Petpals marks 25 years with national charity drive

Petcare franchise Petpals is marking 25 years in business by giving back to local communities across the country.

The Petpals network has been fundraising, volunteering and lending practical support to a range of animal welfare, health and community wellbeing charities.

At the franchises head office in Andover, Hampshire, the team has been supporting The Three Bees Project, a community-focused cause dedicated to improving mental wellbeing through nature and animals. The team has already helped on the farm and at events with the project’s therapy goats, with further volunteering activity planned throughout the rest of the year.

Across the franchise network, teams have chosen causes that reflect their own communities. In Chichester, West Sussex, Sue and Jon Vinsome took part in the Sussex Snowdrop Trust charity walk at Arundel Castle Estate Park, raising money to support children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. They also volunteer at Chichester Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre and contribute a percentage of their monthly profits to the charity.

In Darlington, County Durham, David Gray and his team marked their 20th anniversary by joining clients and more than 40 staff members for the ‘Paws Aboard’ dog-friendly charity walk in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice, which provides care and support for people with terminal illness and their families.

Meanwhile in Cardiff, long-standing franchisee Maxine Neal fundraises for organisations including Battersea Dogs Home, Dogs Trust, Cancer Research, PDSA and the RSPCA. She also volunteers with British Dalmatian Welfare and the Rottweiler Welfare Association and supports the clean-up initiative ‘We Give a Poop’.

Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, said: “Reaching 25 years is something we’re incredibly proud of, but an anniversary like this is also a chance to recognise what sits behind the business.

“Petpals has always been built on trust, care and community. Our franchisees don’t just provide a service – they become part of people’s lives, supporting pets and their owners every day. This year, we wanted to celebrate that spirit by encouraging the network to give back in ways that felt meaningful locally.”