All aboard the 'Wigglebum Bus': Local couple drives passion for pets into unique dog walking service

Chris Whelan 

Editor

Jeff Johnston

Columnist

Jeff and I discovered a local pet care service recently that is turning heads and wagging tails across our community with the launch of its adorable, custom-painted vehicle affectionately known as the "Wigglebum Bus." Wigglebum Dog Walking Company, founded by dedicated dog lovers Krystyn Errington and her husband Nick, has transformed their personal passion into a thriving business, offering a unique pick-up and delivery service that promises canine adventures for its furry clientele.

For Errington, the journey began simply, driven by a lifelong affinity for dogs. "Wigglebum Dog Walking Company has always been a passion project," she shared. "We are both lifelong dog lovers, myself growing up with golden retrievers and Nick growing up while his mum bred Rough Collies." The real spark ignited six years ago when a friend needed a dog walker. Errington started taking her two dogs, Payton (a Golden Retriever) and Stella (her current dog), for strolls with her friend’s pet.

"I quickly knew it was the perfect way to spend a day, with the dogs!" Errington recalled. As her client base expanded, she started matching dogs with similar personalities, eventually forming consistent weekly playgroups. This successful but physically demanding system, managed out of her personal vehicle for six years, necessitated a change. "It was time to get a work vehicle!" she explained, and thus, the Wigglebum Bus was born.

The company’s growth is built on a clear division of labour and expertise. Errington manages the intricate scheduling and the critical socialisation side of the business. "Scheduling is my favourite part, planning everyone’s fun for the week ahead. I feel like a party planner," she said with a laugh. Nick, meanwhile, focuses on private walks, with the couple crossing over to handle large groups and initial client onboarding. "Large groups require an extra set of hands and new clients require private walks first!"

What truly sets Wigglebum apart from other pet care providers, Errington notes, is their unwavering commitment to client service. "Communication, reliability and flexibility is our number one," she stated, noting this is the feedback they constantly receive. "We are dog lovers first, but we understand the ins and outs of customer service, sales and running a business, and it shows." The company offers online bookings, often accommodates last-minute requests, and sends a detailed "report card" after every visit. "We don’t make it hard to get reliable care!"

The transition to the group adventures of the Wiggle Bus is a carefully managed, multi-step process focused on the dog’s comfort and confidence. It all begins with a complimentary meet and greet at the client's home. Next, every new ‘Wigglebum’ undergoes two to three Private Walks to build a relationship, gauge their confidence, and determine their play style.

The next step is "Wigglebum Pairing," which involves walks with a single friend to work on leash skills, bond further, and introduce the dog to the bus in a calm, controlled manner. Only once approved can they join the "Wiggle Bus Pass," a two to three-hour grand adventure with multiple friends.

Safety is paramount on the bright green bus. "All Wigglebum’s are belted into the seats with a back clipping harness," Errington ensured. The vehicle is sanitised weekly and carries both pet and human first aid kits. She stresses the importance of a slow acclimatisation process for each dog. "Some jump right on their seat and are ready to ride, others need a few rides alone to get the hang of things. Slow and steady wins the race!"

For Errington, the most rewarding aspect has recently been seeing the community’s reaction. "The smiles, recently from humans! I have loved watching heads turn and faces light up as people see the Wiggle Bus for the first time, dogs aboard," she said.

She recalled a memorable story about Myka, their longest-standing client. Myka started four years ago, nearly a year old, suffering from significant reactivity towards people, dogs, and cars, making her impossible to walk after her mum injured her shoulder. "We worked through so much together... introducing her to one friend at a time, we built her confidence up," Errington explained. Myka is now a Bus Pass regular and "one of my better walkers, is loyal, and trusts me to keep her safe. We find the dogs that need a bit more work, always stick close to our hearts."

Looking ahead, the Wigglebum dream is to expand their offerings further. "The dream would be property on the outskirts of the town so we can have our own private dog park," Errington shared.

For pet owners looking to support the Wigglebum mission, the founders say the easiest way is also the most powerful for small businesses: "Like, comment and share! We have appreciated all the support we have received since launching the Wigglebum Bus!"