Is there an alternative career for teachers?
I’ve wanted to run my own business for a number of years and develop a work life balance that allows me to spend more time with my family, but I never thought I would be able to as my background is in teaching, and I also thought it would be a huge risk.
We all have a desire to do something we really enjoy, and for me that involves spending time with animals.
I looked at other franchises but the package that you get from We Love Pets is the best we found.
It wasn’t a quick decision
Before I made my decision to invest in my very own We Love Pets franchise, I spoke to Ryan and Jo several times. They were always really happy to answer my questions. I also spoke to a few other franchisees on the phone, and spent a day with Caroline who owns the Chorley branch of We Love Pets.
I thought it over for a few weeks, so it wasn’t a quick decision, and at no time was I pressured into making one. The more I found out about We Love Pets the more I knew this was something I was going to love doing.
This was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss
Having worked for over 14 years as a Science Teacher, and also with children and young people with special needs, I have had to learn to be calm and patient which I know will be really important when working with pets.
I know it will be hard work at first. But eventually I want to have work fit around my life rather than the other way round!
Being able to develop a flexible approach to working is something I am looking forward to. Working full time and balancing a healthy lifestyle was always hard as a teacher, so this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.
I was worried it (a franchise) was a big risk
Before I really looked into running my own franchise I was worried it was a big risk; that I would have a large outlay financially and would then be on my own to run a business.
But it’s not like that at all. With We Love Pets you become part of the family, part of a supportive and knowledgeable network that will allow me to grow and also allow me to develop my business.
There is a huge amount of support on offer which gave me the confidence to think I could start my own business, so I knew this was right for me.
I know there is a support network I can rely on
It’s all going to be a huge learning curve, but I am very excited about this new challenge. I want to ensure I provide the best service for customers. I think the biggest challenge will be balancing everything and knowing when to take the next steps to build my business.
I will be asking for lots of help! If I am unsure or worried, I know there is a support network I can rely on. We Love Pets have so much help to offer, and I know who to turn to if I need it.
My family
I live with my husband, step son and 2 dogs. Both dogs are Jack Russell terrier cross’, both are 10 years old and both look nearly identical, but that’s where the similarities end as they are like chalk and cheese personality wise.
One is very calm, quiet and loving. She loves to please and adores long, muddy walks.
The other is a playful and knows how to get her own way!. She loves walking but only in fair weather and loves nothing better than chasing her ball.
I have always loved having my own pets and spending time with animals. As a child we had small animals such as fish, rabbits and guinea pigs. I have also had horses and worked with horses when I was younger.
Now my job will be in the outdoors, getting lots of fresh air and exercise and every day with animals!
Nothing better than getting out in the fresh air
We are really lucky to live where there are some amazing walks. I love nothing better than getting out in the fresh air with my dogs and family then off for a bite to eat in one of our friendly local pubs.
I am looking forward to not doing the daily commute
I am looking forward to not doing the daily commute and being able to be flexible with working hours. I love being outside with animals and I know the exercise and fresh air will be good. The outdoors will be my new office.
If you want to find out about running your own branch of We Love Pets then we’d love to hear from you.
Caragh has this advice: ‘I think change is always frightening but that shouldn’t stop you from doing something new.’
Find out more about Caragh’s dog walking and pet sitting business.
