COLUMBIA, Md. — After reaching 100 franchisees in 2025, DoodyCalls added nine more franchise agreements in the first quarter of 2026. The brand also reported double-digit growth last year, setting up a stronger start to the new year.
“We had a strong year in 2025, and that carried into the first quarter,” said Jordan Wilson, chief development officer. “The interest we’re seeing tells us entrepreneurs understand the value of a business with low overhead, simple operations and a support system behind it.”
Franchisees came from diverse backgrounds, such as an E-2 Visa candidate from Sri Lanka, an accountant from Oregon, a veteran and kennel owner in Ohio, a couple in Colorado and a multimillion-dollar business operator in Florida. Franchise owners are drawn to the brand’s simple model that requires very few employees and equipment, as well as its centralized marketing support and a call center that helps drive leads.
During the quarter, DoodyCalls was named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, ranking No. 350 overall and No. 1 in the “Pet Waste Management” category. The ranking was based on unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand presence and the level of support provided to franchise owners. It is considered one of the most thorough franchise evaluations in the industry.
“Making the Franchise 500 list year after year speaks to the consistency of our system and how vital the services our franchise owners provide are to people's daily lives,” said Larry Amos, brand president.
DoodyCalls also earned a spot on FranServe’s 2026 FRAN-TASTIC BRANDS list, which recognized the brand’s service expansion and new offerings, including DoodyFresh, an outdoor pet odor treatment.
The franchise also held its annual conference during the quarter. It featured a “Scale to Success” theme, emphasizing sustainable growth, operational consistency and deeper investment in franchisee performance. The franchise shared that, as part of its “Scale to Success” approach, it is making investments across technology, operations and financial performance. It’s also focusing on greater financial visibility and performance benchmarking by expanding reporting tools and hosting dedicated financial workshops.
Looking ahead, DoodyCalls is targeting several markets for franchise development, including Minneapolis, Nashville and Detroit, as well as Lubbock and El Paso, Texas, and Naples and Vero Beach, Florida.
“We’re being intentional about where we grow next,” Wilson said. “The markets we’re targeting have the right mix of pet ownership and strong local economies, which will set future franchisees up for growth.”
About DoodyCalls
DoodyCalls was founded in 2000 by Jacob and Susan D'Aniello in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In 2004, the company began franchising its pet waste removal business nationwide and established corporate headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia. DoodyCalls provides pet waste removal services for residential and commercial customers in 26 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about DoodyCalls, visit www.doodycalls.com.
DoodyCalls
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The pet waste management franchise signed agreements with franchisees around the country during the first quarter and has its sights set on Minnesota, Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Michigan.
COLUMBIA, Md. — After reaching 100 franchisees in 2025, DoodyCalls added nine more franchise agreements in the first quarter of 2026. The brand also reported double-digit growth last year, setting up a stronger start to the new year.
“We had a strong year in 2025, and that carried into the first quarter,” said Jordan Wilson, chief development officer. “The interest we’re seeing tells us entrepreneurs understand the value of a business with low overhead, simple operations and a support system behind it.”
Franchisees came from diverse backgrounds, such as an E-2 Visa candidate from Sri Lanka, an accountant from Oregon, a veteran and kennel owner in Ohio, a couple in Colorado and a multimillion-dollar business operator in Florida. Franchise owners are drawn to the brand’s simple model that requires very few employees and equipment, as well as its centralized marketing support and a call center that helps drive leads.
During the quarter, DoodyCalls was named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, ranking No. 350 overall and No. 1 in the “Pet Waste Management” category. The ranking was based on unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand presence and the level of support provided to franchise owners. It is considered one of the most thorough franchise evaluations in the industry.
“Making the Franchise 500 list year after year speaks to the consistency of our system and how vital the services our franchise owners provide are to people's daily lives,” said Larry Amos, brand president.
DoodyCalls also earned a spot on FranServe’s 2026 FRAN-TASTIC BRANDS list, which recognized the brand’s service expansion and new offerings, including DoodyFresh, an outdoor pet odor treatment.
The franchise also held its annual conference during the quarter. It featured a “Scale to Success” theme, emphasizing sustainable growth, operational consistency and deeper investment in franchisee performance. The franchise shared that, as part of its “Scale to Success” approach, it is making investments across technology, operations and financial performance. It’s also focusing on greater financial visibility and performance benchmarking by expanding reporting tools and hosting dedicated financial workshops.
Looking ahead, DoodyCalls is targeting several markets for franchise development, including Minneapolis, Nashville and Detroit, as well as Lubbock and El Paso, Texas, and Naples and Vero Beach, Florida.
“We’re being intentional about where we grow next,” Wilson said. “The markets we’re targeting have the right mix of pet ownership and strong local economies, which will set future franchisees up for growth.”
About DoodyCalls
DoodyCalls was founded in 2000 by Jacob and Susan D'Aniello in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In 2004, the company began franchising its pet waste removal business nationwide and established corporate headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia. DoodyCalls provides pet waste removal services for residential and commercial customers in 26 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about DoodyCalls, visit www.doodycalls.com.
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