A Comprehensive Look at the Tail-Waggingly Fun World of Pet Franchising
Do you love pets? Do you want to control your financial destiny through business ownership? If the answer is yes, then owning a pet franchise could be the next move for you. A whopping 66% of American households include a pet, and the love and happiness – and even health benefits – pets bring to people is undeniable.
Having a passion for pets can be a great place to start – as the saying goes, if you enjoy what you do, you won’t work a day in your life! – but it can be tempting to think everything is sunshine and puppies (pun intended) when owning a pet franchise business.
Yes, the demand for everything pet-related is soaring (see the industry overview below). Yes, prior business ownership experience isn’t required because of the franchisor’s support and training — a perk of franchising generally. Yes, semi-absentee ownership opportunities are available with many brands.
But what amount of time and financial resources do you want to put into the business? Do you want to take on a front-facing role (cleaning up after pets, networking in the community, etc.) or do you want to hire a manager? What if the animals act aggressively during a grooming or training session?
Investing in a franchise business of any kind isn’t something to take lightly, and you shouldn’t make a life-changing decision without knowing the basics of the industry you’re considering.
Below, we deep-dive into important aspects of pet franchising to consider before becoming a franchise owner.
1. Overview of the Pet Industry
- Americans splurged $147 million in 2023 on all things pet-related, with sales expected to increase to $150.6 billion this year, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Franchise consultant Karol Mercurio has seen firsthand the great demand for these franchise businesses and the positive impact her dog has had in her life. “The pet industry is a huge multibillion-dollar market with great potential for growth in the franchise sector. I am a dog owner, and my house would feel empty without my dog.”
- Pet food and treats topped spending in 2023 at $58.1 billion. Vets and supplies followed close behind, according to APPA.
- The pet industry is booming. About 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million) include at least one pet, which is up from 56% in 1988, according to APPA statistics.
- Nearly 1 out of 5 homes adopted a dog during the pandemic.
- The U.S. pet insurance market saw $3.5 billion in total premium volume in 2023, and paid on policies for more than 5 million pets. This is significantly higher than in other countries. By comparison, Canada saw just over half a million pets insured and had a $374 million total premium volume during the same period.
2. Types of Pet Franchise Business Models
The types of pet franchises to choose from include boarding and day care, training, pet products and food, waste removal, pet cremation, veterinary medicine and a variety of niche businesses, even those that cater to bird watchers, reptile lovers and more. Below, we look at the business models of these pet franchise concepts.
- Brick-and-mortar model: Many pet franchise concepts offer a business model that requires opening a brick-and-mortar storefront. These include pet boarding and day care concepts, which typically require a larger initial investment and higher number of employees in comparison to mobile or home-based businesses.
- Mobile model: With a mobile franchise business, you can meet pets and their owners where they are. This business model works well for grooming concepts. “Mobile grooming is on the move – pun intended,” says Lisa Linkowsky, a certified franchise consultant and CEO of Milestone Franchising. “My dog has terrible car sickness, so I cannot take her to get groomed. It is also the convenience factor and the reason why food delivery has exploded. People want the services brought to them.”
- Home-based model: A home-based franchise, offers flexibility and low start-up costs. Some types of franchises in this area include pet sitting, pet waste removal and dog training.
3. Key Considerations for Investing in a Pet Franchise
If you’re considering owning a pet franchise, you’re on your way to combining a rewarding business opportunity with your love for animals! Here are some key things to think about as you embark on this exciting journey:
- Passion for pets: If you’re passionate about animals, this industry will feel less like work and more like following your heart. Turning your love for pets into a business means you’ll be doing something you genuinely enjoy every day.
- Ownership type: If you dream of running the show but want more flexibility, many pet franchises offer semi-absentee ownership models. This means you can hire a manager to handle the daily operations, giving you the freedom to be as involved as you want.
- Financial considerations: It’s important to assess your financial resources. Are you ready to invest in a full-scale storefront which might require hiring several employees? Would a mobile or home-based franchise be a better fit for you? These can save on startup costs and often have a quicker path to opening while still offering a profitable business model.
- Personal assessment: Owning a franchise isn’t just about loving pets; it’s about being a leader. Do you have the management and leadership skills to guide a team? Are you comfortable delegating responsibilities when needed? Success in this business requires both passion and leadership!
- Franchisor support: One of the best parts of investing in a franchise is the support you get from the franchisor. Make sure to assess the level of training and ongoing assistance you’ll receive to ensure you have the tools you need for success.
