Want to run your own dog walking business?

If you’re tired of the 9-5 routine and looking for a lifestyle change, we may have the answer for the dog lover in you!

Our tried-and-tested Digs for Dogs franchise business model offers you the opportunity to be your own boss in a community of supportive, successful franchisees. Enjoy the fresh air and make a positive impact in dog owners’ lives, all whilst benefiting from a flexible work-from-home business and a healthy income.

A bit about us

Digs for Dogs was born in 2012, since then it has progressed from a family run Dog Walking & Home Boarding business in Bury to now operating 39 successful franchises across the North-West and Yorkshire.

Thanks to a continued demand for our services, we are now looking to find more like-minded dog lovers across the UK who want to join the Digs for Dogs family and run their own successful dog walking business.

A Digs for Dogs franchise gives you the opportunity to be your own boss, get out in the fresh air and deliver a fantastic service that makes a positive impact in dog owners’ lives.

Our proven franchise business model has been developed and tailored to suit your lifestyle and personal aspirations. With Digs for Dogs you will benefit from a healthy income, a flexible work-from home business and take control over your work-life balance.

A bit about us

What's involved?

A typical day operating a Dog Walking & Pet Services Franchise will start around 9:30am and finish around 3:00pm, walking between 10-20 dogs per day.

Services you’ll be providing include door-to-door dog walking, puppy visits, elderly dog care, holiday house visits and a pet taxi to the vets or groomers. You’ll walk dogs in carefully chosen groups of up to four where they can enjoy plenty of exercise and socialisation. Regular check-ins with customers whilst they’re at work is also key to offer reassurance that their dogs are in safe hands and having plenty of fun.

What's involved?

Your business package

Our pet franchise packages include:

  • Initial 5-year partnership (extendable by agreement)
  • Lead generation
  • Exclusive geographic area
  • Use of trademark, name, logo & branding
  • Full training & operational support
  • Accredited canine first aid course
  • Optional canine behaviour course
  • Extensive marketing plan
  • Promotional materials
  • Bespoke IT infrastructure

Brand Awareness – Our investment in digital marketing through SEO, social media, PPC and web design mean we have a very strong online presence that will continuously generate leads for your business.

Bespoke Systems – Our bespoke IT systems make the administration involved with running your business less time consuming. We are continuously looking for new ways to improve our systems for the benefit of franchisees so you can spend your time on the important stuff… the dogs!

Customer Contact Centre – Our dedicated team is on hand Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm to deal with all inbound calls, on your behalf, meaning that you never miss a call. All enquiries are forwarded on for you to arrange a meeting with the customer or home boarder.

Your business package

Training & support

From our very first meeting through to the launch and operation of your new business, we understand that you will need support, training and mentoring until you are comfortable enough to run it on your own.

You do not need previous experience or knowledge of the pet care industry, nor do you need to be a business mogul, but a genuine love of dogs is essential. You will receive full training in sales, marketing, administration and operational procedures, learning everything you need to run your own business.

We provide a comprehensive training programme covering all aspects of the business, enabling you to be up and running in no time.

Joining Digs for Dogs means we support you every step of the way! It is important to us that each of our franchisees understands the company as well as we do and operates their business with the care and attention to detail that has made us so popular with dog owners.

Training & support

FAQ's

What sort of turnover can I expect?

Following our proven business model you can expect to turn over £18-20,000 in your first year, £25,000 in Year 2 and over £30,000 in Year 3.

Remember that this is your business, so although you will be acquiring a proven, successful concept and receiving support throughout, success is dependent on the work that you put in.

Is my area exclusive to me?

Yes, we provide you with an exclusive postcode based territory. All enquiries within your area will be passed directly to you.

Can I resell the business?

Yes, a Digs for Dogs franchise is an investment in your future!

Digs for Dogs franchises have a proven track record of high resale value. Successful franchises are sold for many times the initial investment.

Can I obtain finance?

There are many finane options available through banks as well as a government backed Start-Up Loans scheme which is a very popular choice for many new entrepreneurs We will be glad to help you with this process if necessary.

Will I need a vehicle?

Yes. We require you to buy either a Citroen Berlingo or Peugeot Partner, fitted out with safe, secure, pet friendly cages. We supply the Digs for Dogs branding on the vehicle, which is undoubtedly one of our most successful forms of advertising within a local area.

What about advertising?

Included in your franchise fee is a substantial budget for launch advertising and ongoing activity during your first year. We provide comprehensive digital and physical marketing strategies to get your business off the ground as soon possible.

What about insurance and security?

We supply public liability insurance for your first year – in fact we include as much as possible in our franchise packages so you are completely set up for a successful first year in business. We will also happily help you with any renewals for your subsequent years.

FAQ's

Get in touch!

  • Why are you considering a Digs for Dogs franchise?
  • How will you be looking to fund this investment?
  • Do you have full UK driving license?
Picture from I could not have received more support

I could not have received more support

From making my initial interest known to signing on the dotted line, I could not have received more support, enthusiasm and information. Debbie and team were inherently professional but also personable, friendly and there for any question or concern I raised at any stage during the process!

Emma Croft, Home Boarding - Rochdale and Oldham