Twenty-five years ago, the idea of building a national business around cleaning up dog waste sounded unconventional. Today, it looks remarkably forward-thinking.
Americans are spending more on their pets, and they're increasingly willing to pay for services that give them back their time. That combination is creating an opportunity for recurring pet services like professional waste removal, with recent market research projecting roughly 8% annual growth for the category. DoodyCalls, the pet waste management franchise, has been at the center of that evolution.
Founded in 2000 and now supported by more than 100 franchisees across the United States, the Authority Brands-backed franchise has built a scalable business focused on solving one of the least enjoyable responsibilities of pet ownership. What started as a simple residential cleanup service has expanded into commercial contracts, recurring maintenance programs, odor control services, pet waste station installation and acquisitions, giving franchisees multiple paths to build long-term businesses.
"As we look forward, our focus is on scaling the right way — investing in systems, technology and shared resources that help franchisees build strong, sustainable businesses in their local markets," said Larry Amos, president of DoodyCalls.
Here are 10 reasons why DoodyCalls stands out.
One of the biggest advantages of the DoodyCalls business model is that customers rarely need the service just once. Rather than relying on one-time projects, franchisees can build customer bases around weekly and bi-weekly service plans that generate dependable cash flow throughout the year.
"We allow franchisees to get into the business and build one that has long-term value predicated on recurring revenue," said Josh Minturn, vice president of franchise development at Authority Brands. “We have really drilled this down into a science that allows us to get in front of the right houses so our franchisees are profitable.”
Recurring service also improves customer retention. Once homeowners experience the convenience of never having to think about yard cleanup again, many continue using the service for years.
The biggest challenge for many franchise concepts is convincing consumers they need the service. DoodyCalls doesn't have that problem. Demand already exists.
Pet ownership continues to reach record levels across the United States, and homeowners increasingly view pet waste removal the same way they think about lawn care, housekeeping and pool service. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent approximately $158 billion on their pets during 2025, with spending expected to continue growing. Roughly 95 million U.S. households now own pets, while dog ownership continues climbing each year.
"Pet ownership is growing, but what grows with it is maintenance," said Jordan Wilson, chief development officer of Authority Brands. "More households are managing one or multiple dogs, and that creates a recurring need that doesn't go away. We're seeing more people look for simple ways to make pet ownership easier without sacrificing the cleanliness of their home or yard."
DoodyCalls does not require the kind of real estate buildout or inventory investment that can drive up costs in other franchise models. According to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from approximately $76,450 to $93,850, including the franchise fee.
"The operation requires very few employees," Minturn said. "Many of our owners enjoy that benefit because they can build the business to the point where it supports them and then exit their current job."
The streamlined model also allows entrepreneurs to scale deliberately rather than taking on high fixed costs from day one.
Many franchise businesses become increasingly complicated as they grow. DoodyCalls was intentionally designed to become more efficient with scale.
There are no commercial kitchens to manage, no inventory spoilage, no retail staffing schedules and no complicated production processes. Instead, franchisees focus on building routes, serving customers and optimizing operations.
The brand's software platform simplifies scheduling, routing, customer management, invoicing and dispatching, while centralized marketing and call center support remove much of the administrative burden.
"There was already a strong foundation in place — from the call center to the marketing systems," said franchisee Jason Heimburg. "That allows you to focus on growing your business instead of building everything from scratch."
Although DoodyCalls maintains the agility of a specialized home service brand, franchisees benefit from belonging to one of North America's largest home services franchise organizations.
As part of Authority Brands, owners gain access to shared operational expertise, technology resources, marketing systems and cross-brand best practices developed across multiple successful franchise systems
That support extends well beyond initial training. Franchisees receive onboarding assistance, ongoing coaching, marketing guidance, customer service support, software training and opportunities to collaborate through Franchise Advisory Councils and owner roundtables.
"A lot of what we needed to get started was already there," said franchisee Suzanne Fowler. “It gave us a clear path to grow.”
In 2026, DoodyCalls is investing even further in owner success through its "Scale to Success" initiative, adding enhanced financial reporting, operational workshops and technology improvements that help franchisees make smarter business decisions.
In 2026, DoodyCalls is investing heavily in tools that help franchisees operate more efficiently.
The brand is leaning into its technology stack, including AI-supported tools for marketing, call center workflows, customer management and operational reporting. The goal is not just to make the business easier to run, but to give owners better visibility into what is working.
"We're giving franchisees more clarity," Amos said. "When owners understand their numbers and have access to the right tools, they can make smarter decisions that lead to more predictable growth."
While residential service is the foundation of DoodyCalls, commercial business gives franchisees another way to scale. DoodyCalls serves apartment communities, HOAs, municipalities, parks, hotels and shared-use properties. These clients need waste removal, pet waste station installation, bag refills, station maintenance and ongoing cleanup services.
"We are targeting residential homes, and also multifamily homes on the commercial side," Minturn said.