4. Questions to Ask the Franchisor
Before you decide on a pet franchise, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with the franchisor and get answers to important questions. This is your chance to gain a deeper understanding of the business and ensure it’s the right fit for you. Take full advantage of this time by asking the following key questions:
- What should I know about joining your pet franchise system? Get an overview of what makes this pet franchise unique and what’s expected of you.
- What are the strengths of your franchise system in the pet industry? Learn how the franchise stands out in the competitive pet care market.
- Where do you see the franchise in five years? Ask about future growth plans and how the brand will stay relevant in the pet industry.
- What competition exists in the pet sector? Understand who your competitors will be and how the franchise helps you stay ahead.
- What training and support do you offer for pet care? Find out about the initial and ongoing training to ensure you’re equipped to succeed in the pet business.
- What are the protocols for handling aggressive pets? Learn about safety measures and procedures to protect both staff and animals in challenging situations.
- Do I need special pet insurance or trained/licensed staff? It’s important to ask the franchisor if specialized pet insurance is required to cover incidents like pet injuries or accidents. You’ll also want to know if your staff needs specific training or certifications, especially if they’ll be handling pets directly. Ensure the franchisor provides support for obtaining licenses and offers training programs to keep your team compliant and skilled in pet care.
5. Cost of Owning a Pet Franchise
According to Entrepreneur, the best pet franchises to invest in have a range of investment levels.
- Low-Cost: These concepts are typically mobile or home-based. An example of a low-cost investment would be $29,275-$128,850.
- Moderate Cost: You may need to build a new location, buy products and offer specialized services. A moderate investment range would be $358,900-$770,000.
- High-Cost: Pet brands that require an initial investment from $688,312-$1,806,803 would be considered high-cost.
6. Pros and Cons of Pet Franchises
Pros
- The cutest clientele: Who wouldn’t want to be around adorable pets for a living? It doesn’t get much better – or cuter – than that!
- Flexibility: Depending on the business model, entrepreneurs can meet clients where they are. Many dog training, waste removal and grooming services can be done from a mobile unit or truck. Semi-absentee opportunities are also available at many pet franchise brands, allowing you to enjoy a work-life balance.
- No experience required: You don’t need any previous experience to successfully run many pet businesses! Support and training are provided by the franchisor, and candidates from all backgrounds and experience levels can succeed.
- Feel-good service: Not only do you help pets look and feel great, but you give pet parents peace of mind that their furry family members are well cared for.
- Giving back: As a pet franchise owner, you have great opportunities to give back to the community. For example, Playful Pack franchisees promote pet adoptions and provide a temporary home for less fortunate dogs.
Cons
- Competition: As you’ll see in the “Leaders in the Category” section below, there’s no shortage of competition in the pet industry! You will have to network and offer quality services in order to stand out.
- Potential unpleasant experiences: It’s essential to recognize that every pet has its own unique personality, and interactions can vary. In some cases, an animal may become aggressive with staff or other pets. That’s why it’s crucial for the franchisor to have clear protocols in place to manage these situations safely and effectively.
- Staffing: As with any industry, staffing can be an issue at your pet franchise. Be sure to carefully vet your members because working with animals requires patience.
- Regulatory changes: As the industry grows, it can be subject to stricter regulations, particularly around animal welfare and safety.
- Economic fluctuations: While the pet industry is resilient, economic downturns can influence consumer spending.
7. Pet Franchise Trends and Innovations
- Eco-Friendliness: Pet parents and franchise owners want what’s best for their furry family members and clients. This includes using products that are good for the environment and the health of the animals. A brand dedicated to this trend is Zoomin Groomin, which uses Pure Oxygen Ultra Shampoo that’s non-toxic and veterinarian recommended. Additionally, the pet franchise reduces water usage by up to 90% in comparison to other groomers and uses low-heat air fluff drying when grooming animals.
- Veteran-Friendly: Veterans have a deep understanding of working in teams and following systems. Because of the strong bond that many have with dogs both during and after their military service, veterans may be naturally drawn to pet franchises. Pet brands like Aussie Pet Mobile are part of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program and offer veterans 15% off the initial franchise fee.
- Pet CPR Certification and First Aid Certification: Pet parents want to know their furry family members are in the best hands while they’re at work or on vacation. With a brand like Dogdrop, pet owners can take solace in the fact that all staff members are certified in pet CPR and first aid.
- Humanization of Pets: In today’s world, pet ownership is becoming more popular than parenting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey, more adults looked after pets in a typical day than children in 2023. Millennials are increasingly using terms like “fur babies” and “starter children” to describe their pets, and Americans spent a staggering $700 million on pet Halloween costumes in 2023. That’s on top of the $38.3 billion they spent on care and products from veterinary services that same year!
