Start-up CEO Josh Humphries is among a growing number of Australians to rely on hired carers, to shuttle their pets between home and vets or groomers.
“My partner was able to drop Digby off this morning [to the groomers], but I had a whole bunch of business calls today, so I couldn’t pick him up,” Mr Humphries told SBS Small Business Secrets.
“I think in general we’d spend at least $200 a month, with food bills and looking after Digby.
“So, comparatively, having to use [a service] once a month, it’s just a part of that expense.”
Josh contracted driver Elli Siros through a rapidly growing pet sitting service, PetCloud.
Josh Humphries and Digby. Source: SBS Sandra Fulloon
Elli is a former taxi driver who collected Digby from a local dog groomer and returned him in her own car. The fee is based on kilometres traveled, much like paying for a ride share or taxi.
“You meet so many wonderful people who genuinely love their animals, so it's a pleasure to care for them,” Elli says.
Petcloud CEO Deb Morrison recently expanded the six-year-old online booking venture, to include this new taxi service.
Deb started the Brisbane based business after struggling to find suitable care for her dog while traveling for work.
“PetCloud’s mission is all about making responsible pet care easy, where we partner with pet owners and also with responsible pet carers," Deb says.
PetCloud founder Deb Morrison. Source: Supplied
"We cover many aspects of a pet’s life, helping busy pet owners or supporting people living with disabilities.”
The former airline digital executive sold a house to fund the start-up, later hiring a team to develop her online platform.
“What began as a website to connect pet owners and carers, has now grown to more than 100,000 users across Australia.”
The pet industry in Australia has boomed during Covid-19. Australians own almost five million dogs, and many owners are spending more than ever on their fur babies.
According to research by IBIS world, this year the industry is valued at almost $6 billion. More than $2 billion is spent annually on pet food alone.
Sydney entrepreneur Fiona Eakin is among those profiting from the upswing, through her home based venture Pupcakes by Fi. In the last year, her Sydney business has experienced steady growth.
Pupcakes founder Fiona Eakin. Source: SBS Sandra Fulloon
“At the start of this year, my orders were at least double the previous year, so I am getting a lot of new customers in 2021,” she says.
Her range of nutritious muffins are sold as doggie delicacies, made from healthy ingredients, like cream-cheese, apple and kangaroo treats.
“Everything is highest grade for people who want to take care of their pets.
“You could basically eat them as well, you’d just have to spit out the chicken treats, or the fish treats,” Ms Eakin says.
For pet taxi driver Ellie Siros, collecting dogs from appointments is about more than money.
"I do this because of the enjoyment I get out of it, and knowing that the owners will be happy by the way I looked after their pet."
