Petpals – where passion for pets meets a great business opportunity
About Us
As the UK’s longest established multi-service pet care franchise, we know our way around the marketplace. We have been helping franchisees achieve their goals for over 20 years and we can help you capitalise on the nation’s love of animals to build a strong, profitable business.
Whether you choose to start your business as an owner-operator or decide to invest in a team from the outset, our management franchise gives you the system for success. As a Petpals franchisee, you benefit from the knowledge and experience that has kept our franchise model as the market leader for the last 20 years.
Across our network of 50-plus franchisees, we have both single and multi-territory owners who come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have one thing in common – a dedication to pet welfare. In a UK market where 59% of all households own a pet, including 12.5 million dogs, 12.2 million cats and another 8.1 million small pets*, our services are in high demand. You will grow a team delivering our best-in-class services which include:
- Cat and small pet sitting
- Dog walking
- Pet home boarding
- Puppy and elderly dog care
- Pet taxi and domestic pet transportation
Franchise Overview
Developed from the original pet care business model operated by our founder in the late 1990s, Petpals offers much more than a home boarding or dog walking service; it is a professional, tried and tested, successful business format which is fully supported by the Petpals team and nationwide network of franchisees.
We have a successful track record of both franchise renewals and resales and are proud to be full members of the bfa.
The Franchise Opportunity
Your initial fee of £9,995 + VAT includes:
- Your franchise licence fee
- Your exclusive territory
- Substantial head office and on-site training including business, operational and technical aspects
- Business coaching
- On-site business launch support
- Comprehensive pre- and post-launch PR and marketing programme
- First year’s business insurance
- Full set up and first year’s subscription to QuickBooks online accounting
- Your territory pages within Petpals’ website
- Pet care equipment, uniform, ID badge, accessories and stationery for your team.
You will also need short-term working capital and we will advise you on securing a vehicle that meets our Petpals standards.
Reasons to Invest
As well as delivering a great return on investment, being part of our established national brand brings you many additional benefits:
- A low-risk, supported way to set up your own business
- Full training for you and your management team in the Petpals systems, code of ethics and values
- Guidance through the comprehensive legislative requirements of the industry
- Pre-launch and ongoing support
- A regular income stream with great growth potential.
“Being involved in a franchise network provides reassurance and confidence and, as long as you follow the working model, you’ve got a blueprint for the business. The standing and the quality of the Petpals brand was one of the reasons we decided to invest in a franchise in the first place. We’ve followed the operating process rigidly and stayed on brand throughout. After 15 years, we manage a successful and profitable franchise. There’s no magic formula – if you follow the system, it works. If you want to be associated with quality and want to provide a meaningful service, then Petpals is the franchise for you!” - David Gray, Petpals Darlington franchisee
Franchise Benefits
Once you have launched your Petpals business, our support continues for the life of your franchise. We are committed to your success and our expert team will support you to maximise the value of your business:
- Regular business development reviews
- Recruitment and team development support
- Accounting support and advice from our qualified Quick Books’ accredited trainer
- Access to the Petpals franchisee forum and network support
- National franchisee conference
- Social media and marketing support
- Access to further business coaching and development.
“One of the most valuable resources we have access to is the franchisee forum – it provides a great arena for sounding out ideas with other franchisees or asking for advice about the daily operations of the business. Knowing I have the support of my peers and the franchise support team is so reassuring. We’re all so happy to see each other’s businesses succeed, which is probably my favourite thing about being a Petpals franchisee – the sense of camaraderie.” - Ray Hipwell, Petpals Chislehurst franchisee
Petpals – every pet’s best friend
We carefully select and train the right applicants who are committed to the delivery of our brand values and code of ethics. This is essential to ensure we maintain the highest standards in the delivery of our services in the interest of our customers, their pets and all our Petpals members. Pet ownership is a privilege, not a right and the welfare of pets in our care is our priority. As a franchisee, you will quickly discover the satisfaction of growing the value of your business whilst giving clients peace of mind that their much-loved best friend is in safe hands.
With an unrivalled return on investment, we are now looking for people to join us as we enter our third decade in the thriving pet-care market. Multi-territory opportunities are available for the right candidates.
