BorrowMyDoggy, which allows dog-lovers to take care of someone else’s pet, has won a six-figure investment and is now launching a smart phone app.

Rikke Rosenlund, 39, who began the firm with Les Cochrane, 37, said: "The Government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme really helps firms like ours as investing in a start-up is risky."

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme helps firms raise their first £150,000 by offering investors income tax relief. 

BorrowMyDoggy’s website was launched two years ago and features ‘profiles’ of dogs whose owners are off on holiday, have fallen ill or are too busy to walk them. 

Signing up for a year costs owners £35 and borrowers £8. Rosenlund, who had the idea after moving to a dog-unfriendly flat in London, said: "We have 2,500 people signing up a week."

For more details visit www.borrowmydoggy.com