Petpals franchisees tell it like it is!
22nd January 2016
Last Saturday Petpals business owners met in Daventry, Northamptonshire, to attend the company’s annual conference. The conference gave franchisees a chance to hear how the group is performing from Managing Director Kevin Thackrah, to hear about latest plans including a new website, video and cloud-based accounting system and to attend training sessions relating directly to the running of their businesses.
A franchise network is like any other business, it must adapt to enable it to flourish and grow. New systems are implemented and evaluations of effectiveness made, as franchisees push forward into the coming year.
Following presentations on website analytics, PR and social media and in freezing temperatures, the delegates were asked to rush outside to have this fantastic photo taken; it may have been cold but as you can see, it was so worth it!
When you look at this photograph, what do you see? Smiling faces yes, happy people? but do you ask yourself, who are these Petpals franchisees? What makes a person decide to give up their job and become self-employed? Was it a good decision or do they regret the lack of a ‘regular’ salary? Are they like me? Could I do it?
So we asked them, we asked them to tell us about them, their business and if they enjoy running it…and they told us…..oh boy did they tell us; their emails came flooding in, full of praise and love for their businesses so here, in their own words, are why our franchisees love being Petpals business owners. We hope you enjoy reading some of them.
Sarah Richardson
‘I have run my Petpals business in Stockport for 13 years and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The delight and enthusiasm with which the pets meet you is a joy and brightens every day you spend with them. It is impossible to feel down about anything when a dog greets you, with a wagging tail or a cat purrs its head off when it sees you. I also love the fact I get to work from home or out in the fresh air, away from all the germ recycling machines in office buildings; I’ve never been so cold free! Last but not least, being in charge of your own destiny and growing and developing my own business, has given me a real sense of achievement.’
Paul Yates
‘I have entered our fourth year already and cannot believe how quickly it has gone. The best part of my business, for me, is my amazing team that helps me in everything that I do. Claire, Christine, Jeannette, Joanne and Tracy all do a brilliant job, looking after all our animals and I am so proud of them all. Add to that our amazing doggies and pussy cats who fill our days with such happiness and I think I have the best job in the world!’
Sallyann and David Gray
‘We have run Petpals Darlington for 10 years and we never grow tired of the variety that each day brings, whether it’s with the wonderful dogs and cats or the small furries and feathers that we care for on a daily basis. Whatever the weather it certainly beats sitting in an office for 8 hours a day and there aren’t many people who can say that their customers give them the same excited, happy welcome, every time they walk in the room as we get.’
Kerry Donn
‘I have run my Petpals business for 18 months now and I wish I had started it sooner. I haven’t looked back and don’t miss the hustle and bustle of London or the dreaded commute at all. I love doing what I do and love the dogs I walk and the other animals I look after, not forgetting how good it makes you feel when clients know that their pets are in safe hands. Even on the coldest days, I am in the fields with dogs and think to myself – I love my job.
Wendy Turner
‘I’ve run Petpals Grantham for 12 years, with no two days ever the same. Caring for pets who are home alone is my particular passion, but all creatures great and small are welcome to join in the Petpals pack. My Petpals days are a world away from the stressful days of local government. I just love my job and all my wonderful customers, whether four pawed or two footed!’
Jo Davies
‘Starting my Petpals franchise 7 years ago was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was so unhappy in my previous office job; now every day is just so much fun! I enjoy the freedom it gives me being my own boss and I love being able to help take care of other people’s pets when they are away or at work; it gives me great satisfaction.’
Rick and Maria Riddle
‘We’re coming up for our 10 year anniversary of running Petpals Witham and, along with our wonderful staff, very much enjoy spending time with lots of lovely pets. We get huge satisfaction in providing a great service to our customers (humans and animals) and value every one of them. Our job is very rewarding and seeing so many happy pets each day, when we turn up to look after them, is great. There are a whole network of people running their own Petpals who we love to meet up with and exchange stories and ideas with whenever we can. It can be hard work and you have to learn to balance other things in your life, but once you can do that, then it is a great way to work – beats an office job any day!’
Neil Sargent
‘Running Petpals Saffron Walden is an absolute delight. Every day is different and always filled with wagging tails and purring cats – they’re my extended family! It’s the purrfect job!’
