Buy a Franchise
With the pet industry booming and demand for specialized services at an all-time high, choosing the right franchise today could set you up for long-term success in one of the fastest-growing markets.
The pet industry is booming, projected at $157 billion in 2025, and franchising has become a popular way for entrepreneurs to get involved. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are several things you should think about to make sure you’re making the right choice. Here are 10 tips to guide you when buying a pet franchise.
Every franchise has its own culture and mission. When considering a pet franchise, take time to learn what the brand stands for. Does it focus on health and wellness? Luxury services? Affordable basics? Make sure its values line up with your own.
"At Central Bark, our ‘Whole Dog Care’ approach goes beyond basic services like grooming or day care or boarding," said CEO Bob Crawford. "We focus on enrichment, socialization and overall well-being. I tell potential owners to make sure the company’s mission aligns with their passion for animals and their community."
Some pet franchises focus on grooming, while others specialize in boarding, training, retail or mobile services. "The key is to look at the full ecosystem of services and what it takes to deliver them," Crawford said. "Buyers should carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document and talk to current owners to ask questions of their monthly expenses, revenues and business results."
Think about what best fits your interests, skills and your market.
Training doesn’t stop after opening day. A strong franchise should provide ongoing support, resources and new ideas to help you succeed.
"Training is one of the most important parts of the business," Crawford said. "I encourage buyers to ask what kind of hands-on training they’ll get, how the franchise can support the franchisee over time and what business systems and tools are included.
For example, Central Bark provides franchisees with a playbook and ongoing online and offline support. This allows franchisees to focus on delivering consistent, high-quality care.
"Look at how customers talk about the brand and how the company is growing," Crawford said. "At Central Bark, our growth comes from strong customer trust and loyalty. Pet parents want more than just day care or grooming; they want holistic, relationship-driven care."
Online reviews, industry rankings and talking directly with other franchise owners will give you valuable insights. Buyers should also study sales performance and check how the brand is positioned for the future.
Where you open your franchise matters. Buyers should weigh factors such as local demographics, traffic patterns, competing pet services in the area and opportunities to connect with the community.
"Location is critical," Crawford said. "Demand for quality care is strong in both new and established markets, driven by the growth of the dog population and how dog owners are continuing to spend more on their pets."
Running a pet business is not a one-person job. From groomers to customer service, you need a team that shares your passion for animals and your commitment to good service.
"One of the biggest mistakes buyers can make is to underestimate what it takes to deliver a truly high-quality, full-service dog care experience," Crawford said. "That includes having the right team in place and staying on top of all pet health and safety regulations."
Lower investment doesn’t always mean better opportunity. Sometimes, the extra cost comes with stronger support, better branding or higher earning potential.
"Another misstep can be choosing a franchise based only on cost. Long-term success comes from building trust through exceptional care and relationships," Crawford said. "Investing in creating positive, meaningful relationships with dogs and their pet parents is an important investment to be made."
"Some owners underestimate the importance of being visible and active in their communities," said Crawford. "Pet parents want to know and trust the people caring for their dogs, so the positive energy that the staff has to the dogs and pet parents is also important."
Pet businesses thrive when owners are engaged with their local communities. Hosting events, partnering with shelters or sponsoring local activities can help build trust and loyalty.
The pet industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should you. Trends in natural pet food, mobile grooming, tech-enabled booking systems and enrichment-focused care are shaping what customers expect. A franchise that adapts to these changes will be better positioned to grow with the times. Look at how each brand has responded to shifts in demand and whether they have a track record of innovation. Reviewing industry reports and comparing different franchise models can give you a clearer picture of which concepts are most likely to stay competitive.
A good franchise should offer more than a single unit. Ask about multi-unit opportunities, protected territories and ways to expand services over time. Some systems allow you to start with one location and later add training, retail or boarding, while others may encourage opening additional sites in nearby markets. Mapping out your growth potential from the beginning will also help when planning financing, staffing and marketing strategies.
By asking the right questions and doing your homework, you can find a brand that matches your goals and helps you build a lasting business.
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