Brick & Mortar Dog Franchises

Here we take a look at the four major types of pet franchises at the high end of dog franchising: the Dog Day Care Franchise, the Dog Training Franchise, the Pet Grooming Franchise, the Pet Supply Franchise, and the Dog Bakery Franchise. Every one of these options has a higher initial cost than the home-based pet businesses featured on our other major category page. But they also have some distinct advantages - the sort of visibility and community impact that only a brick and mortar establishment can engender. Although we have placed all four of these dog franchise categories on the same page, there are extreme differences among the four types, and some serious pros and cons you must consider before buying a franchise. The investment range is also enormously broad - the franchises on this page vary in initial cost from $85,000 to almost $800,000. So please read on for a more thorough analysis of these pet franchises...


Dog Day Care Franchise

This category also includes pet boarding franchises, dog kennels, pet resorts, pet spas and all other flavors of dog day care. It's important to note that many of these pet franchises try to cover the waterfront, especially the pet resorts, which may offer pet grooming and dog training in addition to boarding and dog day care.


The advantage of these businesses is a greater opportunity for revenue, for the most part, compared to the low-end franchised previously mentioned. Boarding is a fairly big-ticket item. Such facilities can also derive revenue from adjunct services like grooming or retail in some cases.

But these benefits are not without significant costs and risks that you should take into consideration. These franchises tend to be rather expensive to start, compared to other available options. Boarding is also a highly-seasonal business; you should expect long kennel stays during winter holidays, for example, but extremely sluggish business during other parts of the year. Managing and stretching your finances through diligent planning is absolutely essential.

Boarding facilities are never one-person operations. You must be prepared to employ staff - and often at relatively low wages, which means high turnover. You will be running a 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week business that never closes. The biggest challenge, on top of these considerations, is liability issues. When clients place their beloved dogs in your care, you are faced with serious expectations and the assumption of full liability. Lastly, because kenneling is such a well-established field, competition tends to be high from other local businesses, many of which may already have dedicated clientele. You need to be certain that this niche isn't fully saturated in your area.


Owning a Dog Day Care Franchise

Myth vs. Reality

Myth: I'll get to play with dogs all day.
Reality: You'll spend most of your time managing your employees and dealing with customers. You'll rarely see the dogs, except when there are problems.

Myth: It will be fun.
Reality: You'll work incredibly long hours and be constantly putting out fires. Dogs will get sick, injured, or possibly even die in your care. Despite all your best efforts, every kennel owner has to deal with the bad stuff, and if you own a kennel for more than five years, chances are a dog will die in your facility. Want to call that owner and break the news?

Myth: I'll love owning a kennel.
Reality: Are you ready for 2 am phone calls when you have to take a dog with seizures off to the vet? Ready for threats of legal action against you for dog injuries or illnesses, worker's compensation claims, and unemployment suits? All this and more can be yours when you accept liability for someone's treasured family member.

Myth: Dogs will have a great time playing at my facility.
Reality: Some dogs will have a great time at your place, but what about those dogs that don't and unexpectedly fight? You'll be constantly monitoring for squabbles, and if your staff isn't on the ball 100% of the time, you'll be shuttling dogs off to the vet for stitches. Not fun when you have to pick up the tab and deal with angry clients.

Myth: People want to leave their dogs in a nice place, and are willing to pay for it, so I'll make lots of money.
Reality: Upscale kennels mean a lot of overhead, and a lot of staff. In this economy, the airline and travel industries have been hit especially hard, and pet boarding is a direct casualty of this decrease in travel. Finding good labor, attracting the right clientele, and building a successful boarding business will take a lot of skill to manage during these times. If you haven't run a kennel before, the learning curve can quickly sap your resources.

Myth: I can start a great kennel or daycare for not very much money.
Reality: Startup costs for an upscale kennel will range from a half million to over two million dollars. Banks have stopped funding these luxury kennels because the loan amounts are just too high. While pet care services are increasing, the startup capital needed to create and run a kennel for the first two years while the business is building is enormous.

Myth: I'll love having a community of great staff members working around me.
Reality: The labor pool you can afford will be uneducated, inexperienced, and lacking in basic job skills. You'll have to spend hours and hours training even the most junior staff members. Kennel owners all agree on one thing ? employees cause the most problems in the industry.

