Petpals Pet Care - News, Press Releases and Events

The latest News and Events from Petpals

• Petpals Richmon & Northallerton - Animal lover launches pet-sitting service

  

  Animal lover launches pet-sitting service - theadvertiserseries.co.uk - Feb 21010

  An animal lover has launched her pet-sitting business by making donations to local animal welfare charities.

  Jean Wilson, 42, of Catterick Village, has started Petpals from her home and will take in any kind of animal while its owner is away.

  To mark its launch, Ms Wilson has made donations of £100 to the Dogs Trust in Darlington, and the Blue Cross, in Thirsk. She hopes to hold fundraising events for both charities.

  She said, "I have rescue dogs of my own and when the opportunity came along to start Petpals I decided to go for it. It's a total change of career for me, but I'm looking forward to it.

  Read more on the pet care services that Petpals Richmond & Northallerton offer here

• Amber Valley Sidecar Championship

  

  PETS IN FOCUS FEATURE - Salisbury Life - August 2009

  Dog Walking

  Making Use of the many areas found locally, dog walking aims to give your dog a stimulating and enjoyable walk in a safe environment. These can be individual visits for your dog(s) and/or multi walks, with up to four dogs at a time transported in our purpose fitted vehicles.

  Cat sitting and cat visits

  Petpals have proven to be very popular with clients that want to leave their cats at home in there own environment, with familiar comforts and smells, particularly with elderly cats and cats that need medication. Our cat sitting service allows clients to go away safe in the knowledge that Petpals are visiting their cats to feed, clean litter trays if required, play, along with providing lots of TLC.

  Pet sitting and home sitting

  Our home based pet sitting service is a real alternative to kennels, your pets can remain in their own familiar surroundings, with their own routines and food while you are away.

  Read more on the pet care services that Petpals Salisbury offer here

• Amber Valley Sidecar Championship

  

  News Article from Derby Telegraph

  Link to article

  Motor sport: Wallis now facing a big bill after his TT sidecar spill Saturday, June 13, 2009, 07:30

  SIDECAR racer Dave Wallis faces a race against time to repair his outfit for an appearance at the British MotoGP meeting.

  The Alfreton driver crashed heavily at more than 100mph during practice for the Isle of Man TT races.

  Now he is aiming to get his badly-damaged machine ready for the Donington Park showpiece on July 24-26.

  Wallis escaped serious injury in the accident but spent a night in hospital.

  His passenger, Sally Wilson, a TT specialist from Castleford, suffered ankle damage and had to undergo a number of operations but is expected to make a good recovery.

  Injuries apart, the crash, at the famous course's 13th Milestone, dealt Wallis a double whammy.

  For not only was his bike badly damaged but it meant any chance of much-needed prize money was wiped out.

  He said: "I don't really know what happened. I was going into a right-hand bend and the back of the bike just broke away as if a tyre had punctured and we hit a wall.

  "The bike is quite a mess and is going to take some time to sort out."

  "I have been going to the TT for years and I had been hoping to finish in the top 10 this time."

  "The crash happened on the Tuesday evening practice session and I came home on Friday – I was there to race and there was no point in staying on."

  "I am very disappointed and frustrated at what happened."

  The 49-year-old, a TT regular, has been racing since the early 1990s.

  He had a six-year lay-off from the sport after breaking his back in a crash at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, but returned, with the British Championship and the TT his main focus.

  Wallis, who runs a dog-walking business, Petpals, added: "Not only have I got a big expense but I haven't made any prize money. So we have a quite a bit to do to get the bike ready for Donington."

  If he is able to repair the machine in time, he will be accompanied by regular passenger Steve Wareham, from Leicester.

• Amber Valley Sidecar Championship

  

  

  

  Dave Wallis, Petpals (Amber Valley) is set to swap his four-legged friends for more high-octane pursuits this month. Dave will compete in the British F2 Sidecar Championship which gets underway at Donington Park at the end of March.

  This is the 14th season that Dave has taken part in the championships with his LCR Honda sidecar and he hopes to beat his best finish to date – third in the British Championships in 1997. Dave can be easily spotted on the racetrack with his high-powered sidecar sporting the Petpals livery.

