DoodyCalls Reaches 100 Franchisees with 2026 Growth Plan Focused on Technology and Franchisee Performance

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COLUMBIA, Md. — After reaching 100 franchisees in 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://doodycallsfranchising.com/">DoodyCalls</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwilsoncfe">Jordan Wilson</a>, 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.&nbsp;During the quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info">DoodyCalls</a> was named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500?type=multisearch&amp;data1=randomize:false,rankId:f500&amp;sort=f500&amp;sortMethod=global&amp;globalLimit=25">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500</a>, 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.&nbsp;“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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryamos1024/">Larry Amos</a>, brand president.DoodyCalls also earned a spot on&nbsp;<a href="https://franserve.com/fran-tastic-brands/d/">FranServe’s 2026 FRAN-TASTIC BRANDS</a> 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.&nbsp;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.”&nbsp;About DoodyCallsDoodyCalls 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.doodycalls.com">www.doodycalls.com</a>.&nbsp;

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. 

DoodyCalls Signs 9 Franchise Agreements in Q1, Sees Industrywide Recognition

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For years, pet waste removal was often treated as an optional convenience. In 2026, that perception is changing.&nbsp;<a href="https://doodycallsfranchising.com/">DoodyCalls</a>, the pet waste management franchise with more than 100 units, has seen growing interest from homeowners who view the service the same way they think about lawn care, house cleaning and pool maintenance.“Pet ownership is growing, but what grows with it is maintenance,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwilsoncfe/">Jordan Wilson</a>, 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 provides pet waste removal services for both residential and commercial customers, helping keep outdoor spaces clean and safe. The brand is best known for its recurring weekly and biweekly yard cleanup service for dog owners, but its offerings also extend to pet waste station installation and maintenance for apartment communities, HOAs, parks and shared-use properties.<h2>Pet Ownership Drives Demand</h2>Dog ownership remains high across the U.S., and many households own more than one dog. That naturally creates a recurring need for cleanup that never really goes away.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://americanpetproducts.org/2026-state-of-the-industry">American Pet Products Association (APPA)</a>, U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $158 billion in 2025, up 3.7% year over year, and are projected to climb to $165 billion in 2026. In 2025, 95 million U.S. households owned at least one pet, with dog ownership continuing to grow and now reaching 53% of households.&nbsp;Even as consumer budgets tighten, APPA found that pets remain a priority expense for many families, with owners continuing to spend on services that make day-to-day pet care easier. Growth is also being supported by Gen X empty nesters, who are driving increased pet ownership across multiple species and contributing to long-term demand throughout the category.<h2>Consumers Are Outsourcing More Household Chores</h2>Pet waste removal is benefiting from the same trend fueling growth across the home services sector: consumers are increasingly willing to pay for convenience.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-capital/our-insights/value-plays-in-us-home-services-where-opportunity-meets-reliability?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Industry analysts</a> point to a growing preference among homeowners to outsource recurring tasks, creating sustained demand for services that save time and simplify everyday life.Services like landscaping, house cleaning, pest control, pool maintenance and mobile grooming have all benefited from homeowners placing greater value on convenience. Pet waste removal fits naturally into that same behavior.Rather than spending time on chores they do not enjoy, many consumers are choosing to hire professionals and reclaim that time for work, family or leisure.“For a long time, pet waste removal was viewed as something niche,” Wilson said. “Today, it’s becoming part of routine home maintenance. People already hire for lawn care, house cleaning and pool service. Pet waste removal naturally fits into that same category because it solves an ongoing task homeowners would rather not spend their time managing.”The category also works well as a recurring service. Weekly or biweekly visits create predictable maintenance for homeowners and a habit-driven service model that feels easy to keep.<h2>Busy Lifestyles Continue to Fuel Convenience Spending</h2>Dual-income households, families with children and homeowners balancing busy schedules are increasingly looking for ways to simplify everyday responsibilities. Yard cleanup often falls low on the priority list, especially when it is repetitive and easy to postpone.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/tus/">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey</a> found that Americans spend a significant amount of time each week on household activities and chores. Services that take anything off someone’s plate are in demand.“People are paying to remove one more thing from their weekly to-do list,” Wilson said. “For busy families and dual-income households especially, the value is less about the task itself and more about gaining back time and having one less chore to think about.”<h2>Clean Yards Are Also a Health and Lifestyle Priority</h2>Pet waste removal is also about having a clean, safer environment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> emphasizes the importance of proper pet waste disposal to maintain healthy spaces for both people and animals. Additionally, HOA standards and neighborhood appearance expectations can drive demand, especially in communities where outdoor maintenance is highly visible.“A clean yard is about creating a safer outdoor space,” Wilson said. “Pet waste removal plays a real role in keeping environments cleaner and more comfortable for families and their pets.”&nbsp;<h2>A Category Built for Long-Term Growth</h2>Pet waste removal is also benefiting from demographic shifts, including an aging population of pet owners who may no longer want to handle yard cleanup themselves.“We also see growing demand among older pet owners who still want the joy of having dogs but may not want or be physically able to handle yard cleanup themselves every week,” Wilson said. “For many of those customers, this isn’t viewed as a luxury. It’s a practical service that helps them continue enjoying pet ownership.”When you combine growing pet ownership, busier lifestyles and the broader shift toward outsourced home services, it makes sense that demand for pet waste removal continues to rise. What was once considered optional is quickly becoming a recurring necessity for a lot of homeowners, making now a better time than ever to become a DoodyCalls franchisee.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info">https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info</a>.&nbsp;

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As pet ownership rises, more homeowners are turning to recurring cleanup services as part of their regular home maintenance routine.

