10 Pet Store Franchises to Consider

Looking for a business opportunity with great potential for growth? A pet store franchise might be just what you’re looking for. Pet store franchises offer an alternative to having your standalone pet store. You’re still selling pets, but you’re part of an established brand, which helps you grow your business more quickly and efficiently than going it alone. 

A pet store franchise can help you find success in this field, but it isn’t right for everyone. It has some risks and requires a significant initial investment. However, franchising may be the right path forward if you have the capital and drive to succeed as an entrepreneur. We take a look at the ten leading pet store franchises below.

1. Dogtopia

First on our list of pet store franchises is Dogtopia. This business prides itself in being North America’s fastest-growing pet services franchise. According to their website, they’re on a pace to open over 400 centers by 2025, so it might be a great time to join the franchise. The initial franchise fee for Dogtopia is $49,500, with a minimum liquid capital of $300,000.

2. Petland 

The franchisor of  Petland is Petland Inc., the same franchisor behind Safari Stan’s Pet Center and Aquarium Adventure. With this franchise, you can offer a variety of pets as well as pet supplies, accessories, and other related items. You can usually find Petland in outdoor shopping centers, with a few in freestanding locations. The estimated initial investment is around $300,500.

3. Husse

If you’re looking for dog franchises with a global customer base, consider Husse. This brand has more than 1,500 franchisees in over 54 countries worldwide. The brand has also made a name as a European leader in pet home delivery. In fact, they have over 34 years of experience. The minimum cash required to open a Husse business is $15,000 for unit franchises and $100,000 for master franchises.

4. Hounds Town

One thing that makes Hounds Town stand out is the low financial investment. According to their website, the brand uses simple and cost-effective materials in their facilities, allowing owners to start their own business at $358,900. This investment is lower than other dog daycare and pet-sitting franchise options, allowing owners to enjoy larger profit margins.

5. Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Sit Means Sit Dog Training is a training center with over 15 locations in the US and Canada. This is a good brand to consider if you’re looking for a stable brand with accolades under its belt. Sit Means Sit Dog Training was hailed as a 2019 top franchise by Franchise Business Review and was included in the Top 500 Franchises of 2019 by Entrepreneur. The cost of a Trade Area investment is $17,500 investment for a one-time license fee. The owner must also have a minimum of $50,000 net worth.

6. Wild Birds Unlimited

If you’re looking for pet store franchises that focus on birds, check out Wild Birds Unlimited. This brand is a leader in the wild bird feeding industry. And with backyard bird feeding being a thriving niche, this brand is enjoying a great position in the market. The initial startup cost is around $197,919 to $325,763.

7. Camp Bow Wow

Camp Bow Wow offers everything dog owners need – from daycare and training to boarding and grooming. It has over 200 locations in North America, making it one of the market’s largest pet care franchise options. The initial startup investment is around $928,000 to $1,658,000, depending on various factors, such as construction costs, facility size, and the local market. 

8. Pet Wants

Pet Wants offers clients fresh, clean, and nutritious pet food. Their unique value proposition – offering customers the chance to have healthy pets with just a few clicks. The brand aims to provide owners with an easy-to-operate franchise model and enjoy a scalable storefront process. The total investment estimate to start a new Pet Wants franchise ranges from $42,500 to $202,000, depending on various factors.

9. Pet Supplies Plus 

A Pet Supplies Plus franchise offers intensive training and support – ensuring an owner has everything to run a successful business. They have 30 years of franchise experience and have more than 600 stores. That alone speaks volumes of its success as a pet franchise. If you plan to open a Pet Supplies Plus, you’ll need to invest an initial franchise fee of $49,900 for one unit. There is also a two percent royalty fee from monthly sales for the first 12 months. This increases to three percent of monthly sales after that. 

10. Fetch! Pet Care

Last but not least on our pet store franchises is Fetch! Pet Care. This brand is one of America’s 100 lowest-risk and low-cost franchising opportunities. So, if you don’t have too big of a risk appetite, this is a good option to check out. The estimated initial investment for this franchise is around $73,867 to $80,167.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Store Franchise

Like any other business, you should carefully consider several factors when choosing a pet store franchise. For one, your own interests and passions should be a top consideration. If you don’t love what you do, it is unlikely that you will be successful in your business.

It would be best to look for a franchise with a proven track record. Try to find out how many other franchises operate in your area and how successful they are.

Understanding the investment required to open and run a franchise is also crucial. Financing your business is a vital part of owning any business, and you will want to make sure you can manage the financial risks. 

Last but not least, you will want to ensure you have the right skills and experience to succeed. Pet store franchises vary widely in their requirements, so do your research. In the end, it’s all about finding a brand that allows you to start a profitable business, given the experience, capital, location, and market that you have.