A Day In The Life Of – Petpals Fleet

23rd July 2018

• Name: Clare Stafford
• Age: (56)
• Territory: Petpals Fleet
• Areas of operation: Fleet, Crookham Village, Church Crookham, Dogmersfield, Farnborough (including Cove, North Camp, Southwood), Hartley Wintney, Winchfield.
• Franchise Purchased 2002
• Previous Employment: IT support

The day begins at Petpals Fleet

Each day is different but often my day begins at about 6.30am when I get up to let out all the dogs. I am licensed to board five dogs, so frequently have a house full. I am greeted by lots of happy wagging tails when I come down in the morning which is a lovely way to start any day. I let them all out into the garden to have a good run around, then give them their breakfast. Some owners like to bring their own bowls and beds but I always have plenty of spares just in case, accessories and home comforts are never a problem.

First small animal visits of the day

At about half seven I settle the dogs down as I leave to go on my cat and small animal visits. We look after lots of pets when their owners are away from home, visiting once or twice a day to feed them, give them lots of fuss if they want it and make sure they are happy and healthy; we also have a bag of toys and encourage them to play.

When I arrive at a house often a cat will be waiting for me, meowing loudly wanting a cuddle or food. Although some cats are very affectionate and want lots of attention, others are more independent. Part of the job of being a good pet carer is knowing each individual pet and their needs and establishing a bond.

Before we take on any pet we take a full briefing from their owner, so we get to know their likes and dislikes. Once I’ve given them their breakfast I’ll clean their litter trays and swap over any toys so they have something new to play with. Again, some cats are big ‘toy’ fans but others look at you with disdain when you dangle a squeaky mouse in front of them! More often than not they can be enticed by something new and fun from my toy bag.

First dog walk of the day

I’m usually back at the house by 9am, ready to take the boarding dogs out for their first walk of the day (they get two). I pop them all into my liveried Petpals van, which has special travel cages fitted into it. The van is always kept clean, with an abundant supply of water and fresh towels, to make sure the dogs are always well-hydrated and not too muddy when they get home.

We walk in one of my favourite local woods, usually bumping into some other dogs with their owners and we often get chatting. The social part is a bonus: it’s good to get to know other dogs and owners and to keep up-to-date with local information.

It’s great to see the dogs playing chase and enjoying the company of other like-minded pals when we’re out and it’s interesting to watch; they each have such different personalities. Most of the spaniels love birds but some just a bit more obsessively than others, the Labradors love muddy puddles of course and nearly all enjoy chasing a squirrel, with most, but not all, completely missing the tree it’s just escaped up.

We have a few old boys and girls now and they like to take their time, stopping at all their favourite well sniffed and watered spots. I have always been very careful to only take on well socialised dogs, meaning walk times are a pleasure with lots of friendly, happy dogs around.

Second dog walk of the day

I get back to my house at about 10.30am to drop off the boarding dogs, who are nicely tired out now and set off for my second walk of the day. I drive around the local area, picking up the dogs from their homes. They are always so pleased to see me, wagging their tails as I let myself in to collect them. Off we go in the van again, another wood, meeting new dog pals with more exercise and fresh air for me.

Lunch time

Back to the house by about lunch time and I’ll try to fit in a bit of paperwork. I use an online booking and invoicing system which helps to simplify organisation but I still have emails and messages to answer and new bookings to schedule. I’m working on my photography skills so I can upload photos more often to Facebook. This means that my clients can see their dogs out enjoying walks or relaxing at home, which I know they appreciate.

Third dog walk of the day

In the afternoon it is time for the boarding dogs to go on their second walk of the day. They all jump into the van, eager to get back out into the woods. Off we go, usually varying the walking venue so there are new smells and paths for stimulation and so no one gets bored! I go armed with a poo bag holder stuffed with bags, ready to bag as we go. It really goes without saying that we are careful not to leave anything behind after our walk: you do develop hawk-like eyes.

Second small animal visits of the day

Once I get back from the afternoon boarding dogs’ walk it is often time to do more cat and small animal visits. In term time it is mostly cats but during the school holidays we visit lots of rabbits, guinea pigs and some more unusual pets. We get them out of their cages if they like a cuddle, make sure they are happy and healthy, clean their cages, fill up water bottles and feed them dried and fresh food and hay.

Admin time

Finally it is the end of the day. I’ve returned from all the pet visits and after some play have fed the boarding dogs. Now is the time do some more admin and make sure everything is sorted for the next day. I’ve usually got one of my holidaying dogs (of the appropriate size) behind me on the desk chair when I’m busy and several/all next to me on the sofa when I settle down with them for the evening.

Being part of an established franchise like Petpals means I always have the support of the head office team and a great network of other like-minded franchisees to call on if I need them, which is so reassuring and something I call on regularly.’

Emergency calls

Being a relatively small company we can respond quite quickly to calls for help. I frequently receive a call early in the morning or late at night saying an owner has had to change their plans at the last minute, meaning I have to juggle schedules a bit, but that’s all part and parcel of being in a service industry and why my clients are so loyal; they know we always go the extra mile for them.

Bedtime for everyone

I let the boarding dogs out at about 10:30pm, give them a biscuit before bed and settle them down for the night. I finally turn my light out at about 11pm. On an average day I will have walked nearly 20,000 steps so sleep comes easily, ready to start another full day full of love and cuddles in the morning.

Own your own Petpals franchise

If you would like to know more about owning your own Petpals business like Clare, please visit our website to find out more: https://petpals.com/purchase-a-new-franchise/

ENDS                                                                                                                                    JULY 2018  

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