Hols Pets Turns 4: Growth, Change and Looking Ahead
- Holly
- May 1
- 5 min read
Hols Pets turns 4 today! 1st May 2026.
When I first started, I don’t think I fully realised just how much it would grow, not just as a business, but in the way I work, the direction I’ve taken, and the person I’ve become through it. What started with regular dog walking and pet sitting has gradually evolved into something much more considered. And looking back over the past four years, that growth has come from experience, learning, and being open to change.
Growing as a Business, and as a Founder
Alongside building Hols Pets day-to-day, I’ve also spent a lot of time investing in myself and the business behind the scenes. Over the past few years, I’ve attended a range of events, programmes and networking groups, not because I felt I had to, but because I wanted to understand how to run and grow a business properly.
Through things like the NatWest Accelerator programme, I’ve learned more about developing ideas, understanding funding, and thinking long-term. Attending Women in Business events and personal branding sessions has helped me understand how I present both myself and Hols Pets.
I’ve also taken part in ESBC business engagement events, covering topics like innovation, motivation and mental health in business, as well as attending National Forest Business Networking meet-ups, connecting with other local businesses on a regular basis.
Through the Growth Ladder programme and working with a business coach, I’ve been able to step back and look at how to move the business forward in a more structured way. And through Staffordshire Chambers, I’ve connected with advisors, mentors and people working on their own projects, all bringing different perspectives and ideas.
Why It Matters
A lot of the people I’ve met along the way don’t work with animals at all, but that’s been one of the most valuable parts. Most are solo entrepreneurs, building something from the ground up, just like I am. Being able to connect with people on that level, share experiences, and learn how others approach their work has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not about comparison or competition, it’s about understanding, perspective, and building confidence in how I run my own business.
Continuing to Learn
Alongside that, I’ve continued to build on my knowledge within animal care. Over the past few years, I’ve completed:
Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour
Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters Association certification
Animal and Dog First Aid (Emergency Care)
This builds on my existing qualifications, including a BSc (Hons) in Zoo Biology, a diploma in Animal Industrial Studies, and a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, alongside years of hands-on experience working with a wide range of animals. From working with large species like lions and wolves, to domestic pets like dogs, cats and small animals, those experiences, and the mentors I’ve met along the way, have shaped how I approach every visit today.
How Hols Pets Has Evolved
Hols Pets has changed a lot over the past four years. I started with a focus on pet sitting, which then expanded into dog walking, and over time naturally transitioned into the services I offer today: cat sitting, one-to-one dog walking, and small animal care. Some of those changes have come from experience, and some from personal decisions.
I absolutely loved overnight pet sitting, and it’s something I still offer to a small number of long-standing clients. But as the business grew and my own circumstances changed, it felt right to step back from offering it more widely. With my own health, and my dog getting older (he turned 14 this year), it became important to create a business that allowed me to be present at home as well.
A Growing Focus on Cats and Small Animals
Over time, I’ve found myself naturally moving more towards cat sitting and small animal care.
Cats have always had a special place in my life. My first ever pet was a cat called Cola, a rescue from the RSPCA in Burton. He gave me some of my earliest and best memories, and that connection has stayed with me ever since.
Now, with four cats of my own, that understanding runs through every visit I do. I genuinely enjoy getting to know each cat’s personality, how they approach, how they communicate, what makes them feel comfortable. The same applies to small animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, rats, each one has their own routine, their own way of interacting, and their own needs. It’s something I’ve come to really value as part of what I offer.
Consistency in Dog Walking
One thing that hasn’t changed is my approach to dog walking. I’ve always offered one-to-one walks, and I’m incredibly grateful to still have some of my day-one clients with me. Over the years, I’ve also said goodbye to some very special dogs, and it’s meant a lot to be trusted again with new additions to those families. That continuity is something I never take for granted.
Building a Team
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to grow Hols Pets to the point where I’ve been able to bring others into it. My mum, Juliet, now works part-time with me, and Anya supports during busier periods. Anya and I originally worked together in a previous pet care role, and having her involved again brings a level of trust and experience that means a lot.
It’s still a small team, but it’s one built on familiarity, reliability and shared values.
Supporting Charites and Sponsorship
Alongside building Hols Pets, supporting charities and local initiatives has also become an important part of what I do. During the first three years, I supported Amicii Dog Rescue, a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs from Romania. It’s something that’s really close to my heart, as it’s where I got my dog Flynn from. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to the work they do has been incredibly meaningful.
Closer to home, last year I organised a donation drop for the RSPCA Burton, helping to provide items that directly benefit the animals in their care. This was especially important to me, as many of my clients’ pets are rescues from this charity.
Within the local community, I’ve also sponsored Burton Radio, a not-for-profit station that supports local voices and businesses, as well as various local dog shows and events. These are always lovely opportunities to be part of something community-led, where people come together through a shared love of animals.
It’s not something I often highlight, but it’s an important part of Hols Pets. Supporting both animal welfare and the local community feels like a natural extension of the business and the values behind it.
Sharing the Journey
Alongside everything else, I’ve also grown my social platforms over the past few years. Through YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, I’ve been able to share real, everyday life with the animals I care for, the routines, the personalities, and the moments that make this work what it is.
It’s something I genuinely enjoy, and it’s been lovely to see others enjoy it too. I’ve also recently set up a small “Buy Me a Coffee” page, a simple way for anyone who follows along and wants to support that side of what I do. As always, it goes straight back into the animals through treats, enrichment and little extras.
Looking Ahead
Four years in, Hols Pets feels more aligned than ever.
It’s calmer, more focused, and built around what matters most, providing consistent, thoughtful care, while continuing to grow in a way that feels right for both the business and my own life. There’s still plenty ahead, but this year feels like a strong foundation for what comes next.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who has supported Hols Pets over the past four years, whether that’s through bookings, recommendations, or simply following along. It really does mean more than you know!
Until next time, happy pet parenting!
Love, Holly x
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