The realities of investing in a pet care franchise – and what prospects really want to know

It often starts with a passing thought. You’re out walking the dog and it crosses your mind – could this be something more? Not just a routine, but a business.

The appeal is easy to understand. Working with animals, more flexibility, building something for yourself. But that initial idea is usually followed by more practical questions. Is it actually viable? Do you need experience? And what does it really look like once you’re doing it every day?

With demand for reliable pet care continuing to rise, more people are exploring the opportunity – but not always with a clear picture of what’s involved.

Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, answers the questions that come up time and time again from prospective franchisees.

Do I need experience – or just a love of pets?

This is usually the first hurdle and often the one that stops people before they’ve really begun.

There’s a common assumption that you need years of experience with animals to make it work. In reality, people come into pet care from all kinds of backgrounds – many without any professional experience at all.

What matters more is how you approach it. Being calm, reliable and genuinely committed to doing a good job goes a long way. Pets tend to trust their instincts and their owners do too.

The technical side, from handling different animals safely to understanding routines and behaviour, can be taught over time. No one is expected to know everything from day one.

That’s why most franchise models focus heavily on training at the start. At Petpals, franchisees benefit from a fully structured training programme covering everything from canine and feline first aid to animal behaviour and dog handling skills delivered by an award-winning trainer. There’s also access to experts, including an in-house vet and animal behaviourist, alongside comprehensive business, accounts and marketing training.

The aim is to give people a clear structure to follow, along with the confidence to deliver a consistent, professional service from day one. It’s less about what you’ve done before and more about how willing you are to learn and apply yourself.

What does the day-to-day actually look like?

If there’s one thing people quickly realise, it’s that there isn’t a “typical” day.

Some mornings start early with dog walks before clients head off to work. The rest of the day might be a mix of feeding visits, pet sitting or check-ins – alongside the less visible side of the role, like meeting new clients, doing introductory visits and keeping on top of bookings and enquiries.

And then there are the days that look completely different – at Petpals, franchisees might be out in the fields one day and attending a wedding the next as part of our Dog Wedding Chaperone service.

That variety is often what surprises people. Most pet care businesses aren’t built around a single service. There’s usually a mix – dog walking, pet sitting, home boarding, pet transport – which keeps things interesting while also creating a more balanced and resilient business.

Within models like ours, that flexibility is actively encouraged. Franchisees aren’t limited to a fixed list of services and are supported in introducing their own ideas. In some cases, that’s led to more unique offerings – like a Doggie Swim Club set up by one franchisee – helping them stand out locally while creating additional income.

As the business grows, the role naturally evolves. Some people stay hands-on because they genuinely enjoy it. Others start to bring in help and spend more time managing schedules, customers and growth. Both routes can work, depending on what you want from it.

Lifestyle business – or serious earning potential?

This is where perception and reality don’t always line up. From the outside, it can look like a lifestyle business – and in some ways, it is. There’s flexibility and you’re not tied to a desk all day. But underneath that, there’s a solid commercial model.

Pet care is built on trust and, once that trust is established, customers tend to come back – often on a weekly or even daily basis. That repeat business is what creates consistent income over time.

What makes the difference is how the business is approached. Treat it casually and it will likely stay small. Approach it with structure – clear standards, good organisation and a focus on customer relationships – and it has the potential to grow into something far more substantial.

How do I get my first customers?

Starting from scratch can feel daunting, particularly when it comes to finding those first few clients. It’s one of the reasons franchising appeals – because you’re not starting with a blank slate.

There’s a clear framework in place, from marketing guidance to brand recognition and a defined local territory. That structure gives people a focused starting point rather than leaving them to figure it out alone. At Petpals, this is supported by a dedicated marketing and PR team who manage launch activity, including Google Ads and social media campaigns, SEO, AI visibility and coverage in local media – helping franchisees get off to the strongest possible start.

In practice, though, one of the biggest drivers of growth is still word of mouth. Pet care is a trust-led industry and people are naturally cautious about who they choose. Deliver a reliable, professional service early on and those first customers quickly become your best source of referrals.

Do I need business experience to make it work?

Not necessarily – and for many, that’s what makes it feel achievable. A large number of people entering franchising are doing so for the first time. The idea of running a business can feel like a big leap but the structure around a franchise is designed to make that leap more manageable.

Instead of starting from scratch, there are systems in place, guidance on how to operate and ongoing support as the business develops. That support is often just as valuable as the initial training, particularly when it comes to making decisions, solving problems and planning for growth.

The key is being willing to treat it as a business. The framework is there but it still requires effort, consistency and a willingness to learn.

So, is a pet care franchise the right fit for me?

The honest answer is – it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re drawn to working with animals but are also prepared for the responsibility, structure and consistency that come with running a business, it can be a strong fit. If not, it may not be the right route.

What matters is going in with a clear understanding of what’s involved. When expectations match reality, people are far more likely to build something that works – and continues to work over time.