Blackpool man turns passion for pets into business

Andrew Hartley, with support from his wife Gill, has launched Animals at Home complete with purpose built animal ambulance to look after Fylde coast pets.

After years of working in a range of hospitality and catering jobs Andrew, who lives near Heron’s Reach close to Stanley Park, decided that it was time to follow his dream of working with animals.

He said: “I wanted to turn a passion into a career. I took stock last year and asked myself do I want to be still doing what I do in 10 years time and thought no.

“My wife and I have a love of animals, we’ve had loads of dogs labradors, springer and cocker spaniels. So I decided to change.

“We have had training from vets, undergone full DEFRA and AHVLA licensing, done nutritional courses and are CRB checked out so it was quite a process.

“The van has full air conditioning with stainless steel cages and an isolation cage for poorly animals.

“The idea is to offer a wide range of animal care services but not veterinary services across the Fylde area right up to Preston.

“We do dog home boarding with a licensed host family, cat home care, house sitting, dog walking, pet taxi and transportation.

“The ambulance can be used for trips to the vets, groomers, house moves and emergencies.

“We collect, accompany and return people’s pets home and can transport pets to anywhere in the UK.

“The vehicle is the real difference to other pet services. We have just started and are already picking up business.”