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Renters’ Rights Bill 2026: what it means for UK pet owners. Discover new rules on renting with pets, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, and how the law supports pet-friendly homes across England and Wales.

Taking your pet to the EU in 2026? UK pet passports are no longer valid. Learn the new rules for Animal Health Certificates, rabies jabs, and tapeworm treatment.

Petpals supports The Three Bees Project in Hampshire, helping rescue animals, local conservation, and community volunteering initiatives.

Spring brings blooms, longer days, and outdoor fun – but also hidden hazards for pets. Learn how to protect your dogs and cats from toxic plants, Easter treats, ticks, fleas, and more this spring.

New UK vet pricing rules explained. Learn why the CMA investigated vet costs, what’s changing, and how it affects pet owners and veterinary bills.

Protect your pets from ticks this Tick Bite Prevention Week. Learn when ticks are most active, where they’re found in the UK, effective prescription treatments, collars, and safe removal tips for dogs and cats.

Last night, Thursday 12th March, the Petpals team had the pleasure of attending the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) Awards Evening in London – an event that celebrates some of the very best franchise brands in the UK.

Stay up to date with new UK dog laws coming in March 2026. Learn how changes to livestock protection affect dog walkers and discover top tips for responsible countryside walks.

Deciding whether – and when – to spay your dog is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. For years, early spaying has been widely recommended, but recent research shows the answer isn’t quite as one-size-fits-all as we once thought.

At Petpals, nothing matters more to us than keeping pets safe and helping them stay where they belong – at home with their families. That’s why we’re proud to support identibase in their campaign to raise awareness of National Pets Reunited Day, taking place on 4th February.

For many of us, pets are far more than companions – they’re family. Now, new research from the University of Kent has provided compelling evidence that our four-legged friends genuinely improve our life satisfaction and overall wellbeing, to a level comparable with our closest human relationships.

Discover the winners of the Petpals 2026 Awards, celebrating outstanding franchise achievements, growth, and excellence across our UK pet care network.

Petpals welcomes Andy Tierney and the launch of Petpals Halesowen! Offering trusted dog walking, cat sitting, dog boarding services and more, Andy provides professional, reliable care for pets across the Halesowen area.

Pet ownership is changing fast. Discover how rising expectations, ‘pet parent’ culture and trusted pet care services are shaping a new era of responsible ownership.

If you’re thinking about investing in a pet care franchise, you’ve probably noticed there are quite a few options out there. From pet sitting to dog walking to boarding services, each model works a bit differently and offers its own set of opportunities and challenges. The truth is, choosing the right franchise model can make a huge difference to your earnings, your lifestyle, and how much you actually enjoy running your business. So before you commit your time and money, it’s worth understanding exactly what you’re getting into. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of pet care franchises, look at what makes each one tick, and explain why many successful franchise owners are choosing multi service models that let them offer everything their clients need.

Petpals is proud to be featured in the Elite Franchise Top 100, marking our fifth consecutive year on this prestigious list. This recognition highlights our long-standing commitment to professional, high-quality pet care and the support we provide to franchisees across the UK.

If you love animals, you already know how much trust it takes for someone to hand over their house keys and let you care for their pet. It’s a big deal. That trust is at the heart of everything Petpals does.

Starting your own business can be rewarding, but it also comes with risk. Franchising reduces that risk by allowing you to operate under an established brand with a tested business model, ongoing support, and built-in customer trust. Instead of starting from scratch, you invest in a system that already works.

When planning time away, choosing the right care for your dog is crucial. Many owners now prefer licensed home boarding, which offers a safer, calmer, and more personalised alternative to traditional kennels. With familiar surroundings, one-to-one attention, and strict welfare standards, home boarding gives pets the comfort and security they need to feel happy while you’re away.

If you’ve ever come home after a long day, sat down with your dog or cat and thought, “I wish I could just work with animals instead,” you’re not the only one.

If you love animals and want to build a business around them, starting a pet franchise in the UK could be the right move for you. The UK pet care sector is one of the fastest-growing service industries, driven by millions of households treating their pets as family members. 57% of UK households own at least one pet, and consumer spending on pet care, grooming, and services continues to rise annually.

This Remembrance Sunday, we honour the bravery of both people and animals. From Dickin Medal heroes to everyday pets, discover how their courage inspires us and how you can support pets in need through Tracey Dawber’s PDSA fundraising.

Keep your pets safe and calm this Halloween with Petpals’ essential tips on treats, costumes, decorations, and handling spooky noises.

We are proud to announce that Phil & Bev, owners of Petpals Chelmsford, Maldon & Danbury, have been named winners of the prestigious Great British Franchisee Award. This award, hosted by WhichFranchise, recognises exceptional franchisees across the UK who demonstrate excellence in business performance, customer care, community involvement and leadership.

