There’s no such thing as a ‘typical franchisee’ or a ‘typical day’ with Barking Mad. Here are just a few individual stories which we hope you’ll find interesting and inspiring:
This is the story of one man’s career move from all things data-related, to a life hanging out with dogs!
In Spring 2024 Roy McHugh left the corporate world for good following unexpected redundancy. What came next was the opportunity he’d been waiting for and the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Roy went from the technical world of EE in a sales advice and support role to becoming a Barking Mad franchisee for their Sunderland & County Durham territory.
Unlike traditional kennels, Barking Mad offers bespoke boarding for dogs with a host family, giving the owner freedom to be away from home, knowing their pet is safe and well cared for.
Hosts are chosen to meet the dog’s specific needs and take on the care and responsibility for the dog for a mutually agreed period, with the franchisee serving as the primary point of contact for both parties.
What did you do before franchising?
“I worked for EE for fourteen years as a sales manager operating from a call centre in an advisory and coaching role. Everything changed when BT merged with EE and the two brands restructured the business and my role disappeared.
“If I’m honest, as much as that came as a shock to some people, I recognised this as the opportunity I had been looking for and the push I needed to consider my options.”
Why franchising and why Barking Mad?
“I was already familiar with franchising and so when it came to deciding what business to pursue, it was quite easy really. I’ve always loved dogs and wanted to work with them but never knew what that looked like. I looked at franchises in general but then found the pet sector. After an initial search, I came across Barking Mad.”
Starting your own business can be risky and many self-startups fail within their first year.
Whereas, a franchise offers a low-risk, proven business opportunity, and as the franchisee you get the benefit of training and ongoing support, something you don’t get if you go it alone.
Roy continues: “I spoke with Rachel Stewart, the MD, who explained the role and the business model, and I had a total light bulb moment! This was the one I had been looking for. I cancelled all my other enquiries and decided to go for it.”
“I really liked the franchise model because it takes care of all parties: the dog, the owner and the host family. It’s a model where everyone is looked after, with the best possible outcome.”
How was the training and support, both initially and ongoing?
“The three-day training was thorough. I learned every aspect of the business, from understanding the different systems through to the legislation surrounding dog boarding and working to best practice and correct standards.
“The support is great. If I need advice, there is always someone at Head Office to ask or I can draw on the wider experience of my neighbouring franchisees. Help is only ever a phone call or email away.”
Describe your average day.
“Every day is different. Today I collected Bugsy, a mischief-making Cockerpoo from the host and returned him to his owner. Then I had a call from a potential host, and we have an appointment to meet next week.
“I’ve also two calls to make to people regarding holidays for their dog. Sorting out dates and availability can be tricky because people need to establish dates before they book their holiday, which they sometimes forget!
“Also, finding the right host for the dog/owner is key. All dogs have a trial stay with their host for one night, so this is another aspect I organise.
“The rest of the day may be taken up with admin either in my office or in a dog-friendly café where people can see me, and I get to do some impromptu marketing.”
What challenges have you faced?
“I’d never run a business before, so learning how to manage my finances, keep track of invoices, receipts, manage cash flow and understand tax has been a big lesson.
“Plus, keeping my pipeline of enquiries flowing requires my constant input and attention.
“This is the best thing that’s happened to me in terms of work. If it’s the right thing for you, then consider it seriously.”
How has your life changed since you launched your franchise?
“I have the flexibility to organise my day as I wish, which means I get to spend precious time with my partner and young daughter, something I could never do in an employed role.”
What’s your top tip for someone looking to buy their first franchise?
“Do your homework first, and make sure you’re financially able to do this, then go for it. Everybody should be given the opportunity to create their own success.
“This is the best thing that’s happened to me in terms of work. The idea of working for somebody else has never sat right with me. I honestly can’t believe I gave so many years to the work I used to do. If it’s the right thing for you, then consider it seriously.”
What are your plans for the future of the business?
