Barking Mad Norwich looking for new owner to take over

Vicky Walker, who set up Barking Mad Norwich, in 2022 is hoping that she can leave her more than 100-strong customers in trusted paws of another after deciding to move to Wales with her family.

Vicky Walker, who set up Barking Mad Norwich, in 2022 (Image: Vicky Walker)

The company offers an alternative to traditional kennels – matching each dog with a selected host family – instead of being placed in boarding facilities.

Vicky, who currently lives in Earlham Road, said: “This business has been more than just a job – it's been a joy. 

The company offers an alternative to traditional kennels – matching each dog with a selected host family (Image: Vicky Walker)

“It's allowed me to work flexibly around my family, meet so many brilliant dogs, people and be part of a supportive network.

“It's with a heavy heart though that I'll be stepping away from the business later this year.

Vicky said she'll be stepping away from the business later this year (Image: Vicky Walker)

“This decision hasn't been an easy one, but family is incredibly important to me and I will be moving to Wales to be closer to my extended family.

“I'm proud of what's been built and excited to see someone else take it forward.”

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Growing in popularity since opening the business has bookings until November this year, with some provisional bookings pencilled in for 2026.

Barking Mad Norwich has more than 100 customers under its service (Image: Vicky Walker)

It also has a strong social media presence with 1,000 and 400 Facebook and Instagram followers respectively.

Vicky decided to take the plunge of caring for the city folk's dogs after the death of her dad, Peter Walker, in September 2020.

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Since then she's been able to help not only care for pets while their owners are away but has helped re-home an anxious pup.

Barking Mad Norwich was also able to help two-year-old French Bulldog Boris, pictured right, find a new home (Image: Newsquest)

Vicky was contacted by the French Bulldog Welfare Trust in 2023 to save two-year-old Boris, who was struggling with life after a previous re-homing effort wasn't working out.

After six weeks helping build Boris' confidence she was able to give him a new forever home in Grove Avenue in NR1.

Barking Mad Norwich also has a strong social media presence (Image: Vicky Walker)