In the spotlight with Lucie Culley from Wooflinks

In the spotlight with Lucie Culley from Wooflinks

Author: Rachel Spencer January 14, 2025 Duration: 52:03
Your pet business, Your way
BusinessAnimalsEntrepreneurshipFamilyKidsKids & FamilyMarketingPets

When Lucie Culley saw dog owners struggling to find trusted pet care professionals, she set out to create a solution to making finding support easy.

And when she connected with pet professionals as her idea started to take shape, she realised they were frazzled with trying to keep up with the demands of endless platforms.

So she created Wooflinks, a platform that connects dog owners with ethical and professional services, including groomers, trainers, walkers, pet sitters, and dog-friendly holiday destinations.

Plus, Lucie launched while juggling the demands of two small kids, having no experience of the pet space, imposter syndrome, and a complete career change.

In this episode, Lucie shares how she turned her idea into a trusted community for dog owners and pet professionals, the lessons she learned along the way, and her passion for promoting ethical practices in the industry.

Whether you're a dog lover, a pet professional, or a small business owner, you'll get loads of inspiration from Lucie and will find all the links to connect at the end of this post.

Key topics and timings:

1:40 - Introduction to Lucie and the inspiration behind Wooflinks

03:30 - How running a local directory for small businesses in her area in lockdown gave Lucie the idea to start one for dogs.

06:15 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and figuring out where she could fit in with the dog care industry

11:20 - The importance of ethical dog care and setting standards

16:45 - How Wooflinks connects dog owners with trusted professionals

21:10 - Juggling being a mum, another business, and launching Wooflinks

29:50 - How Lucie provides video content and free resources to build relationships and visibility

34:15 - Challenges in creating a trusted directory

40:50 - The community policing model and why Lucie asks her users to support her and help maintain standards

47:20 - Lucie’s advice for anyone starting out in a new industry

49:35 - What's next for Lucie and Wooflinks

Key quotes:

“I knew this idea had legs when I saw how much dog owners were struggling to find reliable professionals - they needed a trusted platform.”

“Imposter syndrome is a beast, but once I decided what I wanted to be was a champion for small businesses, everything fell into place.”

“People need to know there’s a place for ethical, professional dog care—where quality and trust come first.”

“Building a directory from scratch while raising two kids was chaos, but it showed me what I’m capable of.”

“I’m not a dog trainer, but I’m passionate about supporting professionals who are doing things the right way.”

Links mentioned in this episode:

Visit Wooflinks: wooflinks.co.uk

Follow Wooflinks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wooflinksuk/

Find Wooflinks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wooflinksuk


There's a persistent myth in the pet industry that success requires a rigid, one-size-fits-all formula. Your Pet Business, Your Way exists to dismantle that idea entirely. Hosted by Rachel Spencer, a journalist and accredited coach with deep roots in this world, this podcast is a conversation for pet professionals-groomers, trainers, walkers, product makers-who feel exhausted by generic marketing advice and industry trends that clash with their personal values and lifestyle. Rachel brings her background as a mentor and author to frank discussions about building a sustainable enterprise that doesn't demand you sacrifice your family time, your sanity, or your unique voice. Episodes delve into practical strategies for marketing, client relationships, and entrepreneurship, but always through the lens of your individual circumstances. You'll hear from Rachel directly, as well as insights from others navigating the same path, focusing on how to grow a business that genuinely fits around your life, whether that involves kids, other passions, or simply a desire for more autonomy. This isn't about following a rulebook; it's about writing your own. Tune in for a refreshingly realistic take on creating a pet business that thrives on your terms, making this podcast a trusted resource for anyone who believes their love for animals and their personal ambitions can truly coexist.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
instagramlinkedinspotify
Your pet business, Your way
Podcast Episodes
How to create a pet business Social Media Calendar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
As a pet business owner, showing up regularly and having a social media strategy is key for reaching and engaging with your target audience. One of the best ways to ensure you’re consistent and can make the sales you hop…
In the spotlight with Fiona Pedley The Canine VA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Fiona Pedley is known as The Canine VA, a virtual assistant specialising in supporting dog businesses.A former executive assistant working in corporate, Fiona began her self-employed journey in the 2020 lockdown, making…
Behind the scenes of the first year running Sunnyside Cottage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
In June 2023, I launched my first pet-related business, a dog-friendly holiday let called Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay. In the first year, the bookings and takings have doubled compared to the previous year, and…
Do qualifications matter as a pet professional? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
Do qualifications matter when you’re working as a pet professional or running a pet business?This is a topic that comes up regularly on my coaching calls, and online, with a range of clients from different parts of the i…
In the spotlight with Helen King from Scotty's Cartoons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
Helen ‘Scotty’ King is a cartoonist and illustrator supporting business owners in the pet industry by bringing their messages to life.She works with all kinds of clients, including holiday cottage owners, product makers,…
20 takeaways from the PIF Business of Pets event 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
In this bonus episode, I'm sharing key takeaways from the Business of Pets event organised by the Pet Industry Federation. This covers range of topics including the importance of having a mentor, the value of a strong su…
Choosing the right pet business membership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
Would you like support in growing your pet business and to feel part of a community by joining a membership?It can be lonely and overwhelming as a solo business owner, and there are always new skills and challenges to fi…

«1...345678910»