Laura Findlay The Founder of Solo paws – Based In Perth

With support from Business Gateway Solo Paws, a Scottish dog chaperone business, has seen wedding bookings double that of the previous year.

After years spent working in social enterprise and navigating a challenging period of poor mental health, Perth-based dog lover Laura Findlay found a new sense of purpose through her passion for pets. In late 2023, she launched Solo Paws, a dog chaperone business that’s now helping couples across Scotland include their furry friends in their big day.

Solo Paws offers a range of pet care services, including dog walking and cat sitting, but its standout offering is the bespoke wedding chaperone service. From walking dogs down the aisle to coordinating picture-perfect moments, Laura ensures pets are part of the celebration, without adding stress to the couple or guests.

Laura’s idea was born from personal experience, having had one of her own dogs at her wedding. Spotting a gap in the market, she turned her love for animals into a business that’s both meaningful and unique.

To help bring her vision to life, Laura turned to Business Gateway, where she received tailored support from adviser Michelle Maddox. With guidance on HR and contractor management, Laura was able to outsource work and meet growing demand, especially during busy wedding seasons and holidays. This flexibility also gave her space to focus on personal development and long-term planning.

Business Gateway also helped Laura explore business structure options and provided a sounding board for future growth. Laura credits the support with giving her the confidence and practical tools to turn her idea into a thriving venture.

Now, with 2025 bookings already double those of the previous year, Solo Paws is gearing up for another busy season.

Laura said: “Starting my own business felt scary, especially after being out of work for six years while focusing on my mental wellbeing. I knew I loved animals and had a vision, but I lacked professional experience in the pet care industry.

Thanks to Business Gateway, and drawing on my background in business, I’ve been able to build things up gradually. Michelle has been fantastic—helping me with HR advice, contractor setup, and brainstorming ideas. It’s made a huge difference.”

If you think you could benefit from our support, then contact us today.