How Hounds Town USA is Prepared to Lead the Pack Through the Next Recession

Early warning signs indicate an economic downturn is on the horizon, leaving many people worried about their financial well-being and stability. But, some businesses have weathered similar storms before and thrived in spite of them.

Hounds Town USA is one of those concepts. The 30-plus-unit franchise, founded in 1999, has withstood the economic challenges that came with 9/11, the 2008 recession and the coronavirus pandemic. Hounds Town USA managed to survive and come out the other side with increased profits and continued growth each time.

“Hounds Town USA has established itself as an essential service that has become a necessity rather than a luxury for our customers,” said Hounds Town USA Founder Mike Gould. “Like childcare, our customers depend on Hounds Town USA to care for their pets while working long hours, so we really make pet ownership possible.”

According to Gould, the key to the franchise’s survival was its simple and unique business model that naturally attracted essential workers who needed to work long and often difficult hours.

“We offer very affordable, straightforward, no-gimmick pet care, and a majority of our customers are essential workers,” he said. “After 9/11, a large number of rescue workers such as police, firefighters, and military personnel utilized Hounds Town USA for their pets’ care when working long hours or on extended military deployments—and I was one of them.”

Since the dark days of 2001 and 2008, the doggie daycare and boarding franchise has grown to more than 30 locations, serving pet owners throughout the United States. Hounds Town USA has seen triple-digit revenue growth year-over-year and is in an industry that is booming.

These factors position the doggie daycare franchise as a good place to endure a possible recession. The brand’s model offers a necessary service and establishes it as an essential business. Providing quality care for their dogs is not a luxury to pet owners; it’s a necessity.

Despite the economy, pet parents will continue to budget for daycare and boarding. Statistics show people are still willing to pay for their pets’ wellness, care and general happiness. Market Watch reports that spending on pets has increased every year since 1994, three times faster than general consumer spending and is expected to reach $300 billion by the end of 2023.

“Even during the recession in 2008, our business grew,” Gould continues. “People were displaced and replaced very quickly and sought employment elsewhere, but people will not get rid of their pets because of an economic downturn—they will make other sacrifices.”

Hounds Town USA’s model also allows operations to adjust labor in proportion to sales. If sales go down, labor costs can be decreased proportionally. This allows franchisees to remain profitable in times of downturn.

“Now is a great time to invest in Hounds Town USA,” said CEO Jackie Bondanza. “Our franchise system has shown resilience throughout the past 23 years and has proven continuously that our services are much-needed and in demand. Our brand is ready to handle whatever economic happenings may occur and to still stand tall.”

ABOUT HOUNDS TOWN USA

Since 2000, Hounds Town USA has offered a safe and welcoming environment for dogs to be dogs. With interactive doggie daycare, pet boarding, dog grooming, a pet taxi and retail services, Hounds Town USA’s unique dog town is home to the happiest dogs — and franchise owners — on Earth. Founded by former NYPD canine handler and commanding officer of the Nassau County Police Department Michael S. Gould, Hounds Town USA has grown to more than 30 locations. For more information, please visit http://www.houndstownfranchise.com.