Petpals, together with our in-house vet Dr. Sophie Bell, have launched our Paws the Bangs campaign – a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and share expert advice on how to keep pets safe during fireworks.

Franchising might be one of the UK’s most successful – yet misunderstood – business models. That is why Petpals’ Brand Development Manager, David Gray, is teaming up with the British Franchise Association (BFA) to help set the record straight.

Changing seasons bring changing customer habits – and for service-based franchises, summer can be one of the most lucrative times of the year. With families planning holidays, social calendars filling up and households relying on trusted services more than ever, franchisees can tap into a surge in seasonal demand that sets them up for long-term success.

Thinking about a career change? Discover how franchising with Petpals offers a rewarding new path for professionals from all walks of life – featuring real-life success from former teacher Jim and librarian Jayne.

Worried about the UK heatwave? Discover expert tips on how to keep your pets cool, safe, and healthy during extreme summer temperatures.

Rabbit Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the needs of our rabbits and ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe.

Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, explores how a pet care franchise can tick all three boxes – passion, purpose and profit – making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to build a fulfilling career with real social value.

Pet Loss Awareness Day, observed on the second Tuesday in June, is a moment to recognise the grief that comes with losing a beloved pet and to extend support to those who may be struggling in silence.

At Petpals, we’re proud to celebrate National Microchipping Month this June — a vital awareness campaign that highlights the importance of microchipping our beloved pets. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned animal lover, ensuring your furry companion is microchipped is one of the most responsible (and loving) decisions you can make.

Whether you need dog walking, home visits, or boarding services, here are five essential things to look for when choosing a professional pet carer.

If you’re a cat owner planning a holiday or business trip, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Should I book a cattery or arrange a cat sitter?” While catteries can seem like a practical choice, many cats would much rather stay in the comfort of their own home—and for good reason.

There’s nothing quite like a sunny day on the coast with your four-legged friend. But before you head for the sand and sea, it’s important to consider some crucial safety tips to ensure it’s a positive experience for everyone involved.

Here are some top tips to help keep your pets safe during this sunny weather. Pets with light-coloured fur, pink noses or ears, or thin coats need special attention.

It is officially tick season in the UK, here we provide you with some top tips, preventative methods and solutions of how to safely remove ticks.

This weekend, we came together for our annual Petpals conference, and it was truly inspiring! Franchisees united under the theme Inspiring Growth & Success to share knowledge, collaborate, and celebrate a successful year.

If you’ve ever considered combining your love for animals with a thriving business opportunity, now is the perfect time to explore becoming a Petpals franchisee.

As we prepare to welcome the New Year, fireworks light up the sky in celebration. However, these festivities can often cause significant stress for our pets. To help your furry companions transition peacefully into the new year, consider these 10 essential safety tips:

5 Holiday Pet Hazards to Avoid: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe This Season. The holiday season is a time of joy, gatherings, and delicious treats – but it can also be filled with hidden dangers for your pets.

At Petpals, we are celebrating a remarkable milestone that cements our position as one of the UK’s leading pet care providers. We are thrilled to announce that Petpals has been recognised in the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 Awards (EF100), ranking among the Top 100 Franchises in the UK for the forth year in a row!

For James Callow, launching his Petpals franchise in Crawley was more than just a career move – it was a long-awaited return to his roots.

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a pet care franchisee entails? From early morning dog walks and managing client bookings to advocating for industry change, pet care franchisee David Gray of Petpals Darlington is always on the go!

Bonfire Night can be exciting for us, but for pets, the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be overwhelming. Here are seven expert tips to help them stay calm and comfortable during fireworks.

The law in relation to the ownership of birds changed on 1st October 2024. The change in legislation is to ensure that AHPA have an accurate record of kept birds and have an ability to issue guidance and advice in the event of a serious outbreak of a ‘bird flu’ event.

Did you know that September is Happy Cat Month? To celebrate, we want to share some top tips and expert advice from our in-house vet to help cat owners keep their furry friends both healthy and happy.

We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our Petpals family: Suzie Mossman, who will be leading Petpals Sefton, and Charlotte Arnold, who will be heading up Petpals Sidcup. Their passion for pets and commitment to providing top-notch pet care make them perfect fits for our network.

It’s important to be prepared with how to keep your pets safe and cool in the heat. We’ve put together some top tips to ensure their safety and comfort during the hotter months. Find out the best ways to keep your pets cool, hydrated, and happy all summer long.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to ensure your hamster’s happiness and well-being.

As Easter approaches, it’s important to remember that this festive holiday can bring potential hazards for our beloved pets. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure your furry friends have a happy and healthy Easter.

We attended the glitzy EF100 Awards Ceremony in London to be presented with our esteemed Top 100 franchises award.

Petpals kicked off the year with a fur-tastic conference that surpassed expectations. The event went above and beyond, said Petpals Director, Kevin Thackrah, offering talks and round-table discussions that provided invaluable insights to strategically position the organisation for sustained growth throughout 2024.

