Chester-le-Street animal rehab centre taken over by two enterprising Durham women

An animal rehabilitation centre on the Drum Industrial Estate in County Durham has been taken over by two enterprising Durham women.

Colleagues, Sarah Higrett and Lily Bolingbroke, took the plunge and bought the North East Hydrotherapy Animal Rehabilitation Centre when its founder decided to open a pet shop in the nearby town of Chester-le-Street.

The Centre offers a care programme for injured animals using some of the best technology available. This includes stance analysis, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, state-of-the-art K-Laser therapy treatment, and small animal first aid training course.

Sarah joined the company last year as a trainee hydrotherapist after running her own dog walking businesses. Before this she was airline cabin crew for 18 years and she also breeds and shows Bernese Mountain Dogs. She said: “It made sense to take the bull by the horns and buy the business when the opportunity arose, and we’re so pleased it has worked out.”

Lily, who quit sixth form when she spotted a hydrotherapist job position with the company, said: “I absolutely love working here and helping the animals recover, stay happy and active is really rewarding. So, when Sarah suggested we team up to take over the business I jumped at the chance.”

Initially called Biscuit and Bailey, the Centre’s popularity grew rapidly since it started in 2013 and now sees around 100 furry patients a week referred from vets across the region. As well as Sarah and Lily, the business also employs a receptionist and a veterinary nurse.

Sarah and Lily said: “Going into business together is the best decision we have ever made. It’s going well and we anticipate a steady growth in profits in the future as we continue to help animals recover from injury and illness. It’s such a rewarding job, it really is a dream come true.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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