- Tech Integration: The rise of smart technology means there’s increasing demand for gadgets like automated feeders, pet cameras and mobile apps for booking services. For example, Dogdrop sends pet owners real-time text updates about how their pets are doing. Many pet brands also use webcams so pet parents can see what their animals are up to!
- Health and Wellness: Organic pet foods, pet fitness classes and wellness services such as pet massages and spas are on the rise.
- Subscription Models: Subscription-based services such as grooming and hygiene, and products offering toys and treats have gained immense popularity. Franchisees also enjoy the recurring revenue!
- Specialty Foods: Demand for specialty pet foods – including organic, grain-free and gourmet options – is on the rise.
8. Top Pet Franchises
The following pet franchises are considered leaders of the pack, according to Entrepreneur, Franchise Business Review, the International Franchise Association and International Franchise Professionals Group. Criteria these organizations considered include initial investment range, franchisor support and training, open locations and culture.
Dog Training Elite
Type of Concept: Dog training
Differentiators: The pet franchise, which has been franchising for about a decade, stands out in the industry by providing personal, in-home training to dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. According to its Entrepreneur listing, this is a home-based business that offers veterans 10% off the franchise fee.
Dogdrop
Type of Concept: Doggy day care
Differentiators: Founded by Shaina Denny and Greer Wilk in 2018 and franchising since 2021, Dogdrop places a premium on safety, convenience, transparency and quality of care for dogs and their owners. Services include curbside drop-off and pickup in less than 90 seconds – no appointments necessary! Franchisees get site selection support from the franchisor and have access to proprietary software aimed to enhance operational efficiency.
Pet Evolution
Type of Concept: Pet retail
Differentiators: Pet Evolution is on a mission to provide the highest quality food, treats and grooming services for its customers. The brand’s shelves are filled with products that are protein-rich and contain fruits and vegetables, and its staff members take the time to get to know the pets that come in, what makes them unique, and what products and/or services will help them most.
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel
Type of Concept: Boarding and doggy day care
Differentiators: Dogs live the good life in luxurious boarding suites and have indoor and outdoor playing areas. All staff members are professionally trained and certified and take the time to get to know all furry clients and their owners to give them the best experience. As a business owner, you have recurring revenue through the brand’s membership model, and the franchisor will help you identify local pet shelters and pet adoption agencies within your community once your location is established. This will allow you to make connections with the community right away!
Dogtopia
Type of Concept: Doggy day care
Differentiators: The Dogtopia franchise provides on-demand day care for dogs, which accounts for 90% of the brand’s revenue. Franchise owners benefit from offering subscription-based dog services, and veterans enjoy discounts on the initial franchise fee.
Zoomin Groomin
Type of Concept: Mobile pet grooming
Differentiators: Zoomin Groomin stands out as an eco-friendly mobile franchise opportunity that offers pet grooming services including teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, nail trimming, blow-drying and more. Franchisees can expect an affordable initial investment and the opportunity for semi-passive ownership.
The Dog Wizard
Type of Concept: Mobile dog training
Differentiators: Founded in 2005, The Dog Wizard franchise owners have a team of trainers whose main goal is to make dogs and their owners better companions. All franchise owners can choose between multiple business models (mobile model, a brick-and-mortar option and a conversion program) and receive extensive support at The Dog Wizard Academy training facility.
Pet Butler
Type of Concept: Pet waste removal
Differentiators: Pet Butler is more than just a pet waste removal service; the pet franchise also offers dog walking, pet sitting, pet shuttle and litter box cleaning. Waste removal services are offered weekly, every other week or monthly for residential and commercial clients. This means recurring revenue for franchisees.
Three Dog Bakery
Type of Concept: Pet bakery
Differentiators: Franchisees can make additional revenue through grooming or self-serve dog washes. Additionally, the brand’s high-margin baked goods and seasonal offerings delight customers all year round!
Pet Passages
Type of Concept: Pet cremation
Differentiators: Pet Passages allows entrepreneurs to provide a niche service and benefit from high standards, tracking systems, software, and more. It also offers additional revenue streams from products like memorials and urns. According to the brand’s franchise page, entrepreneurs can be up and running in as little as five months.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Type of Concept: Wildlife and retail
Differentiators: The pet franchise has a loyal customer base that enjoys its bird food and bird feeding products. Franchises get ongoing support, which includes marketing, merchandising and purchasing, nature and hobby education and established financial and information systems. Pre-opening support includes business planning, site selection, lease negotiations, classroom and in-store training and more.
