The UK’s longest-established pet-care franchise is using its silver anniversary year to give back to local communities across the country. Petpals is marking 25 years in business, with franchisees and the head office team supporting causes close to home.

Over the past six months, the Petpals network has been fundraising, volunteering and lending practical support to a range of animal welfare, health and community wellbeing charities – reflecting the values that have shaped the brand since it was founded in 2001.

For Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the initiative is a natural extension of the franchise’s pet-first, community-led approach, “Reaching 25 years is something we’re incredibly proud of, but an anniversary like this is also a chance to recognise what sits behind the business.

“Petpals has always been built on trust, care and community. Our franchisees don’t just provide a service – they become part of people’s lives, supporting pets and their owners every day. This year, we wanted to celebrate that spirit by encouraging the network to give back in ways that felt meaningful locally.”

At head office in Andover, the team has been supporting The Three Bees Project, a community-focused cause dedicated to improving mental wellbeing through nature and animals. The team has already helped on the farm and at events with the project’s therapy goats, with further volunteering activity planned throughout the rest of the year.

Across the franchise network, teams have chosen causes that reflect their own communities. In Chichester, Sue and Jon Vinsome  took part in the Sussex Snowdrop Trust charity walk at Arundel Castle Estate Park, raising money to support children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. They also volunteer at Chichester Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre and contribute a percentage of their monthly profits to the charity.

In Darlington, David Gray and his team marked their 20th anniversary by joining clients and more than 40 staff members for the ‘Paws Aboard’ dog-friendly charity walk in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice, which provides care and support for people with terminal illness and their families.

Meanwhile in Cardiff, long-standing franchisee Maxine Neal continues to support a range of charities and local causes. Alongside fundraising for organisations including Battersea Dogs Home, Dogs Trust, Cancer Research, PDSA and the RSPCA, she volunteers with British Dalmatian Welfare and the Rottweiler Welfare Association and supports the clean-up initiative ‘We Give a Poop’.

For Petpals, the activity highlights one of the key strengths of the franchise model – giving local business owners the freedom to support the causes that matter to them, while being part of a wider network united by shared values.

“Every Petpals franchise is rooted in its own community. That local connection is one of the real strengths of our model,” added Kevin. “Our role as a franchisor is to provide the framework, support and standards that help people build successful businesses, but what makes the network so special is the heart our franchisees bring to it. As we celebrate 25 years, we’re proud to see purpose and profit working hand in hand.”