The founder of a company offering a babysitting service for pets is appealing to families across the borough to become hosts.

Hilary Graveney, 44, set up a franchise of the Lancashire-based company, Barking Mad, last October after a career as a training consultant.

She explains: "I really wanted a change of scene, in my previous job I spent a lot of time away from home so I decided to combine the career change with my love of dogs and Barking Mad came about."

The idea behind the business is that pet owners can hand over their pets to host families while they go away on holiday and know they are in safe hands.

Hilary said: "Some people say the best thing about being a grandparent is handing the children back at the end of the day. The canine equivalent for dogs is Barking Mad."

Hilary works from an office based in Warlingham but looks after pets from all over the south of the borough. A number of Hilary's hosts are also from the Croydon area.

However, after the success of the company in recent months Hilary is keen to recruit additional host families in order to keep up with the continued demand for the service, particularly through the summer months. She said: "Pets are suitably matched with a loving host family who continues the owner's existing routine for exercising and feeding, and whose environment is similar to the pet's home.

"Many host families are retired people who miss the routine and exercise when they suddenly find themselves without a pet. Alternatively, they may be at home during the day with children or pets of their own, and a visiting dog compliments their existing situation perfectly."

Potential hosts must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of dog care and are met at home, where an initial interview and home inspection are carried out.

Hosts are provided with a comprehensive Barking Mad host handbook, which includes information about pet behaviour, pet care and first aid.

Every host also has 24 hour back-up from the area office, seven days a week.

If you are interested in becoming a Barking Mad host, please contact Hilary Graveney on 01883 626784 or 07961 830507 or visit barkingmad.uk.com. Host families will receive a small fee for their time.