Animal lover Lisa Davies has launched a pet care business with a difference.

After 22 years in insurance, the RSPCA volunteer has set up Alby & Eric, offering top quality pet services to dog and cat owners, as well as those with smaller pets.

Having reached a senior position in the insurance industry, she changed course into self-employment to follow her long-held aim of running a pet care businesses to help both owners and their pets in Abercarn and surrounding areas.

Dog ownership in the area is high, as the picturesque valley offers excellent walking.

“Many people here have dogs and favour those which have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise, such as Springer Spaniels,” said Lisa. “That means a lot of people here need help with their animals, particularly if they work full time.”

Alby & Eric, (named after her own German Shepherd Dog and father’s Springer) offers grooming, walking and pet sitting for four legged friends.

Lisa has invested £10,000 in top-of-the-range equipment for her new salon at her home in Llanfach Road in Abercarn.

The venture has been supported by a £500 Business Start-Up Grant from Caerphilly County Borough Council and Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

Alby & Eric offers a comprehensive range of grooming and pamper care, at whatever level is required.

Lisa said: “These days people are very busy, and don’t always have the time to spend with their animals as they would like.

“We offer an animal visiting service in the day to check on the pet and make sure everything is OK.”

She has just completed her six week professional dog grooming in Classic Canine Cuts in Blackwood, an award-winning City & Guilds accredited salon.

“I have always loved animals and I have a passion for animal welfare,” she said.

She has worked as a volunteer and fund raiser for the RSPCA in the local area for many years.

“It is an excellent organisation with a lot of committed people doing great work,” she said.

Caerphilly Council cabinet member for environment and economic regeneration Sean Morgan said: “It is good to see this new venture being launched. The Council’s Business Start-Up Grant, delivered in conjunction with UK Steel Enterprise, is an important tool in helping to encourage enterprise in the county borough.”

Glyn Thomas, manager in Wales for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to have played a part in helping Lisa launch this new business, which will add to the range of local services in the community and improve the quality of life for both pets and their owners.”