A bus service exclusively for dogs is set to launch in Darlington after it's success elsewhere.
Billy's Bus, providing doggy day-out adventures, will begin its new route on September 10, with pick-up points in Darlington and Heighington.
The service promises a change from the usual walk, offering dogs a trip full of exercise, sniffing, and exploring.
From left, Trevor Tinkler - volunteer bus driver, Lynn Renwick - deputy managing director, Dean Wylie - work experience and Donna Kelly - Billy's Buss lead worker.
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
Laura Mohan founded Billy’s Bus in Yorkshire in January last year. The dog-lover, 45, spent twelve years working with adults with learning difficulties and wanted to find a way to bring her two passions together.
Laura and Billy.
(Image: LAURA MOHAN)
The business has gone from strength to strength and launched in County Durham last month, alongside Bridge Creative, an organisation which supports young adults with autism or learning disabilities into employment.
Every Friday, the organisation takes Billy’s Bus around County Durham, picks up their passengers and takes them to the ‘Bark Park’ at Bracks Farm.
Lynn Renwick with Billy's Bus.
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
Now, the team is preparing to launch a route in Darlington.
Laura, a mum-of-two, said: "It’s the most amazing team.
"I go with them on the Friday and spend the day with them, picking up the pups and taking them to a secure dog field.
Donna Kelly with Billy's Bus dogs.
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
"Every single one of them has said their mental health has gone through the roof and that’s because they’re in a non-judgemental environment with dogs that don’t judge like humans do.
"You can’t stop smiling because everyone is beeping and waving at you.
"It’s just created this mobile, living, bundle of love."
Lynn Renwick, deputy managing director at Bridge Creative, said: "Billy's Bus is like a work placement opportunity.
"The idea is that our young adults will gain a lot of experience of working with animals and then ultimately get paid employment down the line.
"We had seen the dog bus online and just thought it was such a fantastic opportunity.
Billy's Bus dogs in the field near Heighington.
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
"We arranged a call with Laura and, because of her background, it really felt like the stars aligned."
Ms Mohan came up with the idea of a dog bus in 2024 after having bad experiences with Billy, her Cavapoo, at ‘doggy daycare’ or with a dog walker.
- More details can be found at www.billysbus.co.uk.
She said: "With Billy, we’d had some disasters with doggy daycare.
"It was always a long day, and I felt like the majority of the day, he was just sat on a couch with no stimulation, no exercise.
"We then tried a dog walker and he seemed quite distressed.
"So, I thought, there has to be something else.
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"It started to really take shape, and I started to create a team of equally obsessed dog lovers.
"I’m so lucky, I have the most incredible team."
Spaces on the new route are limited, so owners are advised to enrol their pets early.