“I hope to grow the franchise to the point where I get my partner on board and have a solid business to pass on to my kids. The beauty of this business is that it’s not affected by the economy. People love dogs, they will always have dogs no matter what, so I just have to make sure I put in 1000% to get this where I want it to go.
Although it takes up a lot of time, it doesn’t feel like work because I love what I do.”
Life for Roy has certainly changed for the better. He’s growing a sustainable business and securing a future for himself and his family.
Even better, he spends his days doing something he loves, surrounded by dogs and fellow dog lovers and has never been happier.
What did you do previously to joining Barking Mad?
I was a travel agent for 15 years, I also worked in recruitment and prior to Barking Mad I was the Sales Support Manager for the Radisson hotel group in the UK.
What appealed to you most about Barking Mad when you first started considering franchising as a route to self-employment?
I wanted to work with dogs and while researching for the future I found Barking Mad. The Barking Mad franchise stood out because of the great reviews, the training that’s provided and it was an opportunity to work with dogs straight away knowing I had full support and great earnings potential.
Would you encourage more women into franchising with Barking Mad and why?
Absolutely! Barking Mad Dog Care offers a fantastic opportunity for women to enter the franchising world. Here are a few reasons why:
If you're passionate about dogs and looking for a rewarding business opportunity, Barking Mad could be a great fit!
What support is there from Head office - national marketing, franchise support etc?
Barking Mad offers a comprehensive support system, including training, marketing assistance, and ongoing guidance. This support helps you navigate the challenges of running a business and sets you up for success.
What is the best thing about being a Barking Mad franchisee?
One of the best things about being a Barking Mad franchisee is the joy of working with pets and their owners. A few highlights include;
Overall, being a Barking Mad franchisee offers a unique combination of passion, community, support, flexibility, and impact. It's a great opportunity for anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a positive difference in their community!
How is your life different now compared to before being self-employed with Barking Mad?
Running your own business offers a sense of entrepreneurial freedom, allowing you to make decisions independently and steer your venture in the direction you envision. The potential for growth is another significant advantage, as your earnings are directly tied to the success of the business, meaning dedication and hard work can lead to substantial financial rewards.
Additionally, leaving the corporate world can be a major motivator, especially if past experiences involved feeling undervalued as an employee. Escaping that environment provides an opportunity to create a business culture that aligns with your values and aspirations.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you could give someone (and specifically women) looking to buy their first franchise?
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Passion and enthusiasm play a crucial role in running a successful franchise, as genuine excitement for the business and its products or services leads to better customer service and a more positive work environment. A strong work ethic is equally important, as dedication, hard work, and a willingness to go the extra mile are essential for success.
Franchisees must also be highly adaptable, ready to adjust to changing market conditions and evolving customer needs. Flexibility and a continuous willingness to learn are key to long-term growth.
Additionally, maintaining a strong customer focus is vital, as providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships help retain existing clients and attract new ones, ensuring sustained business success.
What are the positives/negatives of running your own business - are there any specific to being a female?
Owning a business comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, autonomy allows you to make decisions and guide your business in the direction you envision. Flexibility enables you to create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle, which is particularly beneficial for those with family commitments. Additionally, the potential for growth means your earnings are directly tied to your efforts and innovation, making success highly rewarding. Passion also plays a significant role, as working in a field you love can be both fulfilling and motivating.
However, there are always challenges as well. Financial risk is a major concern, as starting and running a business requires investment and comes with the possibility of failure. Stress and pressure can also be significant, as the responsibility for the business's success rests solely on your shoulders. Running a business is often time-consuming, demanding long hours that can encroach on personal time. Moreover, uncertainty is always a factor, as businesses face unpredictable challenges.
For women, there are additional considerations, particularly regarding work-life balance. Many women juggle multiple roles, and business ownership can provide the flexibility needed to manage personal and professional responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, numerous support systems and resources are available to help women succeed. If you are passionate and determined, running your own business can be an incredibly rewarding journey.
