The UK's largest full-service pet care franchise
Build your own pet care business from just £313 per month*
Join 115+ franchisees and turn your love of animals into a rewarding business. Enjoy full training, an exclusive territory and ongoing support from our experienced team. No previous experience needed.
*Finance example subject to eligibility, lender approval and terms. Full details available in our Franchise Info Pack.
As seen on
franchisees across the UK
franchisee satisfaction
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services, one trusted brand
Does any of this sound familiar?
There's no single type of person who builds a successful We Love Pets business. Our franchisees have come from classrooms, hospital wards, shop floors and boardrooms. Most people recognise themselves in one of these, quite sharply.
The commute has stopped making sense
You're back in the office three, four, five days a week, and the maths on your life doesn't add up any more.
You've been made redundant, or can see it coming
A redundancy payment plus a proven model is a very different proposition to starting from nothing.
You're good at your job, and you don't enjoy it
Nothing's wrong, exactly. You can just see the next fifteen years, and they look a lot like the last fifteen.
You want work that fits around your family
School runs, childcare, an ageing parent. You need a diary that bends, and an employer is never going to give you that.
You'd rather be around animals than screens
You don't need pet care experience. We'd rather teach the skills than try to teach someone to care.
You already do this on your own
An independent walker or sitter who's hit a ceiling on clients, admin or confidence. A brand, systems and support change what's possible.
How it works
You're in business for yourself, but never by yourself
Anyone can get a qualification or buy a logo. What you can't buy off the shelf is nineteen years of experience, a system that runs your business from your phone, and someone to call at 11.47pm when a dog you're boarding is unwell.
We Love Pets is still owned and run by its founders, Jo and Ryan White, and every branch comes with all of this behind it:
- WLP Connect: our own platform puts your whole business in your pocket, with a dashboard to manage everything in one place, AI-suggested profitable routes and services, and rotas, bookings, automatic invoicing and staff pay all built in.
- Customers coming to you: launch campaigns, Google Business Profile set-up and lead generation for your territory, backed by a brand that receives more than 50,000 boarding enquiries a year.
- Help at any hour: 24/7 veterinary advice, plus a 24/7 HR and health and safety support line at massively discounted rates.
- People in your corner: regular support calls in your first year, Business Reviews and Planning, buddies and mentors who have run their own branches, and someone at the end of the phone whenever you need help.
- A network that's done it before: 115+ franchisees sharing answers through the franchisee WhatsApp community, our PawTal portal and the annual conference.
- Your own development plan: business and animal care training before you launch, a personal CPD programme, and free, unlimited online training with our sister company, Animal Ed, including courses created specifically for We Love Pets.
- Room to grow: high-potential programmes for franchisees who want to build a larger business and grow beyond the VAT threshold.
From classroom, hospital ward and office to running their own business
None of them had pet care experience when they started. Here's what they say now, in their own words.
“Owning my own business has given me a level of satisfaction and freedom that I never imagined. If you're passionate about animals and willing to put in the work, don't let fear hold you back.”
Tasha
Former NHS nurse, joined 2022, We Love Pets Bury St Edmunds
“I genuinely love what I do. I feel proud every day to represent the We Love Pets brand, and even prouder that I had the courage to take that first step.”
Corrina
Former teacher of 30 years, joined 2025, We Love Pets Braintree
“Life is short. We only get one go, so why not spend it doing something you love?”
Mark
30 years in pharmaceutical logistics, launched at 55, We Love Pets South Cambridgeshire
“Making the leap into franchising was one of the biggest decisions I've ever made, but it's also been one of the best.”
Bryan
Former retail manager, We Love Pets Livingston
“I never imagined I could start a dog walking business. Now I get to live the life my dad had, content, happy, self-employed, but without the fear.”
Shirley
Former financial services, started at 54, We Love Pets Brentwood
“Stepping away from corporate life was a risk for us, but a risk worth taking. The business has given us so much more flexibility for family life, something we simply didn't have before.”
Gabby & Dave
Former senior project manager and 37 years in the railway industry, We Love Pets Cambridge
What your branch offers
Ten services. One brand local people trust.
Your branch isn't just dog walking. It's a full-service pet care business, which means several income streams, year-round demand and clients who stay with you for years rather than months.
- Dog walking
- Puppy care
- Pet sitting
- Cat care
- Home boarding
- House sitting
- Small animal care
- Horse care
- Pet taxi
- Wedding pet chaperone
Your Franchise Development Manager helps you choose the right mix for your area.
Your questions, answered honestly
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Do I need pet care experience?
No. Most of our franchisees had none when they started. A genuine love of animals and a reliable, caring nature matter far more. Our training takes you from wherever you are to properly qualified.
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How much does it cost to get started?
The initial franchise fee is £12,995 + VAT, with a royalty fee of 10% of turnover. You'll also want to budget for insurance, equipment and living costs while you build your client base. The free Info Pack sets out the full picture.
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Can I get funding?
Often, yes. Government-backed Start Up Loans can cover the full franchise fee plus working capital for eligible applicants, and many franchisees also use savings or a redundancy payment.
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Can I start part-time?
Many people do. Some go full-time from day one; others build up gradually alongside a notice period or part-time work. We'll talk through what's realistic for you in an informal chat.
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Am I too old to start?
Very unlikely. Mark launched his branch at 55 and Shirley started at 62. Life and work experience are real assets when clients are trusting you with their homes and their pets.
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How long does it take from enquiry to launch?
Usually somewhere between six weeks and six months. There's no rush from our side. The people who do best tend to be the ones who took their time deciding.
Your Monday morning could look very different
You don't have to decide anything today. Read the free Info Pack in your own time, or book a chat whenever you're ready to talk. No pressure, no hard sell, and a real person on the other end.