Back in 2014, I was thrown into a tailspin, and I needed to shift what I was doing for both my family and myself. I have always loved animals and I knew that working with animals would be a dream but where to start? Even back then, there were plenty of dog walkers, pet sitters and boarding facilities.

After a conversation with a vet about how some clients really struggled to get their pets to vets appointments, I got to work on a business plan to address this very need. Pets 2 Vets was born!

In my hometown of Milton Keynes there used to be a service called an Animal Ambulance, run by a couple who did this completely voluntary. As with most things that are free, there is always a cost to someone somewhere along the way. This couple dedicated not just their time to transporting pets, they also had to tirelessly fundraise to keep the service going. Sadly, the service could not continue.

That is why I planned to run this as a business. In a similar way to how you would pay for a taxi to pick you up and take you where you need to go, a pet taxi offers a similar service – we just REALLY welcome your pets too.

Growth based on demand

Over the years Pets 2 Vets became Pets 2 Places as I expanded to offer my clients exactly what they were looking for – taking their beloved pooch for a regular groom, dropping the dogs off to the kennels, a trip to the beach and even play dates visiting friends and families.

Despite all the great feedback from clients and the enquiries we get every single day from all over the UK, when I talk to people face to face it is clear that a pet taxi is relatively unheard of.  

A common misconception

When I explain what we offer, most people jump to the conclusion that is a service for the elderly or people who cannot drive. And yes, we do have a lot of customers that fit this profile. But, we also have a lot of others too.

• Customers who need us because their car is suddenly off the road
• People who need picking up from an airport or ferry with their pet
• People who are anxious about what will be said and need that support person with them
• Busy professionals who want to spend their weekends enjoying quality time with their pets and not waiting at the groomers

Do you think you know someone who could benefit from a pet taxi service either on a regular basis or for an ad hoc appointment? Here are just a few comments to describe how our clients use us.

“On becoming very unwell, we sadly had to take our lovely 19 year old cat to the vets urgently. Unfortunately, we found out she had cancer. The same day, the tough decision to have her put to sleep was absolutely heart wrenching. Claire was available at very short notice and was supportive and very caring to me. I definitely recommend her services.”

“With a vet appointment booked for my 13 year old Labrador and my car off the road I was unsure how I was going to get her there. Luckily, I remembered the ad I’d seen for Pets 2 Places.

Easy to book an appointment, turned up on time and the transport was great with a big boot. Our old girl can’t jump into cars any more but Claire helped me lift her in and was so calm & matter of fact about it that it stopped me from stressing. She waited for me with no pressure, then back in the car and home.

Lovely lady, relaxing service and would definitely use again.”

You can read more of our reviews and give us a like on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Pets2Places/reviews. Alternatively, if you have a need, just give us a call and we can talk you through the services.