When Louise originally moved to Leicestershire, she became PA to Rosemary Conley – a job she enjoyed for 15 years. As well as organising the exercise guru’s appointments and TV appearances, Louise was also integral to the production of Rosemary’s books and videos.
“It was a very busy but absolutely brilliant time,” said Louise. “It meant I had to be super organised, as I basically ran Rosemary’s life.
“While working for her, I had my two sons, taking a short career break after each. Rosemary had inspired me for many years and was instrumental in me opting to change tack, as she knew I had an entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to balance motherhood and a career, so I became a Virgin V make up rep, holding parties in the evening while my husband cared for our children.
Following her role with Virgin V, Louise was head hunted to work for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, an initiative created by the Dragons Den star to help young people start their own businesses.
What now?Louise had always wanted to run her own business and was sure she had the credentials and acumen to do it. At Christmas time in 2021, she raised the idea of franchising with her husband.
“Our sons had grown up and were no longer in school, so it felt like a good time to invest in myself and start to build a business,” she said. “I knew I definitely wanted to work with dogs – I just didn’t know what.”
Louise began Googling opportunities for franchise businesses and came across Barking Mad.
“What appealed to me,” she said, “was that I’d have a national brand backing me. Barking Mad was obviously a tried and tested model, with a brilliant reputation. It would be my business, but with extra support when I needed it.”
A new startPurchasing the Market Harborough franchise, Louise was working in a ‘virgin’ territory – an area which had never had a Barking Mad franchise before.
“I was starting from scratch, so I knew I had a lot of work to do,” she said. “But I had some help from a franchisee working close by who’d been looking after a few customers that would become part of my territory.”
A home for hostsLouise took to social media to spread the word about opportunities for hosts and received some enquiries via the Barking Mad website from people who were interested.
“That’s where the benefit of working with a national franchise brand comes in!” she said.
Most important to Louise was developing a diverse group of hosts, to suit dogs and customers with all types of needs.
“My eldest host is 84 and my youngest is 32, and each has different reasons for becoming a host. One of the best parts of the job is meeting people for the first time and understanding their ‘why’.”
Key learningsThough Louise had worked in some pressurised jobs, starting her own business from scratch was completely different and required a lot of learning in a short space of time.
“You must also be very organised, self-motivated and disciplined. When you go and see a customer, they’re buying into you, and they need to have 100% trust you’ll place their dog with someone who loves them as much as they do. You have to follow through on everything you promise, which is really important.
“I absolutely love being my own boss, having freedom and flexibility, and being in charge of my own destiny. The work I put in is for me, and for my hosts, and the success of the business depends on how hard I work. I’m prepared to give 110% to keep growing it, and I’m excited about where things can go.”
“Starting a franchise was a huge decision for me, but it’s one I’ll never look back on.”
We consider ourselves well and truly Barking Mad and are proud to be part of the family!
“We became a dog hosting family because our children constantly begged us for a dog but we just couldn’t commit to having one full time. We loved the companionship of looking after dogs on a part-time basis, which kept us fit and active. It worked very well for us and over the years we had many visitors to stay, ranging from Jack Russells to a Scottish Deer Hound.
Needless to say, we fell in love with the whole concept of Barking Mad and when the opportunity arose to run the business we jumped at the chance and have never looked back. We knew immediately that Barking Mad was the business for us. We have always been interested in finding a career that we would find more fulfilling and active and one where we could work with animals.
Their previous jobs are a far cry away from their daily routines now. Alan was a roofer and a joiner and spent too many cold winter days up a ladder, and Amanda worked in the fitness industry.
We now set our own schedule, enjoy the flexibility of our work and meeting new people and dogs every day. It’s still hard work, but very rewarding and a lot more comfortable on those cold winter’s days!