Myth: A kennel is easy to start.
Reality: Even franchised kennels, where you have the support of the franchise company, can be difficult and expensive to get off the ground. Finding an appropriate site or building can take literally years as you wade through zoning headaches.



Dog Training Franchise

Without a doubt, this is the fastest growing of all pet service franchises. Unlike the home-based or mobile dog training franchises you may read about on the other page, these dog training franchises take place at a dedicated dog training facility, creating an upscale, professional atmosphere not unlike a modern, trendy human gym. At the present time, only one national brand is offering this type of dog training franchise, and they have smartly placed an emphasis in their branding on dog agility, which happens to be the fastest growing dog sport in the country. As brick and mortar dog franchises go, it is also notable for weighing in at a fraction of the cost of the upscale pet resort and dog day care franchises.

The chief competition for a dog training franchise are not the in-home or mobile dog training services, nor the indidual freelance dog trainers, for those can never provide the socialization opportunities of a dedicated training facility with group classes. Instead, the only real competition are the Big Box pet stores, PetSmart and PetCo, some of which have launched dog training as a new aspect of their business. However, these big box stores hold little aesthetic appeal to choosy dog owners who would rather opt for a more inviting and exclusive ambience in which to play with their pets.

A dog training franchise, however, most distinguishes itself from the other pet franchises in this category by virtue of the fact that the dog's owner is always present. This is an enormous shift in liability. Whereas a dog day care franchise, pet resort, and even a pet groomer must contend with heavy liability for any real or perceived harm that the owner claims, a dog training franchise does not bear this onus. This even puts it ahead of the lower-end home-based or mobile dog training franchises, and even dog walking and pet sitting franchises, which may have a lower starting cost, but this doesn't take into consideration lawsuits and liability issues when pets are left in the franchisee's care.



Pet Grooming Franchise

A pet grooming franchise or dog wash franchise, unlike the mobile pet grooming franchises featured on our other category page, are all storefronts - often located in strip malls - where you either groom dogs yourself, or provide the space and equipment for dog owners to bathe their own dogs.

A pet grooming franchise, even when run as a brick-and-mortar business, still poses the same challenges as a mobile pet grooming franchise, so we'd encourage you to take a look at our examination of those pet franchises on our page about home-based pet businesses. You'll be faced with similar issues here, plus the increased start-up costs and overhead of running a place of business.

A dog wash franchise, on the other hand, eliminates many of those drawbacks. These are essentially self-service dog washing services in which you operate a storefront that caters to pet owners willing to bathe their own dogs, as long as you provide the right equipment - grooming bays, hoses, dryers, towels, etc. Like the dog training franchises listed above, this type of business has the benefit that the owners are with their own dogs at all times. While that creates a much rosier scenario for you - both in terms of legal issues and the backache of grooming dogs all day - the majority of the dog was franchises ask you to also offer drop-off full-service dog grooming to your customers. When this is the case, you become a dog groomer, rather than a business owner, and must contend with all of the challenges of dog grooming. Our advice is to ask your potential franchisor about how the business breaks down in terms of revenue from self-wash versus full-service dog grooming. It's an important consideration for you to weigh.



Pet Supply Franchise

This category includes traditional retail pet supply stores, pet food franchises, dog bakery franchises, and the occasional pet boutique, although these upscale retail shops are definitely on their way out. Pet boutiques are viewed as an unnecessary luxury by many dog owners, whereas service-oriented pet businesses are thriving. So if you're thinking about owning one of those adorable, super-chic pet boutiques, in today's economy, not a smart idea. The reality is that while services for pets remain in high demand, many upscale pet boutiques have been going out of business in the current economic climate. Producers of pricey luxury pet goods are finding scarce audiences at the big national trade shows. This high-end area of the pet industry, while once a great niche, is not remotely the opportunity it once was.

More traditional "box" pet supply retailers are in a better position, but they are for the most part extremely expensive franchises to start, as you must carry an enormous inventory. Even though this is a more effective model than a pet boutique, in almost every community in the U.S. you will still be in direct competition with the Big Box pet supply and pet food stores: PetCo and PetSmart, not to mention CostCo, WalMart and Target. And, regardless of your location, many smart and budget-conscious dog owners have realized that there are about forty great pet supply websites from which they can order any pet supply, supplement or pet food they prefer - without paying sales tax, and often with free shipping. That's an enormous amount of savings and convenience, and those online retailers aren't paying the kind of overhead you'll be faced with. Many of them are just drop-shippers, running a virtual not a real warehouse, so they're not even stocking inventory. If you consider a pet food franchise, or a pet supply franchise that carries pet food (which is 100% of the ones currently available), you must remember that you'll be carrying perishable stock. A Kong toy might last forever, but a bag of pet food won't. So inventory management is going to be an ongoing headache as you struggle to compete with the Big Boxes and the Online Pet Supply Retailers.