Training & Support
Our training is both classroom and field based, including time in the field with an experienced franchisee. Training includes 4 days at our head office in Hampshire along with pet first aid and practical dog handling skills. Topics covered include operating procedures, administration, accounting and marketing.
Ongoing support includes: head office support throughout the franchise term, regular business development reviews, annual conferences, invaluable knowledge and encouragement from fellow franchisees.
Daily Life of a Franchisee
Day-to-day activities will be largely based around caring for clients’ pets, walking dogs or visiting cats/small pets.
You will also need to find time to visit clients in their homes to discuss their pet’s requirements and carry out assessments for new business, plus all the usual administrative and marketing functions required to run your own business. With a head office team and a network of experienced franchisees to call on, support and advice is always available.
* Pet Food Manufacturers Association’s Pet Population report 2021
The Next Steps
Learn more about this exciting franchise opportunity by requesting further information:
- Your franchise licence fee
- Your exclusive territory
- Substantial head office and on-site training including business, operational and technical aspects
- Business coaching
- On-site business launch support
- Comprehensive pre- and post-launch PR and marketing programme
- First year’s business insurance
- Full set up and first year’s subscription to QuickBooks online accounting
- Your territory pages within Petpals’ website
- Pet care equipment, uniform, ID badge, accessories and stationery for your team.
You will also need short-term working capital and we will advise you on securing a vehicle that meets our Petpals standards.
Petpals inspires growth and success at annual franchisee conference
Petpals, the UK’s longest-established pet care franchise, recently unleashed a whirlwind of inspiration at its annual conference at the Leonardo Hotel in Hinckley.
Centred around the theme ‘Inspiring Growth & Success,’ the event brought together franchisees for a day filled with expert advice, practical workshops and well-deserved celebrations. From hands-on learning to recognising top performers, the conference had tails wagging as it set the stage for a paws-perous 2025.
“It’s always fantastic to see our franchisees under one roof, sharing ideas and learning from each other,” said Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals. “Events like this remind us of the strength of the Petpals family and how important collaboration is for our continued success. This year’s conference captured the energy and ambition that will carry us through the year ahead.”
The conference was hosted by Berkeley Harris, a former Royal Marine Commando and Franchise Director turned global trainer in sales, management and leadership. Berkeley’s engaging keynote delivered practical advice and motivated attendees to embrace opportunities for growth.
The day also featured a stellar lineup of speakers, each offering valuable insights tailored to the pet care industry. Phil Till, who has been running Petpals Basingstoke with his wife Alex for eight years, shared his expertise in developing the small pets side of the business. Clinical Animal Behaviourist Claire Arrowsmith provided actionable advice on managing challenging pet behaviours, while Trevor Cooper, a leading Dog Law Solicitor, delved into the legal complexities facing pet care providers. Veterinary surgeon and pet first aid expert Sophie Bell completed the day with an engaging session on pet health and emergency care.
Practical sessions provided franchisees with strategies to grow their businesses. David Gray of Petpals Darlington led a standout session on capitalising on the 1.5 million increase in cat ownership seen in 2024, offering innovative ways to expand cat-related services.
“These sessions are designed to address real-world opportunities and challenges within our sector,” explained Kevin. “Whether it’s tapping into the rising demand for cat care or navigating the complexities of dog law, we want our franchisees to feel confident and ready to meet the needs of pet owners in their communities.”
The day was not all work and no play – Petpals took time to celebrate the franchisees who have gone above and beyond over the past year. Awards were presented to recognise exceptional dedication, innovation and customer service – showcasing the incredible impact franchisees have on their local communities.
“Celebrating the passion and achievements of our franchisees is at the core of who we are as a business,” said Kevin. “Their hard work and commitment to delivering exceptional pet care inspire us all to continue raising the bar.”
Reflecting on the event, Kevin shared his optimism for the future: “This year’s conference was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and shared ambition that unites our network. The enthusiasm in the room was infectious, and I’m confident that 2025 will be another standout year for Petpals. Together, we’ll continue to lead the way in pet care and provide the highest standards of service to pets and their owners.”
