"We are a nation of pet lovers - so much so that it is estimated there are now over 16 million household pets in the UK," remarks Jacky Hall, Managing Director of The Bunnery. "If you yourself have a pet you will appreciate how difficult it is to ensure they are properly cared for when you go on holiday or away for some other reason. Will your pets be fed regularly? Will they be correctly looked after? What happens if they become ill?"

These questions led Jacky to formulate the concept for The Bunnery. Looking for an opportunity that would allow her to work from home, she hit upon the idea of offering high quality 'five star' accommodation for rabbits and other small pets while their owners are on holiday. "The Bunnery is very much a lifestyle franchise, designed for people who care about pets and who need the opportunity to earn a reasonable income from a simple and enjoyable home-based business," she explains. "By offering spacious accommodation, controlled temperatures, good food and the care of a properly trained franchisee, our customers are able to enjoy the most important thing when it comes to the care of their pets: peace of mind."

The pilot operation is managed by Jacky in Bromsgrove and has built a base of loyal customers, some of whom travel considerable distances to place their pets in her care.

"The media were quick to appreciate the idea, with both Central Television News and the Birmingham Evening Mail providing substantial news coverage," says Jacky.

"With the assistance of Franchise Development Services, who have helped put together a professional franchise package, we are looking to develop the business nationwide via a network of carefully chosen franchisees."

The Bunnery is offering postcode-based franchise territories, with full training, computer booking software, 15 specially-designed accommodation units for the pets, all other equipment, business stationery and an initial supply of advertising leaflets included in the initial franchise package. The training covers setting up the business (accounts, taxation, record keeping, legislation and budgeting), running the franchise (pet accommodation, cleaning and feeding routines, booking procedures, pricing and payments, advertising and mailings, dealing with customers), and other important issues (health and dietary requirements of rabbits and other pets, what to do in the case of illness, Health and Safety matters and all other relevant legislation).

"Each The Bunnery franchise will be operated from the franchisee's home, either using spare rooms within the house or outbuildings (stables, garages, etc.)," Jacky explains. "Prospective franchisees will need two indoor areas (either within their home or in out-buildings) each with sufficient space for seven or eight accommodation units and which can be kept at separate temperatures for indoor and outdoor pets.

"This home-based model is very important because it allows franchisees to continue caring for children or other dependent relatives if necessary. It is also this model which gives the business its luxury hotel feel - a major factor for attracting and retaining customers. For the general public, The Bunnery will have the consistent quality standard of a national petcare brand - something which has not been available until now."

The Bunnery is seeking "true animal lovers" for whom the standard of care for customers' pets will be of paramount importance at all times. "The most successful franchisees for The Bunnery will be well-organised and business-minded individuals who love animals and also enjoy dealing with people," says Jackie. "The key task of The Bunnery franchisees will be to maximise the profitable growth of their business by closely following our simple and effective operating systems. Franchisees will use local advertising and leaflet distribution to promote their business but it is expected that word of mouth recommendation and repeat business will play the most important part in growing The Bunnery franchises."