There is no doubt that pet-sitting is becoming more and more popular, as people continue to have pets despite busy jobs and frequent overseas holidays.  Recognising this trend, one of the market-leaders in the pet-sitting sector, Paw Pals (http://www.paw-pals.co.uk), is embarking on a major expansion of their business with the aim of securing a genuine nationwide presence.

As a franchise-based business this presents a real opportunity for business-minded animal lovers to become their own boss and take up a vocation that is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Since launching in 2006, Paw Pals has developed from a family run dog-walking business into a national pet care expert. Its certified service stands out in an unregulated industry, and potential franchisees need to be committed to providing professional levels of care and first-class customer service - as well as having a passion for pets of all shapes and sizes.

Established in Swindon by mother and daughter Sally and Victoria Reinthal, Paw Pals is currently run by a team of four. It launched as a franchise in September 2007 and already boasts an impressive nine franchisees in Swindon, Buckingham, Nottingham, Pontefract, Romford, Sheffield, Spalding and Stockton.

Paw Pals offers a bespoke service where its sitters slot into a pet’s routine rather than dictating dog-walking routes or meal times, so applicants have to be flexible, all-weather people, happy to feed Fido his midday steak before taking him for a run in his favourite park, come rain or shine.

The company is also renowned for caring in the comfort of pets’ own homes, as an alternative to a cattery or kennels, and applicants can choose to ‘live-in’ with their charge whilst its owner is on holiday. And it’s not just dogs and cats that get one-to-one attention: the company looks after all animals, from parrots to guinea pigs, and has even been asked to babysit a goat and bottle feed lambs!

Victoria Reinthal, Paw Pals MD, says: “Britons are famously besotted with their pets, and it’s our business to give them the best possible care, so we won’t sell a franchise to someone just because they are willing to give us a cheque. But it’s not enough just to love animals - applicants also need to have a business brain and the communication skills to build the Paw Pals brand and make their branch a success.”

The franchise package is designed to give successful applicants everything they need to get their own pet care service up and running: training towards an accredited pet-sitting qualification; a Paw Pals guide to running a successful business; website, email address, accountancy support and software; business documents and stationery; full public liability insurance; membership of Pet Sitters International and a branded uniform. The company also offers marketing support, including a bespoke marketing plan, 5,000 personalised flyers and publicity when a new branch opens.

The package costs £6,500, guaranteeing rights to an exclusive territory, and franchises have an expected turnover of £18,000 - £24,000 in the first year. Successful branches are already up and running in nine locations across the UK.

Interested applicants should contact Paw Pals for an information pack and application form, and after a successful interview, the company will assess whether their area can support a new pet sitting business. Potential Paw Pals will then be police - and reference-checked before spending a day with a local branch to make sure that offering pets a premium pampering experience is the job for them.

Paw Pals is endorsed by OrganiPets, enabling franchisees to sell its organic cat and dog food, currently available in Waitrose.

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