In recent years, pet ownership in the United States has been on a steady rise as a result, the pet industry has become a thriving market with a huge growth potential. In fact, research shows that the pet care market value is anticipated to surpass $550 billion by 2032.
With such a vast market, owning a pet franchise has become one of the most lucrative business opportunities for those looking to start their own business. This is probably one of the most exciting times for the pet industry. Therefore, if you’re someone who is a pet lover with entrepreneurial spirit, then “Petpreneurship” might just be the perfect move for you. And, if starting your own brand seems like a big undertaking, consider getting a franchise of a well-established brand for a head start.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the top 10 pet franchises to consider. So, whether you're looking to open a pet grooming salon, a dog daycare, or a pet supply store, keep reading to find the perfect pet franchise for you!
Unleash success: 10 best pet franchise businesses to consider
As an aspiring entrepreneur, if you’re wondering which pet franchise business can offer ample opportunitues and get you maximum returns on investment, here are a few business models you can consider before reaching a final decision.
PetSmart
Founded in: 1987
Category: Pet products & services
Initial franchise fee: $49, 900
Initial investment: $454,879 - $1,524, 200
A privately held American pet supply chain, PetSmart is one of the prominent chains of pet superstores in North America. Incepted in 1986, it’s currently the most profitable pet supply chain with a market share of 36.5%. The pet brand has over 1660 stores and offers high quality pet products, pet food, and accessories under one roof.
Pet Supplies Plus
Founded in: 1988
Category: Pet products & services
Initial franchise fee: $49, 900
Initial investment: $454,879 - $1,524, 200
Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $29.8 billion annually on pet supplies, live animals, and OTC medicines? If you’re looking to invest in a profitable pet franchise business, having a strong loyal customer base, Pet Supplies Plus is a rewarding option. With over 400 units in the US, it’s one of the largest retail store franchise chains that offers a wide range of pet products like food, toys, accessories, grooming supplies and grooming services like self-service dog wash stations.
Dogtopia
Founded in: 2002, began franchising in 2005
Category: Pet care services
Initial franchise fee: $49, 500
Initial investment: $688,312 - $1,806, 803
The pet boarding and grooming industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2030. Therefore, if you’re looking to invest in this area, Dogtopia is one of the leading franchises you can consider. Started in 2022 in Virginia, it has its presence in 175+ locations across the US and Canada and offers a variety of pet services like daycare, boarding, and spa treatments.
Currently, the franchise business ranks on #205 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Dogtopia’s business model is centered around providing pets a safe, healthy, and fun environment to play and socialize while their owners are away.
Camp Bow Wow
Founded in: 2003
Category: Pet care
Initial franchise fee: $50, 000
Initial investment: $928,000 - $1,658, 500
Camp Bow Wow is one of the largest pet care franchises that offers services like dog daycare and overnight boarding. With an aim to provide dogs with a safe and fun environment to play and socialize. Currently, the company operates in 200 locations across North America. For entrepreneurs who are pet lovers, owning the Camp Bow Wow franchise can be a lucrative option as it has strong market presence, brand reputation, and multiple revenue streams.
Dog Training Elite
Founded in: 1995, Franchising since 2015
Category: Dog training
Initial franchise fee: $84, 500*
Initial investment: $126,900 - $147,750
Since its inception, Dog Training Elite has positioned itself as one of the best dog training providers in the US by offering advanced, highly personalized training services for dogs. Some of these services include dog training, behavioral training, etc. Furthermore, they offer specialized training for service dogs owned by veterans or retired military personnel. As of today, the franchise business owns 194 franchise units across the United States.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Founded in: 2007
Category: Pet retail store & dog grooming
Initial franchise fee: $49, 900
Initial investment: $155,300 - $289,400
Woof Gang Grooming and Bakery is a leading pet retail chain that offers world-class pet grooming services and an exceptional retail experience. It also sells nutritional food, gourmet treats, high quality products, and spa day treatments for pets. Founded in 2007, the retail chain currently has 200 locations open or under development in 18 states.
Even if you have no prior experience in the pet grooming or dog spa services, the franchise company provides extensive training to enable you successfully operate your franchise unit. Though the franchise for starting a Woof Gang at a new location is quite high, the company offers a 10% discount to veterans. Also, in addition to initial investment, the franchisor charges 7% monthly royalty fee and 2% monthly marketing fee from its franchisees.
EarthWise Pet
Founded in: 1977
Category: Pet retail store & dog grooming
Initial franchise fee: $49, 900
Initial investment: $155,300 - $289,400
Started way back in 1977 in California and franchising since 2008, EarthWise Pet is a franchise chain of pet retail stores that provides pet parents with natural and holistic pet food for their furry friends. In addition, the company also offers grooming services, DIY pet washing stations, and training programs for dogs including agility, obedience, and socialization, etc., to help pet owners provide their pets the best possible care. As of 2022, the company owned a total of 153 units across the United States out of which one is owned and operated by the company itself.
Hounds Town USA
Founded in: 2001
Category: Pet store
Initial franchise fee: $91, 000
Initial investment: $339,300 - $628,500
Hounds Town USA, founded in 2001 by a former NYPD canine handler, offers interactive dog daycare, boarding, pet taxi, grooming, and retail services. Based in Ronkonkoma, New York, the company focuses on canine behavior and socialization in a safe and welcoming environment. Since inception, the company has grown to over 10 locations in the United States. Having aggressive growth plans, the company is expected to expand to 30 units by this year, providing a turnkey franchise opportunity for those interested to enter the booming pet industry.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Founded in: 2006
Category: Dog training
Initial franchise fee: $17, 500
Initial investment: $29,275 - $128, 850
One of the newly established pet care businesses when compared with the above ones, Sit Means Sit Dog Training has been around for over 23 years now. The company started franchising six years after its inception, in the year 2006 and currently operates in 140+ locations throughout the United States and globally. With its specialized, and proven approach, Sit Means Sit Dog Training company is committed to improving the quality of life for both pets as well as the pet owners. Their training programs are designed to cater to pets with varied behaviors, needs, and even disabilities like hearing loss. If you’re looking for a low investment franchise option, Sit Means Sit Dog Training is an ideal choice for you.
Petland
Founded in: 1967
Category: Pet store
Initial franchise fee: $40, 000
Initial investment: $300,500 - $1,065, 500
Started in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1967, Petland is a full-service pet retail store that sells puppies, kittens, and other small pet animals and birds like fish, reptiles, and birds. Furthermore, the Petland stores offer a broad range of pet supplies such as food, toys, accessories, and pet related services like grooming and training programs. As of today’s count, the company has expanded to over 100 locations across different countries including the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Japan.
Final Thoughts
The pet industry is a lucrative and continuously expanding market, therefore, investing in a pet franchise can be a paw-some opportunity for you. While all of the pet franchises listed above are worth considering, it's critical that you pick the one that aligns best to your specific needs and goals. Thorough research and evaluation are key to this. Remember, pets are family, and providing the best experience to pet parents is crucial for success. By offering top-quality services, high quality products, building trustworthy relationships with pet owners, and staying abreast of latest trends and technologies, you can make your business thrive and fetch long-term success.
