Mark Whitaker’s Queensbury opening marks sixth franchise for The Dog Walker Written by Aimee Bradshaw Published on 29 May 2013 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: Aimee Bradshaw Senior Writer Yorkshire’s largest pet care and well-being specialist has taken on a new recruit for its Queensbury franchise; former logistics director Mark Whitaker.The dog walking company, which formed in 2006, currently has a network of five existing franchises with the new opening in Queensbury marking a sixth franchise for the Yorkshire-based business.Over the next couple of years, the company has plans to grow and develop the business on a national level, moving away from its current Yorkshire core.Prospective franchisees can join The Dog Walker with an initial investment of £14,000, plus an additional £250 intellectual property protection charge per year from the second year of trading.Whitaker chose to become a franchisee for the pet care company as his passions lie with animals and their welfare. He and his wife also offer home boarding services to care for animals.He commented on the launch:“Having spent the last 20 years working in the monotonous world of logistics, I was very much ready for a change.“A franchise with The Dog Walker was the perfect solution – a proven business model that puts the needs of clients and their pets first.” Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: Aimee Bradshaw Senior Writer Aimee is Startups' resident expert in business tech, products, and services. She loves a great story and enjoys chatting to the startups and small business community. Starting her own egg delivery business from the age of 12, she has a healthy respect for self-starters and local services.