Where It All Began - Laura's Story...
After years of running a successful daycare, Laura wanted to help others do the same without making the same mistakes she did. The Paw Print Manual was born from her journey; every win, mistake and lesson compacted into one clear practical guide. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to grow, this is the roadmap Laura wishes she had when she began.
Hi, I’m Laura and I never thought I’d be running a dog daycare business.
This is my story…
Eight years ago, I was in one of the darkest places of my life. I was dealing with major eye complications from Type 1 Diabetes – something I’ve lived with since I was six. At 29, a doctor told me I could lose my eyesight within three months!!
I went through surgery after surgery… nothing worked.
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Eventually, I had a full vitrectomy. We even had the Blind Society visit our home to prepare me for life without sight. At the same time, I was in the middle of a whistleblowing case at my job working 90-hour weeks in a care home, fighting to do the right thing.
It was stressful, thankless and breaking me. I’d often leave work in tears, completely burnt out. Worse still, I missed having a dog in my life. We had lost our two beautiful German Shepherd rescues, Sam and Trooper and I couldn’t justify getting another while working so many hours.
But I missed it. So I decided to volunteer – to give back, even if just a little. I took to Facebook, searching for someone who might need a hand. That’s when I found a lady needing someone to walk her dogs while she was at work. I reached out and explained my schedule was tricky…
She replied: “I’ll pay you £200 a month for five hours a week.” I couldn’t believe it. Someone was going to pay me… to walk dogs?
Max and Wilfy – two beautiful Heinz 57s – became my first ever clients.
One Yes Led to Another…
While walking Max and Wilfy, I met Lolly’s mum. Lolly was a gorgeous brindle Staffy who needed a solo lunchtime walk. Problem was… my driving licence had been revoked because of my eyesight. Lolly lived a 30-minute walk away. Was it worth an hour and a half of my time for a fiver? Logic said no. My heart said – absolutely. So I walked.
During those long walks, I chatted with every dog owner I met. People started asking: “Are you a dog walker?” And I thought… well, I suppose I am now. That’s how I met Charlie – a blonde Cockapoo and the only dog Lolly would tolerate.
Charlie became my first full-time daycare dog. Five days a week. He was like joint custody between me and his mum and dad. Then someone asked me, “Do you do boarding?” I didn’t even know what that was. But I said yes.
The Accidental Business
One by one, the offers came in. Walking. Boarding. Daycare. I wasn’t starting a business – I was just saying “yes” to people… because I loved dogs. But the truth was – I couldn’t keep working 90-hour weeks in a job that was breaking me. I left.
A few weeks later, I had Jock – a West Highland Terrier – stretched out on my sofa for a two-week stay. We went on day trips. I sent his owners photos and updates every day. When they came to collect him, they handed me £200… and booked the same dates for next year.
That was it.
From that moment, things grew – quickly, messily, beautifully.
Becoming “ASAS”
There were bumps in the road. Holes in the garden. Plenty of muddy paw prints. But every day, I figured it out. Eventually, I gave my business a name: All Shapes and Size Pet Care (ASAS).
Where We Are Today
Fast forward to today – I have over 70 regular loyal customers. Dogs with their own personalities who are like part of my family.
In the summer, I can earn over £2,000 in a week just from boarding alone. But more importantly… I have freedom. I exercise every day. I explore beautiful new places. I’m home with the dogs I love. I’ll never go back to a job that made me miserable.
If You’re Reading This…
And wondering if it’s really possible – It is. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are muddy paws. There are long days. But if you love dogs…you’ve already got everything you need. Because when you do what you love – work stops feeling like work. And you never look back.
What to expect from the guide
This is a no-fluff, no-nonsense guide to running a 5-star doggy daycare business. I’m sharing everything I’ve learned – the good, the bad and the downright messy – from building my business from scratch.
The wins, the mistakes, the things no one tells you. If I can do it, you can too.
This business has changed my life. It’s given me freedom, purpose and a career I love. And now, I’m going to show you how to build yours – for real.
Laura x
Access The Paw Print Manual ...
Ready to get started? Whether you’re starting small at home or aiming to open a full facility, this manual will save you time, money, and guesswork by helping you do it right the first time.
Purchase your copy today and start building a business that works for you – and the dogs you care for.