Commercial accounts can help franchisees build larger, more efficient routes while diversifying revenue beyond individual homeowners. For markets with strong apartment growth, HOA density or dog-friendly public spaces, this can become a meaningful growth engine.
In order to promote growth, DoodyCalls also helps franchisees identify and purchase smaller local competitors, allowing owners to expand routes, absorb existing customers and build scale faster.
"As an organization, we help our franchisees through their growth strategy through acquisition," Minturn said. “We assist with finding great companies to acquire to exponentially grow faster. We allow franchisees to invest some of their money into acquiring competitors. That has been a wonderful program that we've launched with our franchisees.”
For entrepreneurs who want to build a larger operation, this acquisition support can create a faster path to market share.
DoodyCalls benefits from a simple truth: almost everyone dislikes picking up dog waste.
That pain point cuts across income levels, neighborhoods and demographics.
"There is a strong demand for this service, but it's not always top of mind. No pet owners particularly enjoy this part of pet ownership," Minturn said. “The way people feel about dog waste transcends income; you hate it all the same.”
That universality gives franchisees a broad potential customer base. Busy families, dual-income households, older pet owners, apartment managers and HOA boards all have different motivations, but the underlying need is the same.
"There's something universal about the way people feel about dog waste," Minturn said. "It doesn't matter your income or neighborhood, everyone wants a clean space to enjoy. DoodyCalls makes that easy."
DoodyCalls is not a one-size-fits-all franchise. Some owners begin part-time while keeping another job. Others build full-time operations with multiple vehicles, employees, commercial contracts and expanded territories. The model allows franchisees to grow based on their goals, resources and market opportunity.
The business is also well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs because franchisees do not need experience in the pet industry to succeed. The stronger indicators are coachability, consistency and willingness to follow the system.
Franchisees come from corporate careers, military backgrounds, family businesses and other service industries. For many, the appeal lies in the ability to build a business that is simple to understand, supported by a national brand, and tied to a growing category.
DoodyCalls is entering 2026 with strong momentum. The brand has reached 100 franchisees, continues to expand across more than 25 states and is investing in technology, training, performance reporting and franchisee collaboration.
For prospective franchisees, the opportunity is clear. DoodyCalls offers a low-overhead, recurring revenue business in a growing home service category backed by the infrastructure of Authority Brands.
For more information on the costs of buying this franchise, visit https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls.
DoodyCalls
SPONSORED
With recurring revenue, low startup costs and technology designed to support growth, DoodyCalls offers a differentiated franchise opportunity within the growing pet services industry.
Twenty-five years ago, the idea of building a national business around cleaning up dog waste sounded unconventional. Today, it looks remarkably forward-thinking.
Americans are spending more on their pets, and they're increasingly willing to pay for services that give them back their time. That combination is creating an opportunity for recurring pet services like professional waste removal, with recent market research projecting roughly 8% annual growth for the category. DoodyCalls, the pet waste management franchise, has been at the center of that evolution.
Founded in 2000 and now supported by more than 100 franchisees across the United States, the Authority Brands-backed franchise has built a scalable business focused on solving one of the least enjoyable responsibilities of pet ownership. What started as a simple residential cleanup service has expanded into commercial contracts, recurring maintenance programs, odor control services, pet waste station installation and acquisitions, giving franchisees multiple paths to build long-term businesses.
"As we look forward, our focus is on scaling the right way — investing in systems, technology and shared resources that help franchisees build strong, sustainable businesses in their local markets," said Larry Amos, president of DoodyCalls.
Here are 10 reasons why DoodyCalls stands out.
One of the biggest advantages of the DoodyCalls business model is that customers rarely need the service just once. Rather than relying on one-time projects, franchisees can build customer bases around weekly and bi-weekly service plans that generate dependable cash flow throughout the year.
"We allow franchisees to get into the business and build one that has long-term value predicated on recurring revenue," said Josh Minturn, vice president of franchise development at Authority Brands. “We have really drilled this down into a science that allows us to get in front of the right houses so our franchisees are profitable.”
Recurring service also improves customer retention. Once homeowners experience the convenience of never having to think about yard cleanup again, many continue using the service for years.
The biggest challenge for many franchise concepts is convincing consumers they need the service. DoodyCalls doesn't have that problem. Demand already exists.
Pet ownership continues to reach record levels across the United States, and homeowners increasingly view pet waste removal the same way they think about lawn care, housekeeping and pool service. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent approximately $158 billion on their pets during 2025, with spending expected to continue growing. Roughly 95 million U.S. households now own pets, while dog ownership continues climbing each year.
"Pet ownership is growing, but what grows with it is maintenance," said Jordan Wilson, chief development officer of Authority Brands. "More households are managing one or multiple dogs, and that creates a recurring need that doesn't go away. We're seeing more people look for simple ways to make pet ownership easier without sacrificing the cleanliness of their home or yard."
