Successful Petpals Pet Sitting, Home Sitting and Home Boarding Franchises

What I did before taking on a franchise business

I worked as a journalist and press officer for around 25 years, attempting to fulfil my love for animals with small pets at home including cats and chinchillas. After working in one industry for so many years, it can be difficult to change direction. However when I discovered Petpals, by seeing a van on the M62 plastered with the logo, I grabbed the opportunity to follow my dream of working with animals.

Why I chose franchising

Although I had run my own business in the past as a freelance writer, the opportunity to be part of a franchise network was appealing due to the support it offered. Since I set up Petpals Bury & Bolton in March 2005, the organisation has been a god send in helping me initially get my pet care business off the ground and then build on its success.

How I raised the finance

It was all a matter of timing - I got lucky, for once. I had been given a decent chunk of money in lieu of an inheritance so used that to pay for the franchise. I then borrowed extra money from the bank to buy and kit out my van.

The training and support

The support Petpals offers has been excellent. I can always call on colleagues at head office, or in the other franchises, to assist with day-to-day queries. Their advice on tricky animal matters, which crop up from time to time, has also been invaluable.

The initial three-day training we underwent was a great grounding for the road ahead and further training opportunities, to help me develop my business, are available.

Challenges

To be perfectly frank, I have worked harder since I started the business than I ever envisaged. Be prepared for seven-day weeks and long hours because animals don’t just have needs during office hours. However, the rewards are tremendous. The dogs think you’re marvellous and it’s wonderful to get a riotous reception when you turn up to take them for a walk. Plus the freedom of being your own boss is wonderful.

For more information on new and resale franchises please call Petpals on 0845 6439981 or e-mail us

What I did before taking on a franchise business

“I need you to go to Paris tomorrow”, rang out in my ears from my boss. “Great”, I thought, another 4am alarm call to go to an airport and spend a week away – happy days! There must be more to life than living out of a suitcase.

My wife’s day couldn’t have started more differently. Sal was 8 months into her new Petpals venture and enjoying every minute of it, a busy day for her apparently was out for 9am for her cat visits before she started her dog walking for the day.

I had been fairly sceptical when Sal first decided Petpals was for her, thinking there can’t be a living in looking after pets – how wrong can you be!

When I eventually got back from Paris on the Thursday night knowing I still had a board report to produce for the next day Sal told me she had had a late finish that day, 4pm! Although to be fair, she did have an assessment to go out to later.

We had a lovely meal that night and discussed Petpals. When Sal told me she had earned over £250 for that day I was shocked – she’d earned more than me doing something she loves in her own time and at her own pace. I suddenly began to think about the possibilities; after all, we had always had a passion for animals and have a house full of furry creatures of all shapes and sizes.

We had deep and meaningful conversations about the pro’s and con’s, and both agreed I would love the opportunity to join the business. We knew living and working together could have its downsides and we were unsure as to whether financially one business could support us both. But having said that, within 12 months Sal was having discussions with our accountant and Head Office about having to register for VAT such was the massive demand in Sal’s area.

Then it came to us, why not run a franchise area each side by side – the perfect solution – we get to share a passion but each have our own independence.

I can honestly say it was the best decision of my life – I had Sal’s area to practice on for a couple of months. The enjoyment and satisfaction I got when helping Sal out was a real bonus – especially if I got chance to meet any of the customers. After all, we were all sharing a similar passion and goal in providing the best care for their pets, so it was always a happy, positive encounter – priceless (and a wonderful ego-rub to boot!)

I then launched Tees Valley in September 2007 and within 6 months had a regular customer base comparable to Sal’s Darlington area.

As our website says there’s nothing like a bit of friendly rivalry between husband and wife!!!

Why I chose franchising

I wanted the reassurance of a proven business model that works. I knew I wouldn’t have the time or resources to test the waters. Also, I knew trust and confidence were two major decisions that a prospective client would look for and knew a national brand would win hands down over a local operator in a lot of situations.

How I raised the finance

I was fortunate to be in a position to take a redundancy package.

The training and support

It took Sal over a year to make the decision to join the Petpals team and without the constant support and encouragement from Petpals we may still not have made the initial decision. My decision was easier after seeing the quality of support available.

I also took the opportunity of talking to a lot of the franchisees so I was able to receive a balanced view of most things.

Challenges

Only one or two!! Coming out of a comfort zone of being employed to running the show is a shock to the system and being disciplined in how I work took some practice and real determination.

Moving from doing the donkey work to becoming an employer is another huge challenge to come to terms with.

Finally, having the discipline to say no to people and not chase the work is one of the hardest lessons to learn but ………..we all do it and learn not to!!

Advice for someone thinking of buying a franchise

Work out the pro’s and con’s of a franchise against doing it yourself. For me there were two main reasons why a franchise won – the brand and a working business model that I could follow from day 1.

Check the franchise out thoroughly and take advice from everybody, friends, family and the professional advisors. Our local business link advisor was great – he gave me such a hard time over my decision to go with a franchise that it was priceless.

For somebody starting out franchising is a brilliant opportunity as most of the thinking and mistakes have already been made for you, which will be costly when you start out on your own. Also, the franchise network is a constant sounding board, as between them they have experienced just about everything there is to encounter.

Finally, plan your time off and work to it including booking a holiday – if you don’t you’ll find the business overtakes you.

Plans for the future

It’s still early days for me so consolidation is the main objective for the next year. The business is growing rapidly and I’m already planning to take on a fourth part time member of staff such is the demand. I hope to be able to concentrate on growing some of the services on offer to include some nice extras.

For more information on new and resale franchises please call Petpals on 0845 6439981 or e-mail us