  He’s teaming up with Steve Wareham from Leicester this season for the first time and hopes that they can really make their mark.

  Dave, aged 48, has always loved motorbikes and used to race solo up to 1991 when he got involved with sidecars. He said: "I enjoy riding fast and you can’t do that on the roads! Sidecar racing is the cheapest way to be able to compete at British level."

  "With sidecars you tend to have the chassis manufactured to your own specifications and then add your own engine. With the solo racers, new technology moves so fast that they are constantly having to change bikes and engines to compete effectively and that’s where the cost comes in."

  Former truck driver Dave was seriously injured in 1998 when he broke his neck in five places, and even stopped breathing, but he’s fought back from that horrendous accident and starting competing again in 2004 after a five-year lay off.

  Dave and wife Fiona took over the Petpals territory 18 months ago and cover the areas in Alfreton, Matlock and Belper. With family dogs collie-cross Obi, terrier Muffin and springer spaniel Chester part of his Petpals workforce, Dave is looking forward to this year’s new challenge on the track.

  He said: "I am hoping to improve on my best finish in recent years – overall eighth in the championship in 2005. Our new engine is now past initial teething trouble so we should be in a good position to take on all comers this time round!"

  To learn more about Dave’s racing and to follow the racing schedule, visit www.fsra.org.uk.

• Express - Franchising Feature - British Franchise Expedition, January 30 & 31 2009

  

  

  Express - Franchising Feature

   

  Britain's reputation as a land of animal lovers is bearing out as revenue continues to rise at leading pet services professionals Petpals.

  While the credit crunch has had an impact on many other service sectors, Petpals' franchisees are enjoying healthy turnovers as pet-owners clamour for a trustworthy, reliable service for their animals.

  Petpals is seeing business increasing despite the current state of the economy.

  Managing Director Kevin Thackrah said, "In spite of the recession our average revenues are still increasing year-on-year, with people still happy to spend money on their pets even though they may have cut costs elsewhere. For pet-owners, reliable pet care is as essential as child care."

   

  Those considering a change of career and wanting to become their own boss could realise their dream of working with animals for less than £15,000.

   

  Petpals UK is a full member of the British Franchise Association governing body.

• Listen to Angela Parrish in her recent Radio 4 interview

  Click the play button below to listen to Angela Parrish from Petpals York. in her recent interview on Radio 4, she discusses her Petpals Pet Sitting and Pet Boarding franchise.

• Press Release - Women in business - Petpals buck the trend

  

  Women in business: Petpals bucks the trend

  While the government grapples with new ways to encourage women to set up in business, one company is bucking the trend with 71% of its franchises run by females.

  National pet services company, Petpals, has 45 franchises stretching from the South coast of England to Aberdeen in North East Scotland. More than 70 per cent of the specialist pet care businesses are owned by women, with 57 per cent solely run by the fairer sex.

  This compares markedly with research by the Federation of Small Business* showing that just 14% of businesses are either wholly-owned or majority-owned by women.

  One of the most successful Petpals’ franchises are also run by women with Clare Needham behind the top-performing operation in Fleet, Hampshire. See attached case study. Petpals provides specialist care for all domestic pets and a real alternative to boarding kennels and catteries with its professional pet sitting, dog walking and pet boarding services.

  Managing Director of Petpals (UK), Kevin Thackrah, commented: “We are particularly pleased to be bucking the trend when it comes to the number of women running successful Petpals franchises. The cornerstone of Petpals’ success is, after all, down to the expertise and enthusiasm of our franchisees.”

  Pet ownership is on the increase in the UK with 27 million pets owned throughout Britain, equating to almost one in two households having a pet. Dogs are still the most popular with 5.7million households including a canine companion. Cats come in second with 4.8 million homes having a feline friend**

  Notes to Editors:

  Media enquiries to: Tracey Eden on 01264 326362 or Karen Sibson on 07796 143977.

  Clare Needham is available for interview. Please ring Tracey or Karen to arrange.
  
