A FORMER Ilkley Grammar School student is seeking backing from small investors to raise cash to market her new pet-related business.

Veterinary physiotherapist Marianne Strange, who grew up in Skipton, is launching an online business – Protect My Pet – which aims to ensure pet owners maintain regular flea and other treatments to keep their animals healthy.

Marianne said people spend about £56 million a year on flea treatment for their pets and the pet care market is worth about £42 billion. She believes there is a gap in the market and, if successful, plans to expand the range of products and services provided.

She has just days to raise about £3,000 towards the cost of marketing and promoting the new venture, which she is launching with a business partner who is a working vet.

Marianne is hoping people will invest through the crowd-funding campaign, which runs until Wednesday. Those interested can back the project with as little as £2 – and £1 will be donated to charity.

Marianne, who now lives in London, said: "Even as a veterinary professional myself and having the best intentions, I still find it difficult to remember when to treat my own dogs and cats for fleas and worms.

"Speaking to clients, I realised there were plenty of other pet owners out there who also forgot to treat their pets for fleas and worms, and that was where the concept for Protect My Pet was born.

"The new business is an online subscription service for pet owners. Subscribers will receive a tailor-made package containing essential flea and worming treatments, along with some healthy treats.

"The products will be selected by a vet and packaged in a box small enough to fit through a letterbox and delivered monthly to help spread the cost. When it arrives in the post, it’s time to dose."

Rather than offering backers equity in the business, Marianne will offer them the Protect My Pet service at a discount.

So far, she has secured pledges for about £600 but hopes that by appealing directly to pet owners she will secure the funding needed for a marketing campaign.

Marianne has been shortlisted in the top 100 contestants in The Pitch, the UK's biggest small business competition. She is bidding to reach the final in November, where she will pitch her business plan to a live audience of judges, investors and supporters to try and win the top prize package of expert mentoring and other business support.

Visit igg.me/at/protectmypet247 if you are interested in investing in the business venture.