Long-time NCF member Diane Lewis has just taken up an exciting new opportunity, one that she feels like she’s been waiting for most of her life! But becoming a franchisee is not without its challenges, too, so we asked Diane to tell us more.
Who are Barking Mad?
The Barking Mad Dog Boarding service provides your pets with a safe and comfortable place to stay while you are away, explained Diane. The Dog Home Boarding comes with a few services including an initial registration meeting and chauffeur service, so your dog has a homely and secure space to rest.
Barking Mad are passionate about providing luxury, one-to-one dog home boarding and already have over 50 franchisees across the UK, of which Diane is the newest!
Their dog boarding or dog day-care hosts replicate your dog’s usual routine as much as possible, to ensure they are happy and comfortable, including daily walks and play time (if this is what they are used to). All these services are tailored to the individual needs of your dog.
Why did you decide to join the team?
Barking Mad was launched in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria in May 2000 by Lee Dancy as an alternative to kennels. After booking a trip to America and needing pet care, Lee had great difficulty in finding an alternative to traditional kennels. Dog boarding kennels wasn’t an option as Lee’s nervous dog needed care, affection and particularly reassurance while she was away. Lee’s research showed that it wasn’t just her looking for something different so she set about creating a whole new concept. Soon after the business launch in 2000, Barking Mad began receiving enquires from all over the UK, so in year two, Barking Mad became a franchise business.
“As a dog-owner myself, I really empathised with Lee’s experience,” Diane said. “Since I was a child, animals have been a huge part of my life. Having completed qualifications in Animal Care at college, my career took me off into other roles but I’ve always had an eye out for an opportunity to move back to this – and our own dog, Willow, triggered that opportunity.”
“Willow is a beautiful Golden Retriever. She’s gentle and affectionate but shy around other dogs and sensitive to barking. She absolutely thrives on human companionship and loves cuddles and walkies. Traditional kennels just weren’t the right fit for her — and that’s how I discovered Barking Mad. It was the perfect match for Willow, and for me. I knew right away that this was the new adventure I’d been waiting for. Today, I’m proud to offer a personalised, caring, and kennel-free experience to dogs across the Southampton area. I treat every dog like part of the family, because I know that’s exactly what they are.”
What are the benefits of being a franchisee?
Becoming a business franchisee comes with loads of benefits, especially if you want to run your own business but don’t fancy starting from scratch. You get to work with a brand that people already know and trust, which makes things a lot easier from the get-go. Plus, most franchises offer proper training and ongoing support, so you’re never completely on your own. There’s usually help with suppliers and day-to-day operations too, which takes a lot of the pressure off. It’s a great way to be your own boss while still having a safety net in place. With Barking Mad, for example, I get access to a professional marketing team and plenty of advice and resources I can access (sometimes I just need to pay for postage to have them sent).
What advice do you have for others thinking of taking up a franchise opportunity?
“If you’re thinking about taking on a franchise, it’s really important to do your homework first,” Diane explained. Start by asking how long the franchise has been running and how well other franchisees are doing; don’t be shy about speaking to a few of them directly. Find out what kind of training and support you’ll get and whether there are any ongoing fees or restrictions you should know about. Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the initial cost and check if there’s a clear plan for how the business will grow in your area. It’s also wise to get professional advice – both legal and financial – before signing anything, just to make sure everything stacks up. Taking your time now can save a lot of hassle later on.
“I know that Barking Mad is the right opportunity for me,” said Diane, “and I’m excited to become a part of this growing enterprise!”