How do we know our franchise model works? Because since starting our pet care franchise, everyone who has joined has shared in our success and grown, and now enjoys a business and lifestyle they love.
I wanted to set up my own pet sitting and dog walking business for quite some time, but I was put off by the lack of regulation in the industry and the risk of earning little-to-no income in the early days. So discovering the Pets, Homes & Gardens Franchise was like winning the lottery!
After getting through the interview and screening process, I received comprehensive training in areas such as invoicing, accounts, marketing and customer service. This training coupled with the fact that I had my own fully-fledged website was an absolute game changer for me as it meant I could hit the ground running: I was able to generate income almost instantly and I quickly proved to the naysayers that I had in fact made the right decision in going out on my own!
When I explain to prospective customers that I am part of a national franchise, it instantly raises the credibility of my business and it has allowed me to win over business time and time again. My daily dog walks are now fully booked and I have multiple customers on the waiting list which gives me immense financial security because I am able to determine the minimum I am likely to earn each and every month.
I can honestly say that I have never been so happy in the three years that I have been running the business and I could not be more grateful to Peter & Julie for their incredible support. Running this business is a dream come true and anybody looking to set up their own pet sitting business should not hesitate to contact the Pets, Homes & Gardens Franchise. If you are motivated, hard working and have a strong love for animals then this could be as life changing for you as it has been for me!
I used to ask friends and neighbours who were happy to help with pet care and I’d return the favour. However, when I moved to Godalming I suddenly realised how tricky this was and how much stress I felt when away from home. Plus you realise that there are other things also important when away, such as having someone make sure the house is okay, getting your plants watered and the bins put in and out, and even collecting your mail up from the front door!
Being part of the PHG team, I’m able to offer a tailor-made service to suit you and your pets and homes down to every little detail, whether it be in your home or mine. What could be better?... I get to look after a variety of different animals and the owner’s can relax having peace of mind that their pets and property are safe whilst they are away.
I am now in my fifth year as a PHG franchisee and the business is going from strength to strength. The initial start up was very straightforward using the PHG marketing strategy backed up with an excellent and well supported website and social media platform that genuinely started generating good quality leads as soon as it was activated. Peter and Julie Maxted are always there to offer their advice and support at all times but they are not intrusive in any way - a real light touch approach but very positive and helpful.
Covid 19 has been a challenge for all of us, but being able to share the experience with the rest of the PHG family has helped enormously and been a constant source of encouragement and assistance. The increase in pet ownership across the UK over the past couple of years is now transmitting into increased demand which is now driving the business even further forward. I can wholeheartedly recommend becoming a PHG franchisee!"
I started quite young so I needed experience to help guide me on the way. The advantage of being part of a franchise is definitely the support – a sort of template where you need to go and help with advertising, which is invaluable.
I have been a franchisee with PHG since 2012 and it has been a great experience. I joined after working for large organisations for 26 years. I have many great memories of working in various locations both in the UK and Europe for those companies but the hours were long and it was often very stressful so to find something that gave me a perfect life work balance was ideal. Having only worked for other people before I had no idea how to set up my own business so the help and support offered by Peter, Julie and David was invaluable. My core business is dog boarding and doggie day care supplemented by cat, rabbit visits etc. plus a small amount of dog walking. Over the years I have met so many animal friendly people who have now become friends so definitely no regrets.