Why Pet Waste Removal Is Becoming One of the Most In-Demand Home Services in 2026

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Before opening her&nbsp;<a href="https://doodycallsfranchising.com/">DoodyCalls</a> franchise in Omaha, Nebraska, Melissa Dalziel built her career in leadership and operations. She now provides pet waste removal services for local homeowners and is steadily growing a route-based business built on recurring customers.A Navy veteran, Dalziel later moved into management in Omaha, working as an office manager before becoming the general manager of a retail chain location. Those years gave her hands-on leadership experience and pushed her toward a bigger realization: She wanted to own the business, not just help run one.“It took me a while to figure out what I actually wanted to do and to take that first step,” Dalziel said. “I was terrified to make the jump. I probably could have done it a few years ago, but I was scared, to be perfectly honest with you. Finally, I decided I was done with what I was doing, and it was time to do it. So I went all in on my goals.”<h2>Why Franchising Made Sense</h2>For Dalziel, franchising made sense because it removed some of the early lift that comes with starting a business from nothing. She saw the appeal of building something on her own, but she also knew how many decisions have to be made before a new business starts to feel established.Franchising offered her a shortcut on the pieces she didn’t want to rebuild. More importantly, it offered a support system she could actually use in real time, not a binder of generic advice.“I really liked the help DoodyCalls gives you,” Dalziel said. “I work really closely with my Franchise Business Consultant, and I love that I can call her with any questions. I considered doing it on my own, but with franchising, the branding is already there and I don’t have to do any of that. The wrap for my truck was already done, and I really appreciate the way they support marketing.”<h2>Finding the Right Fit</h2>Even after deciding franchising was the right direction, Dalziel still had doubts as she looked at different opportunities and tried to figure out which brand felt like the right fit. Those conversations gave Dalziel a better sense of how the business worked in practice and what kind of support system would come with it. The more she learned, the easier it became to picture herself moving forward with the brand.“The Franchise Development Manager for DoodyCalls gave me a completely different perspective,” Dalziel said. “I really connected with what the company stood for, and after that, I felt confident this was the right fit for me.”<h2>Building Momentum in the Early Months</h2>The first stretch of ownership, Dalziel said, was about turning a new operation into a routine. That meant building enough demand to create the consistency that lets an owner plan, budget and grow.Marketing was part of that early effort. So was patience. Early traction came through online search visibility, and then the business started to benefit from the oldest marketing channel in any local service business: customers talking.“Google helped so much with gaining the customer base I needed just to get started,” she said. “Now I’m getting to the point where word is getting out and new leads are coming in that way.”<h2>Confidence in a Service Business</h2>Dalziel went into the business expecting some people might question her as a woman in a service-based field. That has not really happened. If anything, she said the experience has been a reminder that once the work speaks for itself, most of those worries start to fade.“I was definitely fearful of that perception coming into it,” she said. “I guess it’s almost like a personal thing where I’m afraid somebody’s going to choose a man over a woman. But I really have not run into that at all. It’s been quite pleasant as far as that goes.”That calm confidence shows up in how she talks about leading: staying clear about what she wants, refusing to shrink the expectations for her business just to make other people comfortable.“Knowing what you want, going for that, and standing your ground,” Dalziel said. “There are certain ways I need things done or want things done, and I’m not willing to bend for anybody. It’s my business, and I’m going to do it how I want.”<h2>The Role of Support</h2>For Dalziel, one of the biggest lessons of ownership has been that independence does not mean isolation. She wanted to build something of her own, but she also wanted a network of people in her corner who could answer questions, troubleshoot problems and help her keep going through the rough days.When Dalziel talks to other women about ownership, that support system is one of the first things she brings up. She sees it as something that can make the process feel less overwhelming, especially in the early stages.“I really like the support DoodyCalls gives you, and I would never tell people not to go with a franchise at this point,” Dalziel said. “There are so many people I can call within the franchise if I need help, people who are there for me and can offer a shoulder to cry on if I’m having a rough day. I’ve got people there to support me, and I think that’s huge in a business like this.”<h2>Betting on Herself</h2>Dalziel also hopes her story resonates with other women who may be considering business ownership but aren’t sure about taking the leap. For her, the biggest hurdle wasn’t the work itself. It was deciding she was ready to try.Dalziel is still growing the business while juggling the responsibilities that come with raising a family on her own. That reality has shaped the way she thinks about risk, resilience and what it takes to bet on yourself.“I’m a single mom,” Dalziel said. “I’ve got two boys — my 16-year-old still lives with me — and if I can do it, anybody can. I wasn’t brought up with everything handed to me. I worked my way up, got a small business loan and made it happen.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info">https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info</a>.

