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Build a fulfilling business supporting pet owners in Ipswich, backed by a leading UK pet care brand
If you live in Ipswich and enjoy spending your days around animals, this could be the perfect moment to turn that passion into a reliable local business. A Petpals franchise gives you the chance to run your own pet care service while making life easier for busy owners and giving their pets the attention they deserve.
Petpals is one of the UK’s most established names in professional pet care, with a nationwide network of more than 150 franchisees. We are now looking for the right person to bring our trusted service to Ipswich and provide friendly, dependable support to local families and their pets.
What You’ll Be Offering in Ipswich
As the Petpals franchisee for Ipswich, you’ll be someone local pet owners feel comfortable turning to. With a protected area and a trusted brand behind you, you’ll offer the kind of care people want for their pets: friendly, reliable, and personal.
Dog Walking
Regular walks that match each dog’s energy and personality. Solo or small groups, always safe and steady.
Home Boarding
Overnight care in a licensed home where pets can relax and follow their usual routine.
Cat Visits
Simple daily check-ins for feeding, fresh water, and a bit of company.
Small Pet Care
Gentle, dependable care for rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds, and other small pets.
Puppy and Senior Dog Visits
Short visits for pets who need extra attention, reassurance, or medication.
Pet Transport
Safe transport to vet appointments, groomers, or day care.
Home Sitting
Staying in the owner’s home so pets stay calm in familiar surroundings.
Our Awards & Features
Awarded 5 stars in WorkBuzz Franchisee Satisfaction Survey 2025.
What does it cost?
Petpals is one of the easiest franchises in the UK to get started with. It’s simple to set up, affordable to run, and built to scale. Because your overheads stay low and the demand for pet care keeps rising, you can earn well whether you want flexible working or a long-term business you can expand.
You can start from £12,500. If you prefer to spread the cost, our Easy Start finance option lets you pay the franchise fee over five years.
Most new franchisees reach break-even within their first year. After that, your earnings grow as you grow your client base.
- Year 1 turnover: up to £40,000
- Year 2: around £57,000
- Year 3: £76,000+
- Top earners: £200,000+ with staff and extra territories
You’ll run the business from home and use a pet-friendly vehicle for your visits. That keeps your costs low and helps you turn more of your income into profit.
Exclusive Territory
A defined Ipswich area built around your postcode and local demographics.
pR & Marketing
Google Ads campaign and tailored PR and social media activity to help you attract your first customers fast.
SEO & Website
Google Ads campaign and tailored PR and social media activity to help you attract your first customers fast.
On-going support
Your dedicated franchise support manager and regular business reviews to keep you on track.
Community & Events
Access to our franchise forum for daily advice and an annual Petpals conference to share success and new ideas.
Ready to Bring Petpals to Ipswich?
It’s a great time to start a business that gives you purpose, flexibility, and strong earning potential. With Petpals, you’ll have a proven system to follow, a supportive network behind you, and a brand people already trust.
Interested in launching Petpals in Ipswich?
Request more information or book a free discovery call.
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Our
credentials
Step-by-Step Support to Help You Grow
You don’t need a background in pet care or business to get started. We teach you everything you need to know and stay with you as your franchise grows.
Before you launch, you’ll complete practical training that covers the essentials: caring for different pets, basic first aid, pricing your services, handling bookings, and promoting yourself locally. We also help you with licensing and any legal requirements so you can begin with confidence.
After you open, you’ll have one-to-one mentoring, access to proven systems, regular marketing resources, and daily support from head office. You’ll also join a nationwide community of franchisees who share tips, ideas, and encouragement through online groups and in-person events.
Is This Right for You?
You don’t need a background in pet care. What matters is your mindset and your motivation. The most successful franchisees have a few key traits in common:
- A love for animals and a passion for pet welfare
- Great communication and people skills
- Reliability, trustworthiness, and organisation
- Willingness to learn and grow
- A desire to build something of their own
If you’re a natural caregiver, a planner, or someone looking for a more meaningful career, a Petpals franchise could be the ideal fit.
1 (Source: UK PCMR Report, Actual Market Research)
2 & 6 (Source: Compare Your Life, Channel 4)
3, 4 & 5 (Source: Market Data Report 2023, UK Pet Food)
60%
of all UK households own at least one pet ³
There are
13.5 million
dogs in the UK ⁴
There are
12.5 million
cats in the UK ⁵
The UK pet care market is a £9.5 billion
industry ⁶
Meet The Team
Kevin Thackrah
Managing Director
Tracey Dawber
Franchise Support Manager
Jane Jukes
Finance Manager
Katie Morris
Digital Marketer
David Gray
Brand Development Manager
Nick Skinner
Business Development Manager (South)
Sarah Richardson
Business Development Manager (North)
Want to learn more about franchising opportunities with Petpals?
Book a discovery call with our friendly team for an obligation-free chat!
A Day in the Life: What to Expect
Running a Petpals franchise gives you variety and flexibility. No two days are the same, but here’s a typical flow:
- Morning: Check schedule, prep for dog walks or pet visits
- Midday: Complete puppy visits or lunchtime drop-ins
- Afternoon: Admin, customer enquiries, marketing, team check-ins
- Evening: Final walks, pet sitting, or prepping for overnight boarding
It’s a mix of physical activity, customer service, and business management, all with the joy of working around animals.
What our franchisees say about us
Franchisee Testimonials
"Our investment in a Petpals franchise was always an investment in our future. Our quality of life has improved no end since we signed on the dotted line 15 years ago."
David GrayPetpals Darlington 
"We all care deeply about offering the best pet-care services possible and it’s wonderful to be part of such a caring franchise."
Sharren Redmond (Great British Franchisee Award Winner 2022)Petpals Sefton 
“We decided to leave our food and software industries behind, turn our true passion of animals into a career, and operate a business through Petpals, and what an exciting journey it has been!”
Nilay & Priyanka SanghrajkaPetpals Milton Keynes 
“The level of comradery at Petpals is brilliant, and I feel so lucky to be a part of a network that shares the same passion for caring for pets as I do.”
Ray & Sandra HipwellPetpals Chislehurst 
"I absolutely love being a Petpals franchisee, as well as the obvious pleasure of working with animals and enjoying the outdoors, it’s been brilliant to meet new and existing customers, and I am thoroughly enjoying being my own boss."
Peter Lea (Great British Franchisee Award Winner 2023)Petpals Bracknell & Petpals Wokingham & Sandhurst 
"You have a proven model, great support from head office and the franchise network to lean on to give you confidence as you move forward."
Clare StaffordPetpals Fleet 
“The fact that I can contact anyone in the network to get valuable insight into the Petpals’ model is brilliant.”
Nancy EdwardsPetpals Camberley & West Woking 
"We wanted to pair ourselves with the best, so we could bring the quality of service that our area deserves. We have already recruited our first staff member who has experience with a range of pets, and we can’t wait to grow our team as we expand.”
Sue & John VinsomePetpals Chichester 
"Without the support of Petpals UK I would probably be treading water as the model provided by them is very comprehensive and has been proven to be successful by other franchisees. I know that if I need any advice or assistance then all I need to do is pick up the telephone or send an email."
James CallowPetpals Crawley 
Where passion for pets meets great business opportunity
With over 20 years of industry experience
