Ambleside dog lover switches career to look after pets

1:40pm Wednesday 14th September 2011

A DOG lover has left behind a career in social work to launch her own pet care business.

Ms Kim Chick, of Ambleside, set up Ambleside Paws Outdoors to help busy dog owners who struggle to find time to walk their pet or need someone to check in during the day.

Her dog walking and care service provides dogs with three daily home visits and a daily walk, as well as providing a vet taxi service to Oakhill Veterinary in Windermere and Ambleside.

Ms Chick said: “My business aims to fit in with people’s commitments. I know for a lot of people it’s increasingly difficult to fit everything into the day.”

The 48-year-old took voluntary redundancy from her job as a social worker in order set up her firm, which will allow her to mix business with time spent with her 15-week-old border collie, Tilly.

She said: “I wanted a break from social work and I’m a big fan of all things dog – I’ve always enjoyed walking friends’ dogs and I’ve helped to train mountain search dogs.”