Founder Dan Barton Created a Fun Dog Grooming Franchise for People Who Love Pets
Dan Barton understands how passionate pet parents can be because he happens to be one of them. Like his customers at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, Barton adored his pet yorkie Mercedes, and only wanted the very best for her, just as his customers do for their pets.
Barton built the business knowing that this love for dogs and willingness to splurge on them are not uncommon. “We adore our pets. They are part of the family. We will still spend on them even during economic downturns,” he says. “Expenditures on pets has continued to rise every year since 1994. That’s something very few industries can claim.”
Since Barton opened the first shop in 2009, Splash and Dash has been making pets feel special with grooming, spa treatments, aromatherapy and dental services. Pet parents can also pick up treats, toys and food during their visits. Splash and Dash offers unlimited bathing memberships starting at $39.95 per month, providing a steady revenue stream for franchise owners. This recurring income not only boosts financial stability but also keeps pet parents happy with regular, affordable grooming services.
Our guests are often blown away by the level of care and attention their pets get.
A Fun Dog Grooming Franchise
Barton and his team believe that pets deserve the best care possible, and the people who love them deserve an experience that’s fun, easy and efficient. “Our core value is fun,” Barton says. “Dogs are never in a bad mood. We meet them at their energy level.”
The Splash and Dash staff goes the extra mile to connect with each dog. “Our groomers literally get down on the floor to meet dogs at eye level, making sure they feel safe and loved,” says Barton. This personalized approach has truly paid off. Splash and Dash boasts a customer retention rate of more than 90%. “Customers are often blown away by the level of care and attention their pets receive,” Barton adds.
Efficiency also contributes to Splash and Dash\’s success. “Technology is a big part of what we do,” Barton explains. “Our software tracks every detail of the grooming process with AI built in, allowing us to schedule more dogs and ensure everything runs smoothly.” This tech-forward approach, combined with a team-based method, allows Splash and Dash locations to groom up to 100 dogs a day — far more than the average grooming shop. “We run our shops like a well-oiled machine,” Barton says. “It’s similar to how a doctor’s office operates, with multiple people involved in the process to keep things moving.”
Plus, booking an appointment at Splash and Dash couldn’t be easier. Customers can schedule through an online portal or by texting, and new clients can often get an appointment within 48 hours — a rarity in the pet grooming world.
Connecting with Passionate Pet Parents
Barton is passionate about community service and encourages his franchise owners to get involved. “Whether it’s hosting an ice cream social for dogs and their owners or partnering with local businesses, these activities help build trust, foster relationships and create a sense of connection,” Barton adds.
Staying ahead of trends is key to Splash and Dash’s success. Barton closely monitors what’s popular with pet parents, especially female customers who make the most spending decisions. “Trends in the human world, like aromatherapy, often make their way to the pet industry,” Barton notes. “Our female customers love it.”
The icing on the cake for Barton has been teaming up with REP’M Group for franchise development and building assistance. “Their support has been huge,” he says. “They know how to get locations open.” Barton believes that Splash and Dash is an exciting opportunity for many people, noting that one in three U.S. households owns a dog. “There’s no better way to make money than by doing something you’re passionate about,” Barton says.
The Growing Pet Care Industry
The pet industry shows no signs of slowing. Here are some fast facts from Forbes.
- 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.
- Dogs are the most popular pet in the U.S. (65.1 million U.S. households own a dog).
- Millennials make up the largest percentage of current pet owners (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%).
- In 2022, Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets, up nearly 11% from 2021 ($123.6 billion).
- Essential dog expenses cost an average of $1,533 annually.
- The pet care industry remains resilient to market trends and financial recessions.
- 92% of pet owners maintain regular spending on pets even during the toughest economic turns.
For more information about the Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique franchise, visit https://splashanddashfordogs.com/.
