Franchise Deep Dive: The Dog Stop® Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

This dog boarding franchise was created to disrupt the pet care industry by meeting all the needs of local pet owners with one all-inclusive facility.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

11:11AM • 08/09/23

LAST UPDATED: July 28, 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://thedogstop.com/franchise-opportunities/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 28

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $543,000 - $1,010,100

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

The Dog Stop is a pet boarding franchise that aims to create a fun and safe environment where dogs love to come and play, and pet owners feel 100% confident in the superior care that their dogs are receiving. The brand competes against other players in the dog boarding space such as Hounds Town USA, Camp Bow Wow and Dogtopia.

How Many The Dog Stops Are There?

The story of The Dog Stop begins in 2009 when founder Jesse Coslov recognized a gap in the dog care offerings in his neighborhood. Having spent considerable time volunteering and working with foster organizations, he understood the needs of the dog care community. Driven by a desire to create something better, he took the leap into entrepreneurship and opened the first The Dog Stop location in Pittsburgh.

As the first location gained traction, Coslov's vision expanded. Customers from all over expressed interest in getting involved and opening The Dog Stop franchises in their hometowns. The idea of franchising had never crossed Coslov's mind, but a family friend and seasoned business consultant convinced him that the business was primed for growth.

Coslov officially launched The Dog Stop franchise opportunity in 2013 and slowly began to expand with just a few locations. The focus was on ensuring the success of these early franchises, allowing The Dog Stop to learn and grow as a franchisor. This approach proved to be a game-changer and laid the groundwork for future expansion.

As The Dog Stop expanded, it encountered economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pet care industry demonstrated its resilience during tough times. The increasing demand for pet ownership and care services during these periods validated the brand’s strategic choice and further solidified its position as a reliable and stable brand.

Today, there are over 25 The Dog Stop locations in 12 states: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, with over 50 more The Dog Stops opening in the near future.

With a well-established foundation and experienced leadership, the brand is poised for rapid growth. Coslov's vision for the future includes doubling the number of franchises in the next 12 months and reaching the milestone of 75 locations by 2024 or early 2025.

What Is The Dog Stop Business Model?

The Dog Stop is a brick-and-mortar facility that offers a variety of pet services, including:

Dog daycare — Dogs can enjoy physical activity and socialize with other dogs in spacious indoor/outdoor supervised group play areas featuring interactive elements, such as benches, bridges, wading pools and canine handlers.
Dog boarding — Dogs are welcome 365 days a year with all-day play, individualized care and spacious private suites.
Dog grooming — Dogs can enjoy full-service grooms, baths, shed-reduction treatment, teeth brushing, nail trims and nail grinds.
Training services — Classes vary from group settings to one-on-one sessions at The Dog Stop facility or the client’s home.
Pet Retail — Pet owners can purchase premium foods, supplements, treats, chews and toys.
In-home services — Team members can come to a customer’s home to provide dog walking and overnight pet sitting.

Overall, the facilities promote healthy and happy dogs through socialization, physical exercise, mental stimulation, professional grooming and a holistic retail approach.

The Dog Stop has established relationships with the best suppliers of kennels, fencing, flooring, pet care management software (PCMS) and other fixtures/equipment/supplies you will need for your store. This not only helps streamline that aspect of the business but also helps you save money in the process.

How Much Can The Dog Stop Franchise Owners Make?

The Dog Stop does not have a publicly available Item 19. To learn more, contact the team about reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which will state the total earnings of any company or franchise-owned unit as a reference.

How Much Does It Cost To Open The Dog Stop?

The total investment to open a The Dog Stop franchise can range from $543K to $1,010,100, with the biggest variable being the condition of the premises you rent or buy, and the amount of leasehold improvements it needs.

The average total franchise investment typically ranges between $650K to $850K. This includes everything to get your location open and operating on day one.

What Is the Franchise Fee for The Dog Stop?

The initial franchise fee is $49,500.

Who’s On The Dog Stop’s Leadership Team?

Jesse Coslov — CEO and Founder
Chris Kane — CFO and Founder
Jessica Will — VP of Operations

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About The Dog Stop?

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