DoodyCalls Franchise - Melissa Dalziel - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Drawing on her military background and management experience, Melissa Dalziel found a path to small business ownership through franchising and is now building a recurring-service business of her own.

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COLUMBIA, Md. —&nbsp;<a href="https://doodycallsfranchising.com/">DoodyCalls</a>, the pet waste management franchise, has once again earned a place on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500</a>, ranking No. 350 overall for 2026, and No. 1 overall in the ‘Pet Waste Management’ category.&nbsp;The Franchise 500 is considered one of the most thorough franchise evaluations in the industry, examining brands across criteria that include unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand presence and the level of support provided to franchise owners.“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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryamos1024/">Larry Amos</a>, Brand President. “The mix of a recurring service model and the steady need for pet services keeps us growing strong all across the country.”Now in its 47th year, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranks franchise systems based on a cumulative score built from analysis of more than 150 data points. The list is widely used by prospective franchise owners as a reference point when comparing opportunities across industries, which makes DoodyCalls overall and category rankings significant milestones for the brand.&nbsp;DoodyCalls presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring business owners in the pet services industry, offering essential pet waste removal services for both homes and businesses in their local areas. The brand thrives on a model focused on recurring service, reliable scheduling and fostering strong connections with local customers.&nbsp;DoodyCalls franchise owners also have access to an array of shared resources as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a> family, which includes several other popular home services brands in the franchise space."We're really focused on making sure our franchise owners have all the support they need to grow alongside the brand," Amos said. "Getting recognized as the top brand in our category confirms how solid our base is and that we're on the right track."To view DoodyCalls’ full profile on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/doodycalls/319574">https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/doodycalls/319574</a>.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.doodycalls.com">www.doodycalls.com</a>.

The "pooper scooper" franchise continues its strong run on the annual ranking, driven by consistent system growth and ongoing high demand for its services.

DoodyCalls Ranks on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. —&nbsp;<a href="https://doodycallsfranchising.com/">DoodyCalls</a>, America’s leading pet waste removal franchise, is entering 2026 with strong systemwide momentum, celebrating reaching 100 franchisees and double-digit growth across the brand. Now, the brand’s forward-looking strategy, centered on its “Scale to Success” theme, emphasizes sustainable growth, operational consistency and deeper investment in franchisee performance.&nbsp;“Hitting 100 franchisees is an exciting milestone, but what matters most is how we continue to support those owners as they grow,” said<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryamos1024"> Larry Amos</a>, brand president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/info">DoodyCalls</a>. “As we look toward 2026, 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.”As part of its “Scale to Success” approach, DoodyCalls is making targeted investments across technology, operations and financial performance to create a more efficient and data-driven franchise system.The brand is leaning into its technology stack, mixing in AI tools to help with everything from marketing to call center workflows.&nbsp;DoodyCalls is also pulling back the curtain on financial performance, giving owners better tools to see exactly how their businesses are doing. Through new reporting and hands-on workshops, franchisees can feel confident about their numbers, helping them plan for the future with a clear picture of their goals.“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.”DoodyCalls is leaning into better training and shared wisdom to help owners work smarter and keep the experience consistent for every customer. This includes deeper onboarding and hands-on workshops that tackle the real-world side of the business, such as mastering marketing and getting comfortable with the financials. Plus, being part of Authority Brands means franchisees can tap into a massive network of shared resources and learn from other business owners across different industries.That teamwork shows up in how owners talk to one another, too. Through the Franchise Advisory Council and regular roundtables, franchisees have a dedicated space to solve problems and share what’s actually working on the ground.For franchisees like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/doodycalls/doodycalls-franchisee-jason-heimberg-frederick-2730546">Jason Heimburg</a>, that support has been a key driver of success. “There was already a strong foundation in place — from the call center to the marketing systems,” he said. “That allows you to focus on growing your business instead of building everything from scratch.”Newer owners are seeing similar benefits.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-f-4bb7233/">Suzanne Fowler</a>, a franchisee based in Indiana, said the model's structure and scalability made it an attractive opportunity. “A lot of what we needed to get started was already there,” she said. “It gave us a clear path to grow.”As the brand continues to expand, DoodyCalls also remains focused on celebrating the franchisees who are driving its success at the local level. Recent recognition across the system includes:<ul><li>2025 Franchisee of the Year:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-fritz-9a83163b">Brandon Fritz</a> (Baltimore-Harford)</li><li>2025 Rookie of the Year: Suzanne Fowler (North Indy)</li><li>2025 Customer Service Excellence Award: Michael and Sabrina Northcutt (Mobile, Alabama)</li></ul>With over 20 years of franchising experience, 100 franchisees systemwide and a clear roadmap for 2026, DoodyCalls is well-positioned to continue expanding in high-demand markets.&nbsp;ABOUT DOODYCALLS:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.doodycalls.com">www.doodycalls.com</a>.

With double-digit growth and a milestone 100th franchisee, DoodyCalls is investing in technology, training and franchisee support to drive a “Scale to Success” expansion strategy.