Just to say how grateful we are to you and Christine for looking after our wee darling Seumas so well when we were on our holidays.He is his usual wee happy self, which is amazing considering he is such a baby.We have put up the picture of Seumas and his new best friends in pride of place, on our fridge.I am certain Seumas will be going back to the farm for a wee bit more R and R in the future.
Fergus and Anne, Glasgow September 2011
As we can't commit to having our own dog full-time, becoming a host family for Barking mad came along at the right time. Our lives have been enriched by all the dogs we've looked after, big or small, laid-back or mischievous! We cant imagine what life would be like without Barking Mad, quieter maybe, but not half as much fun!Denise and Clive, Paston, Norwich September 2011
Our Story
I was planning a family trip in 1999 and felt so dreadful about leaving my Dalmatian puppy Bronte behind, that I almost cancelled. I tried to find a suitable alternative to kennels or house sitting but there simply wasn’t one.
The best businesses are often borne out of a market need and Barking Mad is no exception. My research showed that there was a demand for an alternative to traditional pet care, and so with a background in sales and marketing I set about creating a whole new concept. Barking Mad was launched in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria in May 2000, as a professional and personal service for dog lovers.
Initially I ran the business alongside my consultancy work, however Barking Mad quickly took over. The website I had designed a few months earlier was creating interest from customers, host families and partners across the UK, so we decided to expand nationally through the franchise route.
It took 18 months to get our business ready for the franchise market, but with the help of a well respected consultant and lawyer, both affiliates of the BFA, Barking Mad took centre stage at the franchise exhibition in October 2002. Today we have sold 65% of the UK and also operate overseas in Cyprus. We have a business partner in the USA who operates our system, and we have plans for further expansion both within the UK and overseas.
Barking Mad is a robust business which has continued to grow, even during recession. We’ve received some amazing PR including an interview on Chris Evans Drive Time Show, BBC TWO Working Lunch, The Daily Mail, The Express, The Guardian and several glossies. I put our success down to the strength of our brand, the simplicity of the business model and our determination to become a household name.
On a personal note, I am continually rewarded by seeing how many lives have changed positively as a result of Barking Mad, including those of our customers and their dogs, host families, franchisees and the support team at HQ. I met my husband through the business, so it really has been a life changing experience for me too!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website.
Lee Dancy
Managing Director