UK pet-care franchise celebrates silver anniversary by giving back to local communities and charities
Petpals, the UK’s longest-established multi-service pet-care franchise, is marking its 25th anniversary with a nationwide charity initiative that has seen franchisees and head office staff fundraising, volunteering and supporting community causes across the country.
Founded in 2001, Petpals has grown into one of the UK’s best-known pet-care franchise networks, operating across more than 150 territories and providing services ranging from dog walking and pet sitting to home boarding and pet transportation. The company is also a founding member of the Pet Care Franchise Association (PCFA) and a member of the British Franchise Association (BFA).
As part of its silver anniversary celebrations, the franchise network has spent the past six months supporting a diverse range of animal welfare, health and wellbeing charities, reinforcing the community-focused values that have been central to the brand since its inception.
Kevin Thackrah, Managing Director of Petpals, said the milestone provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the business’s longevity but also the people and values behind its success. “Reaching 25 years is something we’re incredibly proud of, but an anniversary like this is also a chance to recognise what sits behind the business. Petpals has been built on trust, care and community. Our franchisees don’t just provide a service, they become part of people’s lives, supporting pets and their owners every day. This year, we wanted to celebrate that spirit by encouraging the network to give back in ways that felt meaningful locally.”
At the company’s headquarters in Andover, Hampshire, team members have been supporting The Three Bees Project, a community initiative focused on improving mental wellbeing through nature and animal interaction. Staff have already volunteered on the farm and assisted at events involving therapy goats, with additional activities planned throughout the remainder of the year.
Across the wider franchise network, individual franchisees have selected causes that reflect the needs of their local communities.
In Chichester, franchise owners Sue and Jon Vinsome participated in the Sussex Snowdrop Trust charity walk at Arundel Castle Estate Park, raising funds for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The pair also volunteer at Chichester Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre and donate a percentage of monthly profits to the charity.
Meanwhile, in Darlington, franchisee David Gray and his team celebrated their own 20-year business milestone by organising the ‘Paws Aboard’ dog-friendly charity walk. The event brought together clients and more than 40 staff members to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice, which provides care and support for individuals living with terminal illnesses and their families.
In Cardiff, long-standing franchisee Maxine Neal has continued her extensive charity involvement, supporting organisations including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, Cancer Research UK, PDSA and the RSPCA. She also volunteers with British Dalmatian Welfare and the Rottweiler Welfare Association, while backing the local environmental initiative ‘We Give a Poop’.
The anniversary campaign also highlights a key strength of the franchise model: empowering local business owners to make a meaningful impact in their own communities while benefiting from the support of a national brand.
“Every Petpals franchise is rooted in its own community. That local connection is one of the real strengths of our model,” added Thackrah.
“Our role as a franchisor is to provide the framework, support and standards that help people build successful businesses, but what makes the network so special is the heart our franchisees bring to it. As we celebrate 25 years, we’re proud to see purpose and profit working hand in hand.”
The charity initiative follows a landmark year for the franchise, which entered its 25th year in 2026 and continues to expand its nationwide presence while maintaining a strong focus on pet welfare, franchisee support and community engagement. Earlier this year, the company brought together franchisees from across the UK at its annual conference to celebrate the milestone and reflect on a quarter-century of growth.