We were amazed at the positive response and scale of enquiries when we started. Being hosts ourselves, we understood what was important to our hosts and still do to this day. We hold regular gatherings, lunches and BBQs for all our host community, and we know the key is to never stop moving and growing. Our business has grown significantly which has enabled us to employ our members of staff. They are all real dog lovers and it gives us great pleasure to be able to help others in their work.
We have been delighted to be recognised as multiple award winners at the annual national conference especially as competition is so fierce. We received the award for ‘Best Newcomers’ and then ‘Brand Builder of the Year’ and our business growth was recognised again in the ‘Roots for Success’ category. Our Brand Builder award was dedicated to ‘Popper’ – our Barking Mad mascot. He goes with our customers on their holidays around the world and he is a regular guest on our Facebook and Twitter pages. People expect the best from our dog holidays and we make it our mission to provide it, every time.
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“Having been a Barking Mad customer for several years and keen to run my own business, I jumped at the opportunity to take over this successful franchise and offer the same service to others.
I was a retail manager for a large chain high street store and I loved all the interaction with customers and the hustle of the job but after 9 years I decided I wanted something I could call my own. I also wanted something that would fit in with my lifestyle and I’ve never looked back.
What I really like about Barking Mad is that you are in control of your business and the growth is down to you. It’s great because you reap the benefits and you get a great feeling of satisfaction. I now feel in control of my job which is wonderful. What makes it work for well for me is the franchise support. All the elements of the business that I was less experienced in I could be taught and get support whereas at the same time I could make use of the skills that I did have to grow my business.
A highlight for me is seeing the hosts’ faces when the dogs arrive and them running around wanting to play. It’s also lovely to see the customers happy and know the system works so well”.
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What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I wasn't academic at school, but I didn’t let that stop me from believing I could be successful - I just had to find the right path. When I was 16, I applied for a variety of jobs in the local area and received some offers, but a job working at Boots' Head Office really jumped out at me. I completed a three week trial and was offered a permanent job. By the time I was 25, I was an established buyer –something I always thought was only available to people with a degree. I guess you could say I had beaten the ‘graduate gremlin’ – the idea that it’s only academics that can climb the career ladder. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
How do you de-stress after facing tough situations?
At Barking Mad, we benefit from a strong network of likeminded businesspeople who are likely to have already experienced any challenges you are. So, you can always rely on someone being around to chat things through and see if you took the right steps or if there’s anything you can learn from in the future. I always try and take a positive from a bad situation and if possible, find the funny side of what’s happening. Keeping your sense of humour is important. And of course, I get to enjoy the company of dogs and their owners all day, so 99% of the time I’m having fun and enjoying what I do!
How do you stay motivated?
I’m absolutely not money motivated – what keeps my interest, and what makes me want to get up and go every day, is seeing people happy. I’m motivated by hosts having a fantastic time with their new companions; by families coming back from their breaks and reuniting with their pets, and by helping people who think they’ve exhausted all their options of support.
How do you learn from your mistakes?
Mistakes are a natural part of life. You can’t run a business or work in a people-facing role without making the odd mistake. It’s what makes us human and gives us a chance to learn. If I make a mistake, I think about what went well, where in the journey things went wrong and try to change that path in the future.
Why did you decide to go into your industry?
When I worked at Boots, a job share partner ran her own franchise which performed very well. I could see it wasn’t just about the commercials, though – she was thriving in every part of her lifestyle, too. I always give 110% to everything I do, and knew if I bought my own franchise, I would do everything in my power to ensure it succeeded. By chance, Barking Mad came up on my Facebook timeline and as soon as I watched the video showing what it was all about, my decision was made. I love dogs, I have two of my own, and knew I could create something valuable for other dog owners in my community.
What's the best career advice you ever received?
An old line manager once said to me that it’s not until you leave a job that you realise the value of your skills. When you work for a blue-chip organisation, it’s so target and profit driven that you can lose sight of what you’re learning along the way. What she said gave me a lot of self-belief that I could one day work on my own and apply all my skills in another environment – and she was right.