  References:

  * Lifting the Barriers to Growth in UK Small Businesses 2006, Federation of Small Businesses
  ** Pet Population Figures 2008, Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association
  

  PDF - Press Information

  Petpals Fleet Website

• Petpals exhibiting at the Wag and Bone Show 2008

  

  We will be exhibiting at the Wag and Bone Show this year, please come and visit us, we look forward to seeing you there. Windsor Great Park, Saturday 2nd August 08 www.thewagandboneshow.com
  
  
  
  
  

• Petpals Eastleigh - July 2008

  We are pleased to announce the successful resale of part of the Southampton territory, Petpals Eastleigh. We wish them every success and warmly welcome Diane and David Jones to the Petpals Network.

• Petpals - Press Article - 2008 - Where pets are kings, The Northern Echo. June, 2008. See Online Article

  

  The column meets a North-East company where pets aren't just man's best friend but family members too.

  EVERY pet has its little ways...

  One little dog, for instance, had its own bedroom, its own bed and its own routine, which meant that every night when Sallyann Gray was looking after him, she tucked him up in bed and pulled the duvet snugly over him.
  

  "It was what he was used to and what the owner wanted us to do," says Sallyann, "so, of course, that's what we did."

  Sallyann and husband David run the local Petpals, which will basically care for your pets as well as you would, right down to its very special routine.

  Dog walking, pet sitting, cat visiting.... they'll look after your pets in your home or have them to stay in theirs, like very honoured guests.

  Your dog likes grated cheese on everything? Fine. Your cats like someone to talk to them while they're eating? Fine. Your lizard likes chopped up tomatoes? Also fine. Your budgie, rabbit, parrot, hamster and even your snake, will feel right at home.

  "Kennels aren't always right for a dog that's used to being part of a family.
  They're used to being in a house, the sound of conversation, television, the washing machine, having people around them all the time," says Sallyann. "And carpets. Hard to get used to a concrete floor when you're used to carpets and comfy chairs."

  If it wasn't for the enthusiastic barking from the back of the house, it would be hard to believe, sitting in her immaculate front room, that they regularly have pets to stay, and that this is also home, not just to the Grays and their three children, but also to the Grays' own menagerie - currently a retriever called Jasper, two rescue dogs, two cats, two rabbits, a five foot long corn snake, an aquarium of tropical fish and a pony.

  "We know exactly how passionately people feel about their pets. True, we've had some pampered pooches, but pets are a real part of the family and it's hard to go away and enjoy yourself if you're worried about leaving them behind."

  Sallyann took over the Petpals franchise for Darlington and Yarm two years ago, loved it so much that husband David joined her and took over the Teesside franchise. They have three vans and a car specially fitted out for the animals - they will take your pet to the vets too, including the night-time emergency vet service in Middlesbrough.

  "It's always been a dream to work with animals," says Sallyann, who previously worked in pre-school education - "a lot of transferable skills".

  She'd not long come in from walking some dogs. She and her team walk all shapes and sizes of dogs everyday. Armed with bunches of keys ("The bane of my life. David's an ex-policeman so we are very security conscious"), pooh bags and dog biscuits, the walkers take the dogs out for an energetic 40 minutes or so.

  "A few years ago, people would never have thought of paying someone to walk their dogs, but now we are all so busy that we have got used to paying for all sort of extra help, and that includes looking after the dogs."

  The walkers, all fully insured, never take more than four dogs at once, fewer if they have particularly boisterous dogs, and there are always two walkers when they have a new dog, just in case, but they have never had any trouble. They always write a little report about where the dogs have been. And as owners were intrigued about the places and the other dogs, Sallyann now organises regular walks for all her clients.

  "Last weekend we were in Coatham Wood. There were 22 dogs all running free with at least 40 owners, friends and families. It's a wonderful sight. We had lovely weather this time, but even when it's wet and muddy, everyone still enjoys it and it's good to meet the other owners."