Dog Bakery Franchise

A dog bakery franchise does not face those same types of competition as the pet supply and pet food franchises, which is a definite plus. However, an entrepreneur or investor should always be especially wary when the success of a business rests on one single product. Not every community in America is sold on the idea of going to a bakery just for your dog. And the more upscale dog-friendly communities that are open to the concept most likely already have a dog bakery franchise (or two) enjoying that business. The one nationally recognized dog bakery franchise will set you back about a quarter of a million dollars to start, so that's also worth considering. In summary, with this type of pet franchise, take special care to know your territory before making a decision - really come to know the levels of disposable income and the attitudes toward such a single-note business concept.



Currently Available Brick & Mortar Pet Franchises

None of the following constitutes an endorsement or offering of any of these pet franchises.
You will need to fully investigate each pet franchise, along with the counsel of an attorney and/or an accountant.
No potential revenue statistics are cited, as claims of earnings by franchisors are strictly prohibited by Federal Law.
If any franchisor cites statistics of how much money you can make, treat such information with suspicion.
If you choose to report their violation of Franchise Law, you may report them to the FTC.


Name of Pet Franchise Minimum Investment Type of Pet Franchise Additional Services Provided Comments
Just Dogs Dog Bakery Franchise
Just Dogs! Gourmet
$85,000 dog bakery franchise breed-specific merchandise and gifts Four to six employees are needed to run a unit. Includes three days training at headquarters, and three days at franchisee's location. Specialty is hand-cut bakery goods for dogs. Business can be operated as a kiosk in a mall, or as a standalone retail location.
Zoom Room Dog Training Franchise
Zoom Room Dog Agility
$95,000 dog training franchise indoor dog park, pet supplies, canine event hosting Can be run by a single individual. Three weeks training at headquarters. Dedicated training facility can be rented out to individuals, groups or area trainers. Doubles as an indoor dog park and specialty pet retail store. With emphasis on agility, there's an open market uncluttered by competition. 2,000 square feet are required; as there's no boarding component, zoning is the same as conventional retail.
Preppy Pet Dog Day Care Franchise
Preppy Pet Suites
$125,000 dog day care franchise pet boarding, grooming and adoption services Proprietary modular kennels must be purchased from franchisor. Minimum of four employees required to operate unit. Royalty fee is on a sliding scale. Clients are charged based on the size of their dogs. Design theme is based on the "preppy" concept.
Canine Grande Resort Dog Day Care Franchise
The Canine Grande Resort
$192,550 dog day care franchise pet spa, boarding, pet boutique, cat boarding, veterinarian services Franchisees must operate a shuttle van for dog pick-up and drop-off. Day care is in a cageless environment, which pleases many pet owners, but presents a need for exceptional training and vigilance among all kennel employees you will hire. A minimum of 8,000 square feet, properly zoned for animal boarding, is required when finding a location.
Animal Supply House Pet Supply Franchise
Animal Supply House
$200,000 pet supply franchise
-
pet food franchise
Not initially developed as a franchise. At present time, only available locations are in South Carolina and North Carolina. Stores range in size from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. Two weeks of training is provided. Five employees are required to run a unit.
Laund-ur-mutt Dog Grooming Franchise
Laund-ur-mutt
$205,000 dog grooming franchise self-service dog wash Three to five employees are required to run each unit. One week training provided at headquarters, and another week at franchisee's location. This is a self-wash business in which clients bathe their own dogs, but full-service grooming is also offered to clients. Franchisees provide clients with stainless steel grooming bays (which must be purchased from franchisor) and associated equipment. Most locations can accommodate only four dogs at a time.
Central Bark Dog Day Care Franchise
Central Bark
$213,000 dog day care franchise boarding, grooming, pet taxi, vet services, dog training, pet boutique Includes two weeks training at headquarters and another week on site. Franchisor allows for customization in design and layout of your location. Providing additional services (i.e. grooming, training, etc.) are optional. Locations average 5,000 to 10,000 square feet and are typically located in light industrial areas to comply with zoning laws.