DoodyCalls does not require the kind of real estate buildout or inventory investment that can drive up costs in other franchise models. According to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from approximately $76,450 to $93,850, including the franchise fee.
"The operation requires very few employees," Minturn said. "Many of our owners enjoy that benefit because they can build the business to the point where it supports them and then exit their current job."
The streamlined model also allows entrepreneurs to scale deliberately rather than taking on high fixed costs from day one.
Many franchise businesses become increasingly complicated as they grow. DoodyCalls was intentionally designed to become more efficient with scale.
There are no commercial kitchens to manage, no inventory spoilage, no retail staffing schedules and no complicated production processes. Instead, franchisees focus on building routes, serving customers and optimizing operations.
The brand's software platform simplifies scheduling, routing, customer management, invoicing and dispatching, while centralized marketing and call center support remove much of the administrative burden.
"There was already a strong foundation in place — from the call center to the marketing systems," said franchisee Jason Heimburg. "That allows you to focus on growing your business instead of building everything from scratch."
Although DoodyCalls maintains the agility of a specialized home service brand, franchisees benefit from belonging to one of North America's largest home services franchise organizations.
As part of Authority Brands, owners gain access to shared operational expertise, technology resources, marketing systems and cross-brand best practices developed across multiple successful franchise systems
That support extends well beyond initial training. Franchisees receive onboarding assistance, ongoing coaching, marketing guidance, customer service support, software training and opportunities to collaborate through Franchise Advisory Councils and owner roundtables.
"A lot of what we needed to get started was already there," said franchisee Suzanne Fowler. “It gave us a clear path to grow.”
In 2026, DoodyCalls is investing even further in owner success through its "Scale to Success" initiative, adding enhanced financial reporting, operational workshops and technology improvements that help franchisees make smarter business decisions.
In 2026, DoodyCalls is investing heavily in tools that help franchisees operate more efficiently.
The brand is leaning into its technology stack, including AI-supported tools for marketing, call center workflows, customer management and operational reporting. The goal is not just to make the business easier to run, but to give owners better visibility into what is working.
"We're giving franchisees more clarity," Amos said. "When owners understand their numbers and have access to the right tools, they can make smarter decisions that lead to more predictable growth."
While residential service is the foundation of DoodyCalls, commercial business gives franchisees another way to scale. DoodyCalls serves apartment communities, HOAs, municipalities, parks, hotels and shared-use properties. These clients need waste removal, pet waste station installation, bag refills, station maintenance and ongoing cleanup services.
"We are targeting residential homes, and also multifamily homes on the commercial side," Minturn said.
Commercial accounts can help franchisees build larger, more efficient routes while diversifying revenue beyond individual homeowners. For markets with strong apartment growth, HOA density or dog-friendly public spaces, this can become a meaningful growth engine.
In order to promote growth, DoodyCalls also helps franchisees identify and purchase smaller local competitors, allowing owners to expand routes, absorb existing customers and build scale faster.
"As an organization, we help our franchisees through their growth strategy through acquisition," Minturn said. “We assist with finding great companies to acquire to exponentially grow faster. We allow franchisees to invest some of their money into acquiring competitors. That has been a wonderful program that we've launched with our franchisees.”
For entrepreneurs who want to build a larger operation, this acquisition support can create a faster path to market share.
DoodyCalls benefits from a simple truth: almost everyone dislikes picking up dog waste.
That pain point cuts across income levels, neighborhoods and demographics.
"There is a strong demand for this service, but it's not always top of mind. No pet owners particularly enjoy this part of pet ownership," Minturn said. “The way people feel about dog waste transcends income; you hate it all the same.”
That universality gives franchisees a broad potential customer base. Busy families, dual-income households, older pet owners, apartment managers and HOA boards all have different motivations, but the underlying need is the same.
"There's something universal about the way people feel about dog waste," Minturn said. "It doesn't matter your income or neighborhood, everyone wants a clean space to enjoy. DoodyCalls makes that easy."
DoodyCalls is not a one-size-fits-all franchise. Some owners begin part-time while keeping another job. Others build full-time operations with multiple vehicles, employees, commercial contracts and expanded territories. The model allows franchisees to grow based on their goals, resources and market opportunity.
The business is also well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs because franchisees do not need experience in the pet industry to succeed. The stronger indicators are coachability, consistency and willingness to follow the system.
Franchisees come from corporate careers, military backgrounds, family businesses and other service industries. For many, the appeal lies in the ability to build a business that is simple to understand, supported by a national brand, and tied to a growing category.
DoodyCalls is entering 2026 with strong momentum. The brand has reached 100 franchisees, continues to expand across more than 25 states and is investing in technology, training, performance reporting and franchisee collaboration.
For prospective franchisees, the opportunity is clear. DoodyCalls offers a low-overhead, recurring revenue business in a growing home service category backed by the infrastructure of Authority Brands.
For more information on the costs of buying this franchise, visit https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls.
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