see if the business suits you.

What about gaining credibility with the public and pet industry professionals?

Petpals work closely with vets, animal welfare groups and other pet professionals. Also we are members of People and Dogs Society, Pet Care Trust and the British Franchise Association.

How long has the company been established and how many franchise owners are there?

Petpals has been established in its current format since 2001, and we currently have over 50 franchises, and growing.