  When she's asked to board a pet, she has a team of 12 families she can call on.
  "It's important that we know the families well and also that we can match the pet to the family. The pets keep to their own routine and get lots of attention, including cuddles. No dog is ever left to howl and wowl and be miserable. We knew of one couple who owned a setter and hadn't been on holiday for seven years because they couldn't leave her. But she was very happy to stay with us. She started off just for one night, then a weekend and now they're happy to leave her for three weeks at a time.

  "Our dogs love it when we have others staying here. Dogs are pack animals. They love company."

  Cats, of course, are much more independent, which is why the team is more likely to go in and see to cats in their own homes. And water the plants and pick up the post while they're there. They will also make regular home visit to check up on sick or elderly animals, who might need medicine or just a bit of attention and company.

  The first time we came across the Grays was when they were nominated for Bouquet of the Week. They had taken a sick dog in their pet taxi to the vet's, sadly, to be put down but were so kind and gentle with both the dog and the owner that they made a difficult situation a lot easier to cope with.

  Sallyann is on the go from 8am - 8pm - not forgetting having to see to her daughter's horse and all the paperwork. She produces a regular newsletter and is a keen supporter of the pet blood bank.

  "People don't realise that animals need blood transfusions too and so there have to be donors. Jasper's a regular. He's down the vet's every three months to give blood."

  It's not just cats and dogs that are welcome in the Grays' home. "We've had snakes, rats, free-flying budgies, house rabbits, tortoises, lizards and an African parrot that sings. All sorts really."

  But even for a passionate animal lover, there are limits. "The only thing I don't think I could cope with is spiders. I really don't like spiders. I think we'd have to say no to those."

  * www.petpals.com. Petpals Darlington and Yarm tel: 0845 094 0937. Dog walking, dog visits, doggy home boarding, cat visits, home sitting, small pets and exotics.
  Specially adapted pet taxi for everything from small pets to huge dogs. Petpals charge £9 a day to walk dogs and £20 per night for dogs to board in a family home.

• Petpals - Press Article - 2007 - A Year of kindness, The Northern Echo. Friday December 28, 2007.

  

  Sallyanne Grey and her husband David run Petpals (Darlington and Yarm), an all purpose pet service that includes walking caring, dog sitting and pet taxis. They were very helpful when a darlington reader had to take her dog to the vet. But when a few weeks later, the same reader had to take her dog Nell and have her put down, Sallyanne and David were really brilliant.

  "Arriving within ten minutes of my calling them, they stayed for over two hours while the vet tried in vain to save my pet. They offered comfort, support and even a lift home. Although there is normally a charge for this pet taxi service, but on this occasion there was no charge whatsoever. Their caring attitude helped me so much at this very upsetting time."

• Petpals - Press Article - Tees Valley Standard, Edition 7, 16th November 2007 - Charlotte Griffin - SAD dogs cured by Petpals

  

  The clocks going back, bonfire night and gathering of leaves in the gardens are all signs that winter is fast approaching and with it the fact walking the dog in the daytime becomes more difficult to the working family.

  The PDSA recently published a survey that found a third of dog owners found that their dogs were affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) with the dark winter months inducing depression. Half of all dog owners found that their animal spent longer asleep during winter and 20% said their best friend was less lively.

  A third of cat owners and 25% of dog owners reported their pets eating more during winter, which could indicate comfort eating in the same way humans do to feel better.

  The PDSA recommend a kick start to your pet’s winter health routine with regular daytime exercise and a well balanced diet.

  Petpals, a nationwide professional pet care provider, is expanding its local walking services throughout Middlesbrough, Billingham, Stockton and Yarm.

  Petpals Prides itself on being able to provide a professional, friendly and flexible pet care programme to suit all owners needs. Their dog walking programme utilises the learning from the famous dog whisperer, caeser milan.

  Using the dog whisperer’s methodology Sallyann, David and their dedicated dog walking teams tackle the needs of all sorts of dogs and their owner’s lifestyles by incorporating mental stimulation and social skills into their walking programme.

  “It was a enormous privilege to spend time training with the dog whisper,” explains David,
  “We walk dogs in social groups and interact with them throughout their walk the result is very contented and happy dogs return home to their owners.”

