From classrooms and council offices to corporate boardrooms, people from all walks of life are finding a fresh start through franchising.
Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, shares why franchising in pet care is such a wag-worthy option for career changers – and how former teacher Jim and librarian Jayne Furlong made the leap from desks to dog walks.
Many of us have found ourselves gazing out of the office window wondering, “Is there more to life than this?”. It is a question I hear often when talking to prospective franchisees – and the answer is always yes. That is why so many people are swapping lesson plans, spreadsheets and library cards for leads, treats and wagging tails – and discovering a lifestyle that suits them far better than they ever imagined.
Why franchising works for career changers
Franchising gives people a head start. Instead of building something from the ground up, you are joining an established business with a proven model, solid systems and a support team ready to help you hit the ground running. It is your own business – but you are never on your own.
That kind of backing makes a huge difference when you are stepping into something new. You do not need a background in the sector – just drive, curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn. Whether you have worked in education, healthcare, admin or beyond, franchising allows you to apply the skills you already have in a completely new – and often far more rewarding – way.
You have more transferable skills than you think
One of the biggest myths about changing careers is that you have to start over. In reality, most people bring a wealth of experience that is invaluable in a franchise setting – especially in a people-focused sector like pet care.
Teachers, for example, have mastered planning, organisation, communication and juggling a thousand moving parts – and people! Librarians are detail-oriented, great with community engagement and naturally organised. From social workers and carers to sales reps and customer service stars – the people skills, adaptability and sense of responsibility you have honed over the years are exactly what make franchisees successful.
These qualities shine in a business built on trust, consistency and strong relationships – which is exactly what pet care is all about.
Do your research – and trust your instincts
If you are thinking about making a move, do your homework. Take the time to look into the sector, explore different franchise brands, and – most importantly – talk to people who are doing it already. Existing franchisees are your best window into what life in the business is really like.
A career change should be exciting, not intimidating. Make sure you understand what support is on offer, how much freedom you will have to shape your business and whether the franchise’s values align with your own. You should feel energised by the opportunity – not limited by it.
Jim and Jayne’s story
Take husband-and-wife team Jim and Jayne Furlong. After long and successful careers in teaching and library services, they decided to do something completely different – and now run two thriving Petpals franchises in the Wirral.
“Animals have always been part of our lives,” said Jayne. “We weren’t initially looking at franchising – we just knew we wanted to work with pets. But after researching, we realised the value of being part of an established brand like Petpals.”
Jim, who taught history for 18 years, and Jayne, who worked in public, academic and law libraries, found their previous experience surprisingly useful. “Planning lessons helped us organise our schedules,” Jim explained. “And working with people gave us the confidence to manage customer relationships.”
They both left their jobs to run the business together – something they acknowledge came with financial risk. But with training, guidance from the head office team and support from the wider network, they have built a lifestyle they love.
“We work hard – sometimes seven days a week – but we wouldn’t go back,” added Jayne. “We’re outdoors, working from home, and surrounded by animals. It’s a world away from our old lives – in the best possible way.”
With the right brand behind you, a loyal support pack by your side and a genuine passion for what you do, a whole new career could be just around the corner. Sometimes, you just have to take the lead – and follow where your instincts – and wagging tails! – take you.
