Twelve years ago, I started what would eventually become the Pets 2 Places pet taxi. Back then, it was called Pets2Vets, and the idea was simple: help people who were struggling to get their pets to veterinary appointments.
What I couldn’t have imagined was where that first idea would lead.
Pets2Vets became Pets 2 Places as we realised customers needed us for far more than trips to the vet. Over the years, our pet transport service has helped thousands of pets and owners travel to groomers, kennels, hydrotherapy, holidays, specialist appointments, house moves and destinations across the UK.
We went on to create what we believe was the world’s first pet taxi franchise, enabling other people to bring Pets 2 Places into their own communities.
Twelve years of working on the front line of pet transport has also given me an enormous amount of insight into pet travel safety. That led to the creation of Pet Travel Safety Day and, more recently, our move into developing our own pet transport safety products.
It’s been quite a journey.
Thank You for Being Part of It
None of this would have happened without the support of our customers, local pet businesses and franchisees.
Local businesses recommended us and helped people discover our pet taxi service. Our customers trusted us with some of the most important members of their families. And our franchisees have worked incredibly hard to build Pets 2 Places in their own areas.
I am incredibly grateful to every person who has been part of these first twelve years.
One Journey I’ll Never Forget
There are thousands of journeys behind us, but some stay with you forever.
One customer had wanted another dog for a long time and was waiting until she found the right one.
Then she spotted a greyhound on a rescue website.
She contacted the rescue immediately and called me to make sure I could help with the collection.
Of course I could.
When we arrived, this beautiful greyhound was so excited that she jumped straight into the back of the car.
While her new mum spoke to the rescue team, I sat chatting to her.
I swear she had tears of joy in her eyes.
She looked as though she knew exactly what was happening.
Someone had chosen her. She had a new mum. She was going home.
Then I looked at her new owner.
She had tears in her eyes too.
And yes… so did I.
It was one of the most heartwarming moments I have ever been lucky enough to be part of.
This Is Why We Do What We Do
That day wasn’t simply rescue dog transport or a pet collection service.
We were helping bring a family together.
That is what I still love most about Pets 2 Places.
Behind every booking is a person, a pet and a story. Sometimes we’re helping someone reach the vet. Sometimes we’re providing long-distance pet transport. Sometimes we’re helping somebody bring their new best friend home.
Twelve years have taken us from Pets2Vets to Pets 2 Places, from one local service to a franchise network, and now into the next chapter of pet transport safety products.
I cannot wait to see where the next twelve years take us.
Happy 12th birthday, Pets 2 Places Ltd — and thank you to everyone who helped us get here.
Bringing Home a Rescue Pet?
If you’ve found a rescue dog, cat or other pet and need help bringing them home, we’d love to be part of your story too.
Contact Pets 2 Places about collecting your new family member
