New taxi breed take animal fares

Sherrill Watts' collie Tess sits in the back of her Animal Taxi

A new breed of taxis are taking to the roads in Wales - ones with cats, dogs hamsters and parrots as passengers.

From Abergele in the north to Newport in the south dedicated cabs are driving pets to the vets, on holiday or to a favoured walking destination.

The latest to open is Animal Taxi in Llanelli, set up by Sherrill Watts who found buses and regular taxis often refused to carry her two pet dogs.

She has adapted her van complete with ramp for pets with mobility problems.

The 48-year-old said it was the first time she had tried her hand at running her own business but believed it was a service the town had been crying out for.

"I though of it while experiencing immense problems in managing my own pets when my car was off the road," she said.

She has adapted a ramp for her van for pets with mobility problems

"I found some bus drivers would accept my large Alsatian cross on the bus, while others would not.

"Even visiting my mother's house five miles away became extremely difficult.

"With my two dogs I could walk there but dreaded the long walk home with them late at night."

Mrs Watts said she thought most of the demand would be for transporting animals to the vet.

But she added: "It gives dog owners without their own transport the opportunity to walk their pets in areas a little further afield to their usual haunts.

"Many people would also love to take their pets with them on holiday, but cannot due to transportation problems.

"Animal Taxi can take your pet to your holiday destination and pick it up again when it's time to go home."

The business is the latest in a growing number in Wales.

Animal Taxi is the first business venture for Sherrill Watts

Veterinary nurse Paula Ubysz founded Pet Porter in Moelfre, near Abergele, north Wales, earlier in the year.

She describes her business as a pet courier service rather than taxi and said she was pleased with the way it was going.

"There does seem to be quite a lot of interest and because I work at the vets I could see there was a need for it," she explained.

A lot of her jobs involve taking owners and their animals to the surgery but she has also transported cats to catteries and had enquiries about cross country journeys.

In Llanelli, Mrs Watts said she believed there would be a big growth in animal taxis once the idea caught on.

"I know it will take time to build it up, but it's something that the town has been crying out for."