In 1985 when I was 16 I started a dog clipping and grooming service operating from my parent’s back yard.

I grew up in a self-employed family who shared my love of animals, especially dogs. With their support and guidance and a lot of determination, I went into business by myself. I was lucky to be doing something I loved and earning money from it.

Mobile Hydrobath For dogs

My business grew rapidly with demand from further afield, so when I was 21 I expanded the service to include mobile hydro bathing, travelling to customer’s homes to wash and pamper the family dog.

I launched the business as a single mobile hydrobath in 1991 and once people saw the benefits to their dogs, success was instant. I created and launched the Aussie Pooch Mobile Pty Ltd in 1992 and was the first person to franchise a mobile dog washing business in the world.

After success in Australia, I realised a global need for my business so after more research, I launched as ‘The Pooch Mobile’ overseas. There are currently Pooch Mobile franchises in the UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the USA, with a total of almost 200 operators worldwide.

Expanding into dog business

I am able to anticipate customer’s needs, which has helped me maintain success for 21 years, through recessions, ups and downs and other concerns that crop up in business.

Franchising with APM has a twofold benefit. Franchisees are able to build a successful business while doing something they are passionate about and earn a great income. Franchising with Aussie Pooch sees you working for yourself but not by yourself.

I’ve expanded with demand. APM is actively involved in the community, has initiated fundraising ventures and developed our own line of dog care products and doggy treats.

This is essential to business considering the increasing number of people using at-home services, which is a trend that will continue. That means I will always be looking at keeping up with what my customer’s want. It also means I will need more franchisees to keep up with this demand.

This article is part of the “New small business start up  series” . Guest post  for www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au by Jane Keighley