Independent Franchise Research
The Definitive Resource for Pet Franchise Research
Objective data and insights to help you make informed franchise decisions. Compare investment costs, ongoing fees, and operational requirements across 21 leading pet franchises.
$150B+
U.S. Pet Industry
21
Franchises Compared
$32K-$2M
Investment Range
67%
Households with Pets
Explore by Category
Four Distinct Business Models
Each category has unique operational requirements, staffing needs, and investment profiles. Understanding these differences is crucial to finding the right fit.
Dog Training & Socialization
Build confident, well-socialized dogs through positive reinforcement. The best concepts create community hubs with strong recurring revenue—owners return weekly for ongoing socialization.
Daycare & Boarding
Care for dogs while owners are away. Requires significant staffing and facility investment.
Grooming
Keep pets looking and feeling their best. Requires licensed groomers.
Pet Retail
Sell food, supplies, and specialty products. Competes with big-box and online.
Quick Comparison
Investment at a Glance
| Franchise | Category | Investment Range | Royalty + Ad | Min. Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit Means Sit | training | $31,775 – $163,750 | 11% | 1 |
| Instinct Dog Training | training | $89,040 – $889,280 | 10% | 6-8 |
| The Dog Wizard | training | $115,700 – $194,350 | 10% | 1 |
| Pet Wants | retail | $137,850 – $219,000 | 11% | 1-2 |
| Aussie Pet Mobile | grooming | $167,325 – $208,650 | 9% | 1-2 |
| Three Dog Bakery | retail | $181,000 – $314,000 | 8% | 2-3 |
| Woof Gang Bakery | retail | $184,420 – $506,620 | 9% | 2-4 |
| Wild Birds Unlimited | retail | $226,601 – $378,977 | 5% | 3-5 |
Data sourced from official Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). Investment ranges include franchise fee, build-out, equipment, and working capital.
Before You Invest
Questions Every Prospective Franchisee Should Ask
Staffing Intensity
How many employees are required to operate safely? Daycare models often require 15-20 staff, while training concepts can run with 2-3. More staff means more payroll complexity, HR liability, and management overhead.
Skilled Labor Dependency
Does the model depend on recruiting licensed professionals? Grooming concepts require finding and retaining groomers in a constrained labor pool. When a top groomer leaves, revenue often follows.
Liability Profile
Any drop-off model means custody responsibility without the owner present. This creates insurance, legal, and veterinary bill exposure. Owner-present models significantly reduce this risk.
Total Fee Stack
A royalty rate is one line item. Many franchises also require technology fees, call center fees, mandatory local marketing minimums, and required product purchases. Ask about the complete monthly obligation.
Training Methodology
For training franchises: What tools and techniques are used? Modern veterinarians and behaviorists recommend positive reinforcement. Some franchises still use aversive methods that educated consumers avoid.
Territory Saturation
How many units already operate in your market? How many are in the pipeline? Some categories are crowded. Ask about territory protections and the franchise's growth strategy in your area.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Our comparison tool lets you filter by category, investment level, and staffing requirements to find franchises that match your goals.