Pet Care Franchise: FAQs ©Petpals (UK) Limited
Last update: 28 Nov 2007
For all new franchise enquiries, please contact us on 0845 6439981, or email us on newbusiness@petpals.com
Enthusiasm, energy, love of pets and the ability to get on with pet owners, network with pet related industries, a proactive approach to planning, and the desire to provide a friendly, professional and flexible pet care service that is superior to all others.
If you have the makings of the qualities listed above, then Petpals will enjoy working with you to develop these attributes during your initial and on-going training, together with a friendly and proactive support in setting up, maintaining and expanding your franchise. Your initial training will be tailored to suit your individual needs, if you have good pet skills, then we will concentrate on the skills required to own and operate your own business. If you are not happy, then we are not happy and will address any issues by internal consultation. We have found that following the Petpals Pawprint for Business Success, and with hard, healthy and fun work in your first 9 - 18 months, developing your area with our support will lead to a healthy, flexible, secure and fun future.
Typically, from:
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 fast moving 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.
A Petpals franchise owner has two tried and tested income streams generated by the following services:
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. Also, we care for pets that cannot be looked after by their owners due to 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.
Following our proven Petpals pawprint for business success you should expect to turn over in the region of £26,000 - £36,000 in your first year, in your second year approximately £45,000 - £55,000 and in your third year approximately £60,000 - £70,000
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..
Yes, the franchise fee payable to petpals covers a designated area, and there is the option to purchase additional areas as you wish?
The short answer is, we both do. We work with the local newspapers, vets, pet shops, groomers, trainers etc, prior to your launch and during the first 30 days. Petpals then continues with national marketing, internet advertising and pet events. It is however your business and your responsibility to maximise customer acquisition opportunities.
Yes.
Yes.
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.
Your bank should have a Franchise Advisor, we would suggest you contact them to discuss your finance options.
Petpals has been established in its current format since 2001, and we currently have over 40 franchises, and growing.
Yes. We currently recommend either the Citroen Dispatch or Berlingo. (Or the Peugeot equivalents of the Expert or Partner) We can help with the acquisition of these vehicles either new or nearly new and also with a number of financing options. Each vehicle will be required to be fitted out with safe secure pet cages manufactured by a nationally approved company. The cages have none spill water bowls and blind dividers and can be configured in different formats. Each van has fresh air extract and intake and is fitted with many other Petpals ‘fit for the job’ accessories. The vehicle is very safe for transporting pets and the Petpals artwork on the vehicle is one of our most successful forms of advertising in the local community.
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.
No. We go through a very thorough selection process. We need to ensure that both Petpals is right for the potential franchise owner, and that the franchise owner is right for Petpals.
Included in your franchise fee is a substantial budget for launch advertising and ongoing activity during your first year. You will be heavily involved in the planning and co-ordination of this activity.
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 rare opportunity that petpals offer who can generally do well.
The company has a bespoke, mandatory national insurance plan, that we insist every franchisee has, that covers pet care, Public Liability and Employers Liability. This is fully explained once a franchisee joins the Petpals team.
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.
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