Reaching 25 years in business is a milestone worth celebrating, but for Petpals, the UK’s longest-established pet-care franchise, its silver anniversary is about more than looking back. With a nationwide network built on trust, compassion and community, the brand is using the occasion to give something back – bringing franchisees, colleagues and local businesses together to support causes close to their hearts.
Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, shares how the brand’s anniversary fundraising efforts are bringing its network together – and why a shared sense of purpose is so important to building a successful franchise.
When you have spent 25 years building a business, you naturally find yourself reflecting on the journey. The milestones are important, but what stands out most to me is the people. Our franchisees, our team and the communities that have supported Petpals along the way have all played a part in getting us to where we are today.
That is why we wanted our silver anniversary to be about more than celebrating our own achievements. We wanted to make a positive difference, supporting causes that reflect the values we have always believed in.
Fundraising for PDSA
One person who embodies those values is our Franchise Support Manager, Tracey Dawber, who is celebrating 20 years with Petpals this year. Over the past two decades, Tracey has welcomed new franchisees, helped them find their feet and remained a reassuring presence as their businesses have grown.
In 2027, she will take on the London Marathon for the fourth time, raising money for PDSA – a charity providing free and low-cost veterinary care to pets whose owners may otherwise struggle to afford treatment.
For those of us working in pet care, it is a cause that really resonates. We understand how much pets mean to their families and how important it is that they receive the care they need. Supporting Tracey felt like a natural way to bring our anniversary celebrations and commitment to animal welfare together.
We have set a £2,000 fundraising target, with Petpals contributing £500 directly. But beyond the money raised, what I am particularly proud of is how people are coming together.
Community events and the annual conference
On 31st October, we will be the main sponsor of a Halloween charity raffle at The Clatford Arms in Goodworth Clatford – near our franchise headquarters. With prizes donated by businesses across Hampshire, it is a lovely example of local companies getting behind a shared cause.
We will also bring the fundraising into our annual franchise conference in January, with another charity raffle planned for franchisees from across the country.
The strength of the Petpals network
For me, this is where the real strength of franchising comes through. Running your own business can be incredibly rewarding, but being part of a supportive network means having people around you who genuinely want to see you succeed.
That support extends beyond training, systems and business advice. It is about relationships, shared values and knowing there is a whole team behind you. Tracey has spent 20 years supporting our franchisees, so seeing everyone have the opportunity to rally around her feels particularly special.
And that community spirit extends across our network. Petpals Sefton recently sponsored Paws Along the Prom in aid of Options charity, while our head office is continuing to support The Three Bees Project by funding new fencing for much-needed animal enclosures.
These initiatives remind us that successful franchising is about more than commercial growth. It is also about becoming a trusted part of the communities we serve and recognising the difference we can make together.
As we look towards the next chapter of Petpals, growth remains important, but so does maintaining the compassion, professionalism and genuine care that have shaped our first 25 years. Because ultimately, the strongest franchise networks are built on people who feel part of something bigger – and that is a legacy worth celebrating.
Key takeaways
- Petpals, the UK’s longest-established multi-service pet care franchise, is marking its 25th anniversary by channelling its celebrations into charitable fundraising rather than simply marking its own achievements.
- Franchise Support Manager Tracey Dawber, who is celebrating 20 years with Petpals, will run the London Marathon in 2027 for the fourth time, raising money for PDSA. Petpals has set a £2,000 fundraising target, contributing £500 directly.
- Petpals will sponsor a Halloween charity raffle on 31 October at The Clatford Arms in Goodworth Clatford, and will incorporate further fundraising into its annual franchise conference in January.
- Director Kevin Thackrah believes the real strength of franchising lies in the community it creates – a network that provides support, shared values and a sense of belonging that goes beyond training and business systems.
- Petpals Sefton recently sponsored Paws Along the Prom in Southport, demonstrating how individual franchisees can make a positive contribution to their local communities while representing the wider network.