Jean Wilson
Petpals Richmond and Northallerton
‘I have been running Petpals Richmond for over 5 years. I get to spend the day with my furry friends, all shapes, sizes and breeds. I love all pets but German Shepherds are my guilty secret – I love them. Every day is packed with all things pets and going to the office is the next dog walk. It’s a fab job with huge responsibility and not just a job but a way of life.’
Tina Fisher
‘I have been running Petpals Loughborough for 6 years now and loving every minute. What better way to spend your time and wow what a welcome when you arrive to collect your furry friends. It is wonderful to be so popular!’
Victoria McGuire
‘I have run Petpals Southampton for 7 years this month; the time has flown and I would never look back.
Instead of spending my days stuck in an office, managing a team of people who would rather not be there, I get to spend them with furry friends, seeing them enjoy the things that they live for…food, love, exercise and fun!! It’s so satisfying and rewarding. I have a healthier lifestyle now and lots of positivity and happiness in my life, from both the fluffs and their Mummy’s and Daddy’s, who are all so lovely, grateful, supportive and loyal. I feel very blessed!’
Dave and Fiona Wallis
‘Being a Petpals franchise owner is a walk in the park, literally!! Spending time with groups of wonderful dogs on a daily basis, is a dream come true.’
Mike and Chrissy Gillings
‘We are now into our 4th year and, apart from being considerably fitter, we now have a considerable number of doggy, cat, chicken, gecko and rabbit friends, who all love to see us and who brighten up our day.’
Joanne Jones
‘I love running my Petpals business because each and every pet I meet, becomes a new friend.’
Emma and Nigel Ham
‘We took over the York franchise in April 2015 and we really enjoy the lifestyle! We love working with all of the animals, being outside in the fresh air, and running our own business. Best thing we ever did!’
Emma Jackson
Petpals Chorley and Bolton West
‘I’ve running Petpals Chorley and Bolton West for the past two years and get so much pleasure caring for pets while their owners are at work or on holiday. No two days are the same and there is no greater feeling than being greeted at the door by a happy, wagging tail (or in some cases greeted with a bear hug!) I love the variety of my job, whether it be caring for rats and parrots or cats and guinea pigs, taking a pet to the vet or getting soaked wet through on a wet and muddy dog walk! Running Petpals has changed my life for the better and I look forward to many more years to come!’
Matt and Louise Wilder
‘Since launching our Petpals franchise in April 2015, we have found it really rewarding to help clients care for their pets. We have already met so many lovely pets and feel honoured that their owners (who are lovely too!) have chosen us to care for them. Receiving such positive feedback and testimonials from them is a wonderful bonus.’
Christine Duncan
‘Having worked for 20 years as a trainer for The Guide Dogs for The Blind Association, I was excited to start a new chapter with my own Petpals business, closer to home. I’ve really enjoyed using the knowledge I’d gained at Guide Dogs, with a huge variety of happy, waggy-tailed pets, who I’ve really loved getting to know ( and their owners too). The friendships I’ve built over the past 3 years through Petpals have been wonderful and I’m looking forward to many more years of walks, cuddles and adventures to come.’
Jim and Jayne Furlong
‘We love Petpals as a career because we’re constantly greeted by expectant, happy, tail-wagging dogs, then we get to laugh out-loud at their antics, whilst walking in the beautiful, rolling countryside. Afterwards, we sit with a contented cat, purring in our laps. Who needs the rat-race?’
Clare Stafford
‘Walks, cuddles, licks, purrs, wagging tails and 14 years of rewarding, healthy fun!’
Billy and Karen Gregory
‘We’ve enjoyed providing pet care services across Hartlepool and East Durham since 2011, the time has just flown; well they do say it does when you’re enjoying yourself. We are so privileged to do a job we love doing and who wouldn’t love being greeted by so many waggy tails on a daily basis…. Beats the 9 -5 world of local government.’
Having read some of these wonderful testimonials, if you think YOU would like to find the happiness and business success our franchisees have, with our proven, ethical, British Franchise Association approved franchise business then call us today to find out if we have territories available in YOUR area. More information can be found here on our website. We look forward to talking to you very soon.
With very best wishes from all your friends at
Petpals x
