Claire Harris is the founder of Pets2Places, the UK’s first pet taxi service that ensures beloved animals can safely travel wherever their owners need them to be. What started as a simple idea between jobs has now grown into a pioneering business model and a franchise opportunity. Claire’s journey is one of resilience, self-learning, and empowerment — proving that with passion and determination, women can build impactful businesses even without a blueprint. Her story inspires our 5M+ strong community as we work together on the mission of She for She and He for She.
Q: Claire, what inspired you to start Pets2Places?
It actually happened quite randomly! Someone suggested the idea to me, saying people often struggled to get their pets to the vet. Since I love animals and I’m good with people, I thought, “Why not?” I was in between jobs at the time and gave it a try. Initially, it was called Pets2Vets, but soon I realized people needed help taking their pets everywhere — to groomers, when moving homes, or just about anywhere. That’s when it became Pets2Places.
Q: That’s such a unique idea. What was it like starting out?
When I began, I had no idea how to run a business. I literally started with just £100, a cheap mobile phone, and a handful of leaflets. The business grew quickly, but I didn’t know about accounts, administration, or websites. I made plenty of mistakes in those early years and had to learn everything the hard way — from accounting and social media to SEO and customer management. Today, I’ve become the country’s leading authority on pet transport. Now, as a franchisor, I’m able to pass on my knowledge to others who want to start their own business. That’s an incredible feeling because I can now be the mentor I once needed.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur, and what are your thoughts on women’s empowerment?
I think women still have a long way to go in business. Often, people assume the “founder” is a man, not a woman, which shows the bias we still face. But women make great leaders because we aren’t driven by ego — we get the job done. One big challenge is that women often have to balance business with household responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. Personally, I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner and grown-up children, but many women don’t have that support. That’s why I admire women who manage businesses while raising families. My advice is simple: believe in yourself. Even if you have just one person cheering you on, that’s enough. And if your immediate circle isn’t supportive, you’ll find your tribe online. My assistant and my LinkedIn community have been an incredible source of encouragement.
Q: What goals do you have for the future?
For 2025, my biggest goal is to expand Pets2Places through franchising and to support new franchisees in building their businesses. I’m also working on a product design related to pet safety, which I hope to bring to life through prototypes. Another important focus for me is raising awareness and conducting research on safe pet transport — something I’m really passionate about. This year is about laying foundations so that we’re ready to shine in the future.
Q: With AI being such a big conversation globally, what are your thoughts on it?
I don’t know everything AI can do, but from what I’ve seen, it’s definitely a positive tool. For instance, I use ChatGPT to refine grant applications or content. My franchisee, who is dyslexic, finds AI especially helpful for submitting job sheets to the bookkeeper. It saves time and makes things easier. So while people sometimes fear AI, I see it as a way to streamline processes and help those who face challenges with traditional methods.
“My message to women who want to start their own business is: if you believe in yourself, you’ve got this. Don’t give up — even one person cheering for you can make all the difference.” – Claire Harris
Connect with Claire Harris: LinkedIn | Website
Want to be featured? If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
