Hello, my name is Barbara and I’m the owner of the St Helens and Warrington branch of PetStay, a five-star reviewed, home-from-home dog boarding service. I live in Eccleston, St Helens with my husband, two teenage daughters, and our two much-loved Maltese dogs, Oscar, and Max.
I first came across PetStay when I was searching for somewhere suitable for our own dogs to stay while we went away on a two-week holiday, the longest we had ever left them. Like many dog owners, I found the thought of leaving them incredibly stressful. I struggled to find somewhere I felt truly comfortable with, somewhere that would feel like home for them, not just somewhere they would be looked after.
That’s when I came across the PetStay website.
At the time, I had already started thinking about what the next chapter might look like for me. With my children growing older, I found myself wanting something more, something that was my own, something meaningful, and something that could work around family life while still giving me a sense of purpose and achievement. Just as importantly, I wanted to show my daughters what it looks like to step outside your comfort zone, to build something for yourself, and to create a life you feel proud of.
As I explored the PetStay model, everything just clicked. It wasn’t just a business idea, it was something I genuinely connected with. I understood the worries of dog owners because I was that dog owner. The idea of providing a trusted, home-from-home alternative to kennels, where dogs are carefully matched with loving carers and owners can go away with complete peace of mind, really resonated with me.
What also stood out to me was the positive impact it has on the carers themselves. Many of the carers I work with are retired or no longer have dogs of their own, and they genuinely miss that companionship. PetStay gives them the opportunity to welcome dogs into their homes, enjoy their company, and have a sense of purpose again, without the long-term commitment of ownership. Seeing how much they love what they do, and the joy it brings them, is one of the most rewarding parts of running the business.
Choosing a franchise, rather than starting a business from scratch, felt like the right decision. I was stepping into business ownership for the first time, and having an established brand, proven systems, and ongoing support gave me the confidence to take that step. I didn’t feel like I was doing it alone, I felt guided, supported, and part of something bigger from the very beginning. The support from head office has been incredible. Carole, Katie, and Vicky are always there when needed, and genuinely feel like a second family, which has made such a difference on my journey.
Since launching my branch, the response has been incredibly positive. We have seen consistent demand from dog owners looking for a trusted alternative to kennels, with many returning customers and recommendations coming through word of mouth. Availability during peak holiday periods is becoming increasingly limited, and it’s clear that more and more owners are looking for this kind of personalised, home-based care. Building a network of dedicated carers and matching them with the right dogs has been both rewarding and exciting to grow.
PetStay stood out to me not only because of the service it provides, but because of the values behind it. The focus on trust, careful matching, and ensuring every dog is treated as an individual is exactly what I would want for my own dogs and that’s what I now strive to deliver for every customer.
Looking back, discovering PetStay wasn’t just about finding care for my own dogs, it completely changed my direction. It gave me the opportunity to build a business that fits around my family, supports other dog owners, creates meaningful opportunities for carers, and allows me to be a positive role model for my daughters, showing them that it’s never too late to start something new, to be brave, and to create something of your own.
