After 30 Years in Teaching, I Built a New Life with Pets

Leaving a successful 30-year career in teaching to start my own pet care business was one of the biggest decisions I've ever made.

It was a huge leap into the unknown, but it was also incredibly exciting. When I told my colleagues what I was planning, so many of them said they wished they were brave enough to do the same. That gave me confidence that I was making the right decision.

Changing industries was naturally daunting, but the support from the We Love Pets head office made all the difference. From helping me secure my business loan, to my training at Fritton Lake, and those first nerve-wracking days waiting for the phone to ring, I never felt like I was doing it alone.

Starting out, it's easy to wonder whether you'll ever compete with established local pet care businesses that already have loyal customers and years of recommendations behind them. I certainly had those thoughts. But the marketing support, advice from the head office team and willingness of other franchisees to share their experience quickly gave me the confidence to build my own business. Animal Ed was also invaluable, helping me develop my knowledge of animal care as I learned the industry.

Now I'm well into my second year, and the support hasn't stopped. There are regular webinars covering both business and animal care, I can book check-ins with my Success Manager whenever I need guidance, and I've built genuine friendships with other franchisees across the network. One of my proudest moments was when another franchisee contacted me for advice, it made me realise just how far I'd come. The franchisee community is incredibly supportive, and there's always someone willing to help if you have a question.

Of course, running your own business comes with challenges. I won't pretend otherwise! And yes, I do sometimes miss those long school holidays. But what I've gained is so much more valuable. I have the freedom to build my own team, choose the customers I work with and create a business that reflects who I am.

Most importantly, 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. Looking back, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.