Member Article

Young entrepreneurs barking up the right tree

A natural affinity with man’s best friend has led two young Sunderland men to start up their own business. Ben Dingwall and Leslie De Cruz have turned what was once a hobby into a reputable business with plans for expansion on a national level.

When family members or friends went on holiday, Ben and Leslie would always volunteer to look after their dogs, either going round and walking them several times a day and spending time with them, or moving in and house sitting for the duration of the holiday. They put their heads together and worked out how to turn this love of working with animals into a profitable business and ‘Bark and Walk Pet Services’ was born.

The firm offers services from dog walking and dog transport to house sitting or visiting homes, including security checks. Each pet and owner who comes on board receives a free initial consultation to work out a personalised pet plan which includes details such as preferred walking route to pet’s bedtimes.

Ben said: “Ever since we were little, Leslie and I have always loved animals. We’ve both got dogs ourselves and get on really well with them. It was only natural for us to want to work with them and this business gives us the best opportunity to do so.”

Ron Anderson, their business start up advisor at Social Enterprise Sunderland, said: “The best businesses come from ideas which people are passionate about and Leslie and Ben are certainly putting 100% in to this one. It’s admirable to see such hard work and dedication and the plans they have to expand, even though they are just beginning, are impressive to say the least.”

Bark and Walk Pet Services cover the majority of the Tyne and Wear area. To find our further information please contact Ben Dingwall on 07902259063.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .