Harnessing animal instincts for business success

By Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals

When searching for business inspiration, we often turn to the usual suspects – successful entrepreneurs, bestselling books or trending podcasts. But sometimes, the most insightful lessons are right under our noses – or wagging their tails at our feet. Our pets, with their unique instincts and behaviours, can teach us invaluable qualities that translate directly into success – particularly in franchising.

Loyalty

Dogs have long earned the title of ‘man’s best friend’, and for good reason – their loyalty is unmatched. Day in and day out, they greet us with wagging tails, boundless enthusiasm and an unspoken promise to always be by our side. The same loyalty is key in franchising.

Franchisees who invest in building genuine relationships with their customers create trust and keep them coming back. Small touches like remembering a name, checking in on their day or tailoring your service can elevate a transaction into a meaningful connection.

But loyalty does not stop with customers. It also extends to your team and community. A team that feels valued is one that is engaged, dedicated and ready to advocate for your brand. Much like a dog strengthens the bond with its owner, a dependable team solidifies your franchise’s foundation.

Patience

Anyone who has ever watched a cat explore knows that patience is their superpower. They do not rush in – they carefully observe, assess and wait for the perfect moment to make a move. That patience is a great lesson for franchisees, especially in the early stages.

Building a successful franchise is not a sprint – it is a marathon. Growth takes time, and it is built on consistency, learning from missteps and adapting to hurdles. Much like a cautious cat finding its way, your journey as a franchisee requires patience and time.

Patience is also critical in relationships. Whether you are mentoring a new hire or winning over a hesitant customer, rushing rarely yields the best results. Strong relationships take effort, care and time – and those are the building blocks of franchising success.

Trust

Earning a pet’s trust isn’t something that happens overnight. Whether it is a nervous rescue dog or a shy guinea pig, trust is earned through consistent care and understanding.

In franchising, trust is equally vital. Customers need to feel confident in your service, your team needs to trust your leadership and franchisors rely on you to maintain their brand’s integrity.

At Petpals, our franchisees build trust through small, everyday actions – like customising services to meet each pet’s unique needs. These little touches add up and, over time, they form the bedrock of a reputation built on trust.

Adaptability

Pets are the ultimate adaptors. A dog adjusting to a new home or a cat navigating an unexpected change shows us that resilience and flexibility can turn any challenge into an opportunity. As a franchisee, this is a mindset you will want to embrace – especially in a world that is always evolving.

Adaptability means staying flexible and open-minded. Customer needs change, technology advances and markets shift. Successful franchisees do not fight these changes – they roll with them, using them as opportunities to improve services, streamline processes or even branch into new areas. At Petpals, many franchisees have found success by thinking outside the box – whether by offering new services, partnering with local businesses or getting creative with marketing.

Change can be scary, but it is also an opportunity to stand out. Just as pets keep going despite unexpected changes, franchisees who adapt with confidence can transform challenges into milestones of growth and success.

So, the next time you are greeted by a wagging tail or a content purr, take a moment to reflect. While pets may not hold business degrees, their approach to life offers powerful lessons for anyone in the franchising world. By channelling qualities like loyalty, patience, trust and adaptability, franchisees can tap into their inner animal instincts and build a business that thrives.