The Dog Walker makes senior appointment

Benjamin Barlow - originally from Shropshire but now living in Leeds - has worked in various office and supervisory roles before taking on his current role as a rehabilitation coach for ex-offenders. Ben is making the move to dog walking for a change of lifestyle fuelled by his passion for animals.

The award-winning Dog Walker offers a kinder alternative to kennels with a range of services for busy pet owners including dog walking, pet sitting/boarding and pet-taxi services.

Ben is taking over the Ilkley area franchise and plans to expand the daily dog walks and dog and cat boarding he offers, as well as taking a leading role in the business, working alongside founder and managing director - Richie Womersley. 

Ben said: “I am passionate about the business and supplying such an essential service. I understand the wider impact of owning pets and their needs. I have always had pets myself and to me, they are important members of my family and I treat them as such.

“Looking after other people’s pets puts me in a real position of trust and this is how I will treat my client’s pets to give them every confidence that they are leaving them in the best possible hands.

“I am excited to take on this new challenge. In my role as assistant director I hope to help expand The Dog Walker’s services in the Ilkley area. And what could be better than working for yourself, doing something that you love. It’s a win/win situation for me.”

Outside of work Ben enjoys bodybuilding and is a trained competitive ballroom and Latin dancer.

Richie Womersley - managing director of The Dog Walker - said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben as our new assistant director. He is a passionate animal lover with a strong business background. He will bring some fresh, new ideas to the business as a whole alongside his day to day services.”