Run your own local business with the UK’s longest established multi-service pet care provider.
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About Petpals
Established in 2001, we’re the UK’s longest established multi-service pet care provider.
We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standards of ethical pet care in the UK.
Offering a full range of pet care services, including pet sitting, small pet boarding, dog walking, dog home boarding, a specialised cat care service, puppy and elderly dog care, a pet taxi and transportation service along with so much more!
At Petpals we are passionate about providing the best possible care for our clients pets when they are away, either for the day whilst they are at work or on holiday; Giving them the peace of mind that their pets and their homes are in safe hands with our fully insured, trained and police checked staff.
Considering purchasing a franchise?
Why choose petpals?
As the longest-established multi-service pet care franchise in the UK, we know our way around the marketplace. We have been helping franchisees
achieve their goals for over 20 years and we can help you capitalise on the nation’s love of animals to build a strong, profitable business.
Whether you choose to start your business as an owner-operator or decide to invest in a team from the outset, our management franchise gives you the system for success. As a Petpals franchisee, you benefit from the knowledge and experience that has kept our franchise model at the leading edge of pet care for over 20 years.
Award-winning National Brand
Gain immediate trust from your clients with our multi-award winning and nationally recognised brand
Training & Support
Receive extensive training and on-going support for all things pets and business
Proven Business Model
Following our Pawprint For Success you will benefit from our market leading business model
happy network
Join a thriving and diverse network of passionate pet lovers and entrepreneurs
Our Awards & Features
What's included?
The franchise package
For just £9,995 (+VAT)
you could own your own Petpals franchise!
Benefit from:
• A nationally recognised brand to gain immediate trust from your clients.
• Tried and tested business model to rapidly generate income streams.
• Your first year free! Including first years business insurance, first years QuickBooks licence, initial launch kit including branded uniforms, pet accessories, stationary plus much more!
• Full training, exclusive territory, pre and post launch marketing.
• Outstanding support, initial and ongoing training, tips and information from our franchisee network.
• Fully compliant with pet care legislation.
• Access to our pet specific OFQUAL certified training platform Novabright.
• Benefit from an experienced Franchise network including a Franchisee conference every year.
• Access to the Petpals franchisee forum and network support
Exclusive Territory
Your own exclusive territory tailored around your postcode & localised demographics.
pR & Marketing
Free Google Ads campaign + PR, marketing & social media campaign upon launch.
Extensive Training
Head Office and on-site training, incl. dog handling skills and first-class business coaching.
SEO & Website
Expert SEO & digital marketing along with your own webpage on our site & social media pages.
On-going support
Your own franchise support manager & regular business development reviews.
Network & conference
24/7 access to our franchise forum for support & advice + an annual Petpals conference.
Our
credentials
6 steps to starting your petpals journey
We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
You will receive on-going support throughout your Petpals journey to help you to succeed. Here are the first 6 steps to starting your exciting new journey with us:
01
Discovery day
Spend the day with a member of our network and get a real feel for a ‘day in the life’ of a Petpals franchisee. We encourage you to ask lots of questions!
02
head office meeting
If you enjoyed your discovery day then we will invite you to come and meet the team at our head office in Hampshire so we can get to know each other further.
03
Operations planning
Let’s get planning! Once you have secured your exclusive territory we then get straight to work planning your business structure and setting out a plan of action for success.
04
Training week
You’ll spend a week at head office completing full training including hands-on dog handling skills, pet theory & business coaching provided by certified trainers. Along with systems, ops & technical training. (All included in your franchisee fee!)
05
launch marketing
To get you up and running you will receive a bespoke and comprehensive PR & marketing campaign to get the word out!
06
launch Week!
You’ve made it – this week is the exciting launch of your new business! Your Petpals journey starts here. Relish in the fact that you are now your own boss.
Is pet care a profitable industry?
The pet care market
The pet care market in the UK is a dynamic and growing industry, driven by a high level of pet ownership post-pandemic, and a growing demand for high-quality pet services. ¹
90% of the UK population board their pets whilst away on holiday. Pet care and animal boarding is now a £4.3 billion industry in the UK. ²
1 (Source: UK PCMR Report, Actual Market Research)
2 & 6 (Source: Compare Your Life, Channel 4)
3, 4 & 5 (Source: Market Data Report 2023, UK Pet Food)
57%
of all UK households own at least one pet ³
There are
12 million
dogs in the UK ⁴
There are
19.1 million
cats and small pets in the UK ⁵
The UK pet care market is a £4.3 billion
industry ⁶
Meet The Team
Kevin Thackrah
Managing Director
Tracey Dawber
Franchise Support Manager
Jane Jukes
Finance Manager
Katie Morris
Digital Marketer
David Gray
Brand Development Manager
Nick Skinner
Business Development Manager (South)
Sarah Richardson
Business Development Manager (North)
Want to learn more about franchising opportunities with Petpals?