Dogtopia Dog Day Care Franchise
Dogtopia
$242,900 dog day care franchise boarding, self-service dog wash, dog training, pet boutique Twelve employees are required to run each unit. Two weeks of training are provided. Day care takes place in an open space, which pleases many dog owners but necessitates utmost vigilance on the part of all employees to prevent accidents, fights and injuries. This is the trade-off of kennel versus no-kennel faced by all dog day care facilities. Typical locations are 5,000 square feet. The franchisor imposes a ratio of one employee per 10-15 dogs.
Pet Depot Dog Day Care Franchise
Pet Depot
$265,000 pet supply franchise
-
pet food franchise
pet store (sale of animals), grooming, pet adoptions Two weeks of training provided at headquarters, with an emphasis on inventory management and stocking stores. Stores are generally 2,500 to 6,000 square feet and must be zoned for selling live animals, including kittens and puppies. Your name is incorporated into the business name, so your location becomes known as "Jane's Pet Depot," etc. Note: in Southern California, where the franchisor is based, there have recently been ongoing protests at some locations due to the alleged sale of dogs from puppy mills. The veracity of the protesters' claims has not been examined, but it's important to be aware of this current climate.
Camp Bow Wow Dog Day Care Franchise
Camp Bow Wow
$255,000 dog day care franchise pet boarding, grooming, retail Eight to twelve employees are required to run a unit. Two weeks of training are provided at headquarters, and another week at franchisee's location. Current franchise fee is $50,000 which is about 40% higher than the average fee of other pet franchises. Some, but not all locations offer dog grooming and retail areas as additional sources of revenue. Woodsy summer camp theme employed throughout, including wooden pens and play equipment for dogs. Franchise bars entry to all pit bull terriers, which has caused controversy in some communities.
Three Dog Bakery Franchise
Three Dog Bakery
$311,000 dog bakery franchise pet boutique Recommended stores size is 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. Franchisees may also sell collars, beds and other retail items from approved vendors. Although the franchise fee is $32,000 which is typical for pet franchises, an additional $5,000 development fee is added, and the franchisor requires the purchase of two stores, so the total franchise fee due up front is actually not $32K, but rather $65,000. An alarming note is the number of franchises that have closed in 2009, including units in California, Connecticut, Washington, North Carolina, Vancouver, etc.
Pet Spa Dog Day Care Franchise
PawSpa Resort
$381,800 dog day care franchise boarding, pet spa, pet boutique, grooming Franchisees are assigned a 3-mile-radius territory. One week of training is provided. After finding a location, which is a challenge due to zoning restrictions for boarding facilities, it takes an additional 3 to 4 months to open a franchise. Depending on location, initial investment could actually exceed one million dollars. Luxury boarding is not yet an accepted concept in all parts of the country.
All American Dog Day Care Franchise
All American Pet Resorts
$415,000 dog day care franchise pet spa, boarding, grooming One week training at headquarters and another week at franchisee's location. Location must be a minimum of 3/4 acres with an 8,000 square foot building zoned for live animal boarding. Their site lists the minimum start-up cost as $345,700, but this figure does not include their franchise fee of $50,000, nor three months worth of rent, which is included in minimum initial investment for virtually all other pet franchises. Estimated minimum is therefore closer to $415,000. A minimum net worth of $600K is required to purchase this franchise.
Pet Supply Franchise
Pet Supplies "Plus"
$450,000 pet supply franchise
-
pet food franchise
Average store size is 7,500 to 9,000 square feet. 18 to 20 employees are needed to run each unit. Includes four weeks of training at headquarters. Third party distribution system provides inventory. Due to product offerings, which are in direct competition with big box retailers PetSmart and PetCo, the impact of which will vary based on your location, you may face an extremely difficult barrier to entry.
Kennelwood Dog Day Care Franchise

Kennelwood Pet Resorts
$799,300 dog day care franchise pet spa, boarding, grooming, pet boutique, pet taxi Luxury resort theme to create "vacation" aesthetic. Franchise fee is $55,000. 15 to 30 employees are required to run a unit. Four weeks training at headquarters, plus five days on site and additional week of training for groomers and dog trainers. Vehicle needed to provide pet transportation service for clients.