Franchise Deep Dive: Top Tier K9 Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: December 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.toptierk9franchising.com/  

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 10

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: N/A

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Top Tier K9 is a dog-training franchise based in Milton, Florida. Founded in 2014 by Jeff Minder, the franchise has achieved success through initiatives such as its advanced pet training protocol, the Foundation Dog program, and pioneering work in training the world's first COVID-19 detection dogs. Additionally, the brand is known for introducing the world's first virtual reality dog-training center.

How Many Top Tier K9 Locations Are There?

Since its founding, Top Tier K9 has grown to 10 locations in Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Missouri. There are franchise opportunities in almost every state of the country. 

In the first quarter of 2024, the franchise is making a concentrated effort to expand its offerings throughout Texas.

“Customer demand is exploding for us in the Texas markets, specifically Dallas Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and El Paso, where we enjoy an exclusive referral relationship with a veterinary program with over 100,000 current customers,” the franchise wrote in a blog post.  

Top Tier K9 will also be expanding into the Miami and Jacksonville areas in early 2024. It has a goal of 12 Texas franchises in 2024 and 12 additional franchises in the rest of the country. 

What Is The Top Tier K9 Business Model?

Top Tier K9's business model for franchisees encompasses a comprehensive training program, customer-centric approach, opportunities for reselling fully trained dogs, market development initiatives and a strong network of support. Here's a breakdown of their business model:

Franchisee Training: Franchisees undergo an eight-week, live, online pet training course, followed by two weeks of onsite certification with an advanced business boot camp at the Madison Florida Campus. The training continues with a 14-week live online Foundation Dog trainer class, covering the introduction to Foundation Dogs and Foundation Dog trainer techniques. This phase prepares franchisees to train their own demo dog for business purposes and to learn advanced skills such as tracking, finding specific odors, protection work and advanced obedience.

Training Your Customers: Franchisees have access to customer-centric training systems, including video streaming, DVDs and the world's first Virtual Reality Dog-Training Center. The Virtual Reality Dog-Training Center allows customers to obtain training while franchisees work with their pets. 

Hiring Certified Dog Trainers: Franchisees can hire Top Tier K9 certified dog trainers to work for them or send their employees through the school with a significant discount.

Reselling Fully Trained Dogs: Top Tier K9 Corporate maintains a large inventory of trained Foundation Dogs, which franchisees can purchase to finish and resell to their client base. 

Market Development: Top Tier K9 engages in market development initiatives, such as maintaining a litter on the ground program for the selection and training of working line puppies. Additionally, programs like Build a Battle Buddy provide service dogs to disabled veterans, and K9 Warriors for Women offers protection dogs for women. 

Network of Support: Franchisees become part of a supportive network of certified trainers from various professional backgrounds, including lawyers, doctors, military and law enforcement. The network offers mutual assistance and collaboration. 

Value Proposition: Franchisees have flexibility in choosing their work environment, whether it's working from home, a small facility, a storefront or a large kennel operation. The brand also allows for the creation of Top Tier K9 training centers or the addition of Training by Top Tier K9 to existing businesses in the pet industry, such as boarding kennels, grooming shops or pet supply stores.

There are currently two tiers for Top Tier K9 Franchises. The first is the pet-training program. The second tier kicks in once the franchise owner (or a staff member) certifies as a Top Tier K9 Master dog trainer, allowing the franchise owner to train and sell protection dogs; service dogs; and special security dogs, including police and military K-9.

How Much Can Top Tier K9 Franchise Owners Make?

Earnings for Top Tier K9 franchise owners are not publicly available. This information can be found in the brand’s Item 19 inside its Franchise Disclosure Document. 

How Much Does It Cost to Open Top Tier K9?

With no public information available, interested parties will need to contact Top Tier K9 for information on investment costs. 

What Is the Franchise Fee for Top Tier K9?

The franchise fee is not publicly available. However, the brand does note online that all tuition for training will be applied to the franchise fee. 

Who Is the Leadership of Top Tier K9?

• Jeff Minder — CEO and Founder
• Alyssa Browning — Unit Manager Tallahassee and Madison Locations
• Madison Stafford — Lead Pet and Foundation Dog Trainer
• Brian Minder — Instructor
• Jim Hayes — Certified Safe Catch Decoy and Trainer 
• Duane Pickel — Senior Fellow and Advisor
• Kari Koch — Senior Fellow and Advisor
• Chris O'Brian — Senior Fellow and Advisor
• Julie Madison — Deployment Coordinator for the Covid-19 detection dogs

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Top Tier K9?

• A Formal Education
• Top Tier K9 Franchising
• Foundation Dogs Lead the Way for your Franchise
• Steps to franchising

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