Book a discovery call with our friendly team for an obligation-free chat!
Frequently asked questions:
Can I resell the business?
What sort of turnover can I expect?
Can I obtain finance?
Will I need a vehicle to transport pets?
What about insurance and security?
Can I resell the business?
Yes, you can sell your franchise at the end of your Petpals journey. We will assist you with getting your franchise to the resale market.
What sort of turnover can I expect?
Following our proven Petpals pawprint for business success you can expect to turnover up to £40,000* in your first year, £57,000* in Year 2 and £76,000* in Year 3.
Our highest performing franchises in the network are currently turning over c.£250,000 per annum as of 2023**.
Remember however that although you will be acquiring a proven, successful concept this is still your business and success as in all business’ is not guaranteed.
*The figures provided in the illustration represent the average turnover of new franchisees across our UK network. The network performance can vary from year to year and also by the individual franchise area. **The turnover of the franchise area you select is dependent upon many factors, including your own personal performance. There is no guarantee that you will achieve these figures and nor is it intended that you should rely on them as a warranty or guarantee. For the avoidance of doubt, turnover figures represent total gross sales before deduction of operating costs. As a prospective franchisee you should take your own independent financial and accountancy advice in consideration of the franchise proposition.
Can I obtain finance?
Your bank will have a specialist Franchise Advisor and we would suggest you contact them to discuss your finance options. You can also apply for a Government backed start-up loan here. We will be glad to help you with this process if necessary.
Will I need a vehicle to transport pets?
Yes, you will need to finance and fit out a Petpals pet friendly van and a home office setup. You should budget around £5,000 (+VAT) for these. We currently recommend either the Citroen Dispatch or Berlingo (or the Peugeot equivalents of the Expert or Partner). Each vehicle will be required to be fitted out with safe secure pet friendly cages manufactured by a nationally approved company. The Petpals branding on the vehicle is undoubtedly one of our most successful forms of advertising in the local community.
What about insurance and security?
The company has a bespoke, comprehensive insurance plan that covers pet care, Public Liability and Employers Liability. This is fully explained during your interview stage.
Have more questions?
Book a discovery call with our friendly team for an obligation-free chat!
franchise Brochure
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What our franchisees say about us
Franchisee Testimonials
"Our investment in a Petpals franchise was always an investment in our future. Our quality of life has improved no end since we signed on the dotted line 15 years ago."
David GrayPetpals Darlington 
"We all care deeply about offering the best pet-care services possible and it’s wonderful to be part of such a caring franchise."
Sharren Redmond (Great British Franchisee Award Winner 2022)Petpals Sefton 
“We decided to leave our food and software industries behind, turn our true passion of animals into a career, and operate a business through Petpals, and what an exciting journey it has been!”
Nilay & Priyanka SanghrajkaPetpals Milton Keynes 
“The level of comradery at Petpals is brilliant, and I feel so lucky to be a part of a network that shares the same passion for caring for pets as I do.”
Ray & Sandra HipwellPetpals Chislehurst 
"I absolutely love being a Petpals franchisee, as well as the obvious pleasure of working with animals and enjoying the outdoors, it’s been brilliant to meet new and existing customers, and I am thoroughly enjoying being my own boss."
Peter Lea (Great British Franchisee Award Winner 2023)Petpals Bracknell & Petpals Wokingham & Sandhurst 
"You have a proven model, great support from head office and the franchise network to lean on to give you confidence as you move forward."
Clare StaffordPetpals Fleet 
“The fact that I can contact anyone in the network to get valuable insight into the Petpals’ model is brilliant.”
Nancy EdwardsPetpals Camberley & West Woking 
"We wanted to pair ourselves with the best, so we could bring the quality of service that our area deserves. We have already recruited our first staff member who has experience with a range of pets, and we can’t wait to grow our team as we expand.”
Sue & John VinsomePetpals Chichester 
"Without the support of Petpals UK I would probably be treading water as the model provided by them is very comprehensive and has been proven to be successful by other franchisees. I know that if I need any advice or assistance then all I need to do is pick up the telephone or send an email."
James CallowPetpals Crawley 
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Where passion for pets meets great business opportunity
With over 20 years of industry experience
