The network approach to franchising everyday pet care seems to be paying off, here’s the latest from Petpals;
Franchisees from across the Petpals network came together virtually on Saturday 14th June for the brand’s first ever mid-year Online Conference – a new addition to the calendar introduced following feedback from the in-person event earlier this year.
Designed to provide franchisees with a valuable check-in point halfway through the year, the two-hour session featured a packed agenda of insights, updates and practical tools – all tailored to help franchisees grow their businesses, support their teams and maintain momentum through the rest of 2025.
The conference kicked off with Petpals Director, Kevin Thackrah, who shared key network updates, a financial overview, and one of the most significant highlights of the year so far – Petpals achieving the prestigious 5* franchisee satisfaction badge from WorkBuzz. The award, based entirely on anonymous feedback from franchisees, reflects high levels of satisfaction across areas such as training and support, leadership, culture and the overall experience of being part of the franchise.
“This recognition means a great deal to us,” said Kevin. “To receive a 5* rating from our own franchisees – the people who live and breathe the business day-to-day – is the most rewarding endorsement we could hope for. It’s a clear sign that our support is hitting the mark, and that our network feels valued and heard. It’s a real badge of honour for us all.”
Kevin also took the opportunity to celebrate recent milestones and achievements across the network, before acknowledging the importance of adding this new event to the Petpals calendar: “Our January conference has always been a key milestone in our year,” he said. “But when our franchisees told us they’d value another opportunity to come together mid-year, we listened. It’s clear from the feedback that the online format has worked really well – helping us keep that sense of connection and support while minimising weekend disruption. We’ve had some fantastic engagement, and we’ll definitely be continuing with this format going forward.”
The agenda continued with a session from Petpals’ Digital Marketer, Katie Morris, who explored the use of AI in day-to-day business – from boosting productivity and streamlining admin to generating social media content.
Guest speaker Andrew Pain, a well-known mental health expert and TEDx speaker, followed with a thought-provoking session on managing stress, decision fatigue and staying mentally strong while juggling multiple roles – an area particularly relevant to small business owners.
The event closed with a practical session from Franchise Support Manager, David Gray, offering guidance on recruiting host families for the growing demand in Home Boarding services.
“Sessions like this are a vital part of what makes our network thrive,” added Kevin. “Whether franchisees were able to attend live or catch up with the recording afterwards, it’s all about making support and learning as accessible as possible. I’m proud of the way our network continues to support each other, and we’re already looking forward to what the rest of the year brings.”
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