26th March 2020

Probably for the first time ever, you and your dog are pretty much restricted to the house, apart from your one walk a day. So what can you do to keep him/her from getting bored and possibly tearing up the furniture? The answer? Canine Enrichment The National Animal Welfare Trust says, ‘Canine enrichment improves and enhances your dog’s mental state... Read more

20th March 2020

  We have today written to The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, asking that he allow Petpals and other professional pet care companies, to continue to visit pets for their health and well-being, during any potential lockdown period. Our letter is below. /… Date: Friday 20 March 2020 To:  Boris Johnson, Prime Minister Dear Prime Minister Today you announced your list... Read more

19th February 2020

With the continuing adverse weather conditions, we thought our readers would appreciate some advice on the precautions you may want to take when dealing with potential flooding. The preparation for flooding comes first. If you are worried about potential flooding at your address you may want to visit the Environment Agencies website to check if the area you’re currently living... Read more

14th February 2020

It’s great to receive all of the beautiful valentine gifts from your loved ones but it’s sometimes easy to forget that some of the items can prove hazardous to your pets. Please see the top 5 hazardous treats to avoid: 1. FLOWERS While not all are toxic to pets it’s not commonly known which exact flowers cause the most damage.... Read more

23rd January 2020

Vets across the country are raising concerns to pet owners over a harmful bug found in some dogs across the UK. This virus, Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is being detected in healthy dogs with no word of warning, your pooch could look perfectly normal one day and extremely unwell the next. Instant treatment is highly recommended as this bug can result... Read more

8th November 2019

  Firstly a huge THANK YOU from all of us at Petpals for joining in this fun competition to find some new Top Models for our autumn digital media campaign. We had over 130 entries from all over the UK and we loved looking at them all. The truth is, we are going to try to use ALL your pets... Read more

6th November 2019

  As one of the most experienced franchisors in the UK today, franchise magazines often ask our MD Kevin Thackrah to write articles on franchising, sharing his knowledge of the industry  with those looking to get into it. Below is an article he recently wrote for What Franchise magazine. If you would like to read the article on their website... Read more

27th October 2019

Bonfire night is nearly upon us and that can mean misery for pets and owners alike as they try to keep them calm amid hours of pops, bangs and whizzes. So what can you do to keep your pets calm during fireworks season? Below is a list of practical steps but this year we’ve something new to add to the... Read more

19th August 2019

  Petpals franchise owners across the UK are successfully completing the Ofqual Level 3 Professional Daycare and Boarding course. This new qualification will enable them to achieve the ‘Higher Standard’ in the Animal Activity Licensing Regulations, updated by DEFRA in 2018. Licensing now requires that to meet the ‘Higher Standard’, a member of staff with a relevant Office of Qualifications and... Read more

12th February 2019

    Last month Petpals franchisees gathered together in Northamptonshire, for our annual conference. Held as centrally as possible to take into consideration the distances some will have to travel, the weekend consists of presentations, discussions, sharing best practice and training on how franchisees can grow and better their Petpals businesses. Kevin Thackrah, MD of Petpals said, ‘The annual conference... Read more

4th January 2019

    In one of the biggest upgrades to our company since we sold our first territory in 2001, we have introduced a brand new way of purchasing a Petpals franchise. No Large up-front fees Traditionally, and still the case in most franchise operations, a franchisee fee is charged to purchase an exclusive territory, full training etc. This fee is... Read more

3rd January 2019

It’s celebration time at Petpals Darlington and Yarm where two members of staff are celebrating 10 year anniversaries. Darlington pet care The family-run business, founded by Sallyann Gray in 2007, employs 13 staff from their Darlington-based office, caring for approximately 300 dogs, 100+ cats and 20+ small animals a month, across Darlington and Yarm. Loyal staff Jayne Gibson and Vicky Metcalfe have... Read more

11th December 2018

We are delighted to say a big ‘Petpals Welcome’ to our latest franchisee, Sharren Redmond.  Sharren (44) has purchased the Sefton territory, on the beautiful Liverpool coastline.   Based in the village of Crosby, mum of two Sharren Redmond (44), has logged out of a 22yr career in digital forensics and cyber security, to start up her own pet care... Read more

19th November 2018

We hear a lot about the law relating to dogs, but what about our other furry friends? The law relating to cats has been updated in the new Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 legislation and is intended to prevent cruelty and to promote and enforce the welfare of animals. The penalties for committing an offence... Read more

22nd October 2018

L to R: Vicki Small, Angie Tienkamp, Sarah Mount, Tony Palmer with their son Jayden with Mollie, Rolo, Flash and Daisy!   We are delighted to announce that Petpals Bournemouth has recently purchased neighbouring territory Petpals Ferndown and Wimborne, doubling the size of the business. Dog Walking and Dog Boarding Like all Petpals franchisees, Angie Tienkamp and Tony Palmer who... Read more

18th October 2018

  We’re delighted to announce that Petpals Southampton has been purchased by one of its existing clients, Monique Nixon. Monique, (47) had been a client of Petpals Southampton, owned by Victoria McGuire, for eight years when she heard that Victoria was selling the business. She liked it so much she bought the company!  After plenty of research and talking to... Read more

1st October 2018

  One of our Petpals franchisees is experiencing such success with their business that they’ve had to buy a THIRD territory! Husband and wife team Dave and Fiona Wallis, who bought their first franchise Petpals Amber Valley in 2007, expanded into Petpals Matlock Belper in 2017 and are now adding Petpals North Erewash to their books, opening this week (October... Read more

4th September 2018

Maxine Neal, who owns Petpals Cardiff North, recently took part in the ‘Muddy Dog Challenge’ in Coedarhydyglyn Park, Cardiff to raise funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. As you can see they both had lots of fun and we’re delighted to bring you Maxine’s mud-filled report on the day.    My day out at the Muddy Dog Challenge –... Read more

19th August 2018

                  Name: Peter Martin Name of Territories: 1) Chelmsford West 2) Chelmsford East & Danbury 3) Maldon Areas you work in: Chelmsford, Danbury, Maldon Date territory purchased: July 2007 Your job before you bought your Petpals franchise: Head of Operations in a UK-based Hedge Fund. About Petpals Chelmsford: Peter runs his Petpals... Read more

2nd August 2018

On the 5th August 2018 United Utilities will introduce a hosepipe ban that will apply to seven million households in the North West of England. Who knows if more will follow? As a company focused on the happiness and well-being of pets, we thought we would look at how this ban affects you, a pet owner. The good news is, having called them... Read more