Discover how industry leaders are making a positive impact on furry friends’ lives while building successful businesses. 

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been nominated for the esteemed Community Builder of the Year Award by Elite Franchise.

Welcome to our Christmas blog, where we delve into essential tips and precautions to safeguard our beloved pets, making this holiday season not just merry but also safe and comfortable for our loyal companions.

Petpals are delighted to announce that we have ranked in Elite Franchise’s Top 100 franchises for 2024 for the third year in a row!

The PCFA recently achieved a significant milestone, earning official recognition from the City of London Corporation as the Primary Authority for its members.

We explore the key aspects of the new regulations, the changes to our services and advise on how pet owners can prepare for the changes.

Launching a new business can be daunting, even for the most determined entrepreneurs. For those entering the world of franchising, the learning curve is substantially reduced when the franchisor has established a proven system for success.

Our resident vet Dr Sophie Bell gives her 7 top tips to keep your pets happy this fireworks night.

A brand encompasses more than just a logo, jingle or colour scheme – it embodies everything consumers know and believe about a business and the experiences they anticipate having.

Discover 12 fascinating cat facts that reveal the surprising behaviours, unique traits and hidden secrets of our feline companions. Perfect for cat lovers and curious minds alike.

Jean’s Doggie Swim Club is the latest initiative she has started, offering her clients and their furry friends new and exclusive services.

To provide valuable assistance in your decision-making journey, we’ve put together a list of 10 significant factors to take into account when deliberating the purchase of a franchise.

Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, presents a new outlook that urges pet enthusiasts to explore the untapped potential of investing in a pet-care franchise.

A career in animal care not only contributes to our mental wellbeing but also has a positive impact on our physical health.

Advocating for pets and the industry should be an integral part of every operational process for a pet-care franchise, a commitment that should be reflected in all decisions made by the brand, ranging from recruitment and training to the actual care provided to pets in people’s homes.

As a franchisor, one of the most important aspects of running a successful franchise is maintaining a positive reputation in the communities you serve.

As we enjoy the delicious treats that Easter has to offer, it’s important to remember that some of these can be hazardous to our pets.

With less than 3 weeks to go, Petpals’ Tracey is champing at the bit ahead of running the TCS London Marathon! Petpals are proudly supporting Tracey’s marathon journey, as she prepares to run the painstaking 26.2 miles on 23rd April 2023 to raise money for the Dogs Trust.

It’s Tick bite prevention week. Ticks can cause serious diseases in both pets and humans, including Lyme disease. Here are our top tips on preventing and removing ticks.

Last night we had the honour of attending the HSBC UK sponsored EF100 award ceremony in London which celebrates the best and brightest franchises Britain has to offer.

Petpals’ Kevin Thackrah discusses the importance of bringing your network together for an annual conference and how the brand uses the event to encourage personal and business development and motivate franchisees for the year ahead.

We know women can do it all, but sometimes the world needs reminding! Even in 2023, there remains a stark disparity in women occupying senior positions in the workplace; with women making up only 30% of leadership roles in the UK, according to a recent LinkedIn report.

In this month’s instalment Petpals Director Kevin Thackrah talks to Elite Franchise magazine to discuss how Petpals are taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and how, by implementing eco-friendly strategies, franchises can help to preserve the earth whilst attracting customers and prospects alike.

Petpals’ franchisee, Peter Lea, was announced as a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards this week in recognition of his ongoing success with his two Petpals businesses: Petpals Bracknell and Petpals Wokingham and Sandhurst.

In this month’s instalment Petpals Director Kevin Thackrah talks to Elite Franchise magazine to discuss the collaboration in forming a new regulatory body the Pet Care Franchise Association (PCFA) and how Petpals’ ethics are integral in every business decision.

Petpals are delighted to announce the news that we have ranked in Elite Franchise’s Top 100 franchises for 2023.

In this month’s instalment Petpals Director Kevin Thackrah talks to Elite Franchise magazine to discuss how demonstrating your businesses’ community values and commitment to giving back is a powerful way to show your customers that you are more than just a service provider.

Our resident vet Dr Sophie Bell gives her Fireworks night advice for your pets. Read our top tips to keep your pets safe and calm.

Petpals’ Jane, our accounts and admin manager is just one month away from her biggest running challenge yet – The London Marathon!

Petpals Director, Kevin Thackrah speaks with The Sun on why it’s so important to make sure pet owners seek a qualified pet sitter.

Petpals give an exclusive interview with The Mirror giving top tips on finding the right pet sitter and the major red flags to look out for.

Cat and dog owners in the Sefton area of Liverpool will not be unduly surprised that Petpals owner Sharren Redmond has won a major industry award.

Petpals Director Kevin Thackrah talks to Elite Franchise magazine to discuss the importance of a clear and ethical values structure.