In franchising, longevity speaks volumes. It signals not only business success but a deep-rooted connection with the community and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality service. That is exactly what husband-and-wife duo Matt and Louise Wilder have achieved with Petpals Romsey & Chandler’s Ford, now celebrating an impressive 10 years of caring for the area’s cherished pets.
Having grown their business from scratch, Matt and Louise combined professional experience and a love for animals to launch their franchise in 2015. Today, their thriving pet care service has become a trusted local name – not only for dog walking and pet sitting, but for their tailored, caring approach that treats each animal like a member of the family.
“We can’t quite believe it’s been 10 years already,” said Matt. “Over the past decade, we’ve steered a fledgling business through some truly unexpected times – from the Beast from the East to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Through it all, our commitment to caring for people’s beloved pets has never wavered.”
Their journey has not been without challenges but, as any experienced franchisee will tell you, success often lies in adaptability. Matt and Louise credit much of their longevity to their personal approach and to the consistent backing of the Petpals head office.
“We’re backed by a head office team who keep us informed of the latest developments in pet care, and we’re constantly learning from other franchisees across the network,” explained Louise. “But we also think a big part of our success is that we’re a husband-and-wife team. Our clients know exactly who’s looking after their pets and who’s holding their keys – there’s a level of trust and familiarity that makes all the difference.”
That trust has grown stronger over time. From the early days of building their client base to now being seen as a source of knowledge on pet behaviour and welfare, their reputation has become a powerful business asset. Louise added, “Being fully committed and invested in the business means we’re always focused on delivering the best possible service. It’s not just about meeting expectations – it’s about going above and beyond, finding solutions to challenges and putting the welfare of the pets first.”
The pet care landscape has shifted significantly over the past 10 years, with increasing demand for reliable, professional services – something Matt and Louise have seen first-hand. Competition has grown, but so too has client expectation. The couple are proud to offer what they believe is a premier, personalised service – one that stands the test of time because of the values at its core.
At Petpals, we often say that pet care is more than just a job – it is a vocation. I believe this milestone speaks to that truth. The Wilders’ success is not defined just by the number of walks or visits they have completed, but by the relationships they have built – with both pets and their owners. It is these personal connections, fostered by a trusted brand and a supportive franchise model, that continue to set them apart.
As pet ownership continues to rise – particularly among younger adults and cat lovers – the demand for experienced, compassionate pet carers has never been greater. Matt and Louise are a shining example of what is possible when personal passion meets a proven franchise model. A decade in, they are still leading the pack when it comes to pet care with heart.