  Petpals provide a number of other core services including puppy visits and socialisation, doggy home boarding, pet sitting, small animal and cat home visits, pet taxi and nationwide pet relocations.

  Whatever your requirement, going on holiday, out at work or the spontaneous day out petpals will provide you piece of mind by taking of your family pet.

  Call Sallyann or David today to take advantage of petpals opening offers on 0845 094 0937 or see them at www.petpals.com

  A copy of the press article is here. Visit the Darligton Yarm area page here.

• Petpals Tees Valley - 1/9/07 - New Franchise

  Following the success of Petpals Darlington & Yarm, husband and wife team Sally and David launched Petpals Tees Valley to run in tandem in September 2007.

• Petpals Chelmsford - 16/7/07

  Petpals are please to announce that with effect from today Petpals Chelmsford is under new ownership. Ellie and Peter Martin have taken over the successful area franchise previously operated by Sarah and Jamie. We wish them every success fir the future.

• Petpals South Durham - 1/7/07 - New Franchise

  Petpals launches the South Durham territory covering the Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Bishop Middleham, Bradbury, Cornforth, Crook, Foxton, Gainford, Mordon, High Consicliffe, Manfield, Roddymoor, Shildon, Spennymoor, Staindrop, Trimdon, Winston, Willington and surrounding areas. The franchise opened in June 2007.

• Petpals - Mirror Article -Work on a pet project - DOGS LEAD THE WAY TO BIG FUTURE - By Tricia Phillips 08/10/2007

  

  Nick Skinner had a good job with a substantial salary and drove an impressive, powerful car.

  But he was fed up of spending his life trekking up and down the country's motorways as a sales and marketing man in the construction industry and wanted to be his own boss.

  "I wasn't sure what else I could do and having no experience of running my own business, taking on a franchise seemed like the simplest and safest route into self employment, says the 48 year-old from Sandhurst.

  "Having only limited savings, I released some equity from my home. I decided it was a good cause compared to the popular things such as cars and holidays so I had no hesitation doing this," he adds "I chose PetPals, which offers pet services such as dog and cat sitting, walking and pet food and accessories, because I liked the package they offered - the training, support and back-up - which I knew I would need.

  "And having pets of my own I already had the experience and passion that would help me to make a success of the business."

  Nick is delighted that he made the move three-and-a-half years ago.

  He now has almost 400 clients, one full-time and two part-time employees and has increased the area he covers. "I've had many challenges over the years," he explains. "Having been in a comfort zone for so long, it took real determination and courage to step out on my own.

  "Friends and family were initially sceptical, then cautiously supportive and finally full of respect for what I'd done.

  "I'd advise anyone thinking of buying a franchise to check out the company thoroughly.

  Talk to people already in the chosen business to get the lowdown on the pros and cons and then make a decision.

  "And they must be able to support themselves for at least six months while getting established."

  Nick is now selling on his business - not for negative reasons, he loves what he does - but he is moving to the Isle of Wight.

  "I can't wait to start a new PetPals franchise there," he says. "I really enjoy it."

  The full article is available on the daily mirror website, by clicking here and a copy of the press article is here.

  Visit Nick's area pages of Crowthorne and Bracknell.

• Petpals Tees Valley - 1/9/07 - New Franchise

  Following the success of Petpals Darlington & Yarm, husband and wife team Sally and David launched Petpals Tees Valley to run in tandem in September 2007.

• Petpals Chelmsford - 16/7/07

  Petpals are please to announce that with effect from today Petpals Chelmsford is under new ownership. Ellie and Peter Martin have taken over the successful area franchise previously operated by Sarah and Jamie. We wish them every success fir the future.

• Petpals South Durham - 1/7/07 - New Franchise

  Petpals launches the South Durham territory covering the Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Bishop Middleham, Bradbury, Cornforth, Crook, Foxton, Gainford, Mordon, High Consicliffe, Manfield, Roddymoor, Shildon, Spennymoor, Staindrop, Trimdon, Winston, Willington and surrounding areas. The franchise opened in June 2007.

• Petpals announdes the launch of its Pet Boarding service