From left, Denis Chirgwin, managing director of Animals at Home, with his dog, Lily, Debra Nicholson, Animals at Home’s newest franchisee, and Paul Hunt, sales director at Harwoods Renault, Wootton.
HARWOODS Renault proved a dog’s life was not so bad after all when it handed over the latest van to national pet-sitters Animals at Home.
Animals at Home is an Island-based company that allows pet owners to leave their beloved cats, dogs and other furries to be looked after while they go on holiday, as an alternative to the traditional cattery or dog kennels.
The company was set up in 2003 and, as well as its pet sitting service, also offers an animal ambulance for sick animals that need to be rushed to the vet and a transport service for families who are emigrating with pets. Since it started, the company has grown to a multi-million pound operation and has more than 60 franchises across the country and one in Australia.
The latest franchisee, Debra Nicholson, who collected her Kangoo with Denis Chirgwin this week, will be looking after the Bournemouth and New Forest area.
The company founder and owner, Denis Chirgwin, said: "We walk dogs, feed cats and fly elephants!"
He was at Harwoods in Lushington Hill to take delivery of the 65th Renault Kangoo van to join the fleet.
Paul Hunt, sales director at Harwoods, said: "There’s no better recommendation for the practicality and value-for-money of the Kangoo than a customer who drives away in their 65th van.
"We’re delighted to be dealing once again with Denis and Animals at Home. As anyone who knows Denis or has read his book, Guinea Pigs Don’t Bounce, will know, this is a local company that has worked hard and expanded to become successful throughout the UK.
"They will be celebrating their tenth anniversary next year and we hope to be dealing with them for many years to come."
Denis Chirgwin, of Animals at Home, added: "We chose Renault when we were setting up the business because the Kangoo Van is the perfect size for our requirements and easily converted into an animal ambulance. Since then, we’ve dealt with Paul and have found him to be open, friendly and professional.
"As we provide an animal ambulance service, we need a vehicle that’s practical and reliable and we’ve found the Kangoo has offered trouble-free motoring."
For more information, visit Harwoods on Lushington Hill or see the website www.harwoodsgroup.com or Twitter at twitter.com/HarwoodsSales.
For more information on Animals at Home, visit www.animalsathome.co.uk