People

Paws for thought: Robbie quits the rat race to focus on his one true love as a new pet parent

Robbie Brown: “I quit the rat race and decided to do something for myself and my love of animals."

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: December 21, 2022 | Updated: 22nd December 2022

He’s had a varied career ranging from the army and the pharmaceutical industry to running his own businesses and, most recently, insurance.

But Robbie Brown has decided now is the perfect time to change course and focus on his one true love – pets.

He’s the newest franchisee for the pet care provider, Petpals, which has expanded to Christchurch.

His new business will support the growing demand for pet services in the area.

Robbie said: “I had enough of the corporate world and felt it was time for a change.

“I quit the rat race and decided to do something for myself and my love of animals.

“I’ve been a pet owner all my life, so I understand how owners place importance on caring for their four-legged friends.

“I am fully aware of how rewarding pets are for their owners, but how time-consuming and restricting they can be, particularly in the current economic climate.

“Now, by launching Petpals Christchurch, I can combine my two passions of looking after pets and running a business.”

Robbie is fully trained, insured, uniformed and DBS checked.

He’s covering Christchurch, Highcliffe, Mudeford, Bransgore and surrounding areas in his branded van, delivering Petpals’ pet care.

Petpals is the UK’s longest-established pet-sitting and pet-care specialist.

It offers a range of bespoke and award-winning services from dog walking and pet sitting to pet taxis in its branded vans.

The company has more than 150 locations across the UK and a dedicated head office team to support franchisees such as Robbie.

He said: “When looking for the right pet franchise to invest in, I could see that Petpals stood head and shoulders above the rest.

“From the initial training to the ongoing support, all the steps were in place to ensure I was ready and raring to go.

“My partner also knows another franchisee in Bournemouth who loves it and is really successful.

“I was fully trained in pet handling and behaviour, pet first aid, elderly pet care and pet sanitation before launching my Petpals business.

“I even got to spend a day looking after cats and dogs as part of my training – what’s not to love?

“It just reaffirmed that it was the right thing for me.”

According to the pets’ charity PDSA – The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals – an estimated 51 per cent of UK adults own a dog or a cat.

Just over a quarter, 27 per cent, have a dog with an estimated population of 10.2 million pet dogs.

Cat-lovers account for 24 per cent of UK adults with an estimated population of 11.1 million pet cats.

Robbie said: “I’m really driven to respond to the demand for quality services for the pet loving community in our area.

“Our range of services will be personally tailored to our customers’ requirements and include pet home visits, dog walking, cat sitting, dog sitting, dog visits, puppy care, elderly dog care, pet taxi and pet to vet.

“All with the aim of providing local pets with the same love and affection they receive from their owners.

“As a dad to a terrier and two shorthairs, I want Petpals Christchurch to offer the experience I would want for them to all our customers and pets.

“I can’t wait to get going!”

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