Dogtopia Franchises vs. Scenthound Franchises: How they Compare
How do Dogtopia franchises and Scenthound franchises compare in terms of costs, training, and ongoing support? Here's a side-by-side comparison.
Digging In With Dogtopia
Dogtopia opened its first doggie daycare business location in Virginia in 2002, a time when such a business model was unique. The Dogtopia approach created indoor dog parks and provided a daytime service for dog care along the lines of a children’s daycare — an innovative concept at the time. Since then, the idea of doggie daycare has gained widespread popularity and spawned multiple franchises and independent businesses.
Franchising since 2005, Dogtopia franchises offer daycare and boarding services with an emphasis on education, exercise, and socialization. Dogtopia locations can be one of three different models: Urban, Suburban, and Industrial, with square footage requirements ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 square feet. The large scale is designed to reduce odors, noise level, illness, and accidents, while providing ample space for dogs to roam indoors.
The estimated initial cost to own a Dogtopia franchise ranges between $543,193 and $1,489,801, which includes the initial franchise fee ($49,500), costs associated with construction, equipment, training, payroll, and working capital for initial operations. Minimum net worth requirement is $1 million, with $300,000 in liquid capital. Ongoing royalty fees include a 7% monthly rate and 2% advertising fee.
Dogtopia has over 160 locations. Its high investment and massive location size requirements may deter some investors. While inventory may not be a factor, the required qualified employee count (10-15) and facility maintenance costs must certainly be considered in terms of ongoing costs.
Scenthound: Prioritizing Pups’ Health
Scenthound was founded in 2015 and began franchising in 2018 as the nation’s preeminent membership-based dog wash franchise. Unlike other dog grooming concepts, Scenthound stands apart with an emphasis on comprehensive pet wellness. Scenthound prioritizes nose-to-tail doggie health. The Scenthound model revolves around our revolutionary S.C.E.N.T. Check, which entails a full wellness evaluation of each dog, providing pet parents an ongoing and comprehensive picture of their fur baby’s health while also offering suggestions and plans to help them live their happiest lives.
The initial cost to own a Scenthound franchise ranges between $180,950 and $297,950, with a minimum net worth requirement of $300,000 and $75,000 in liquid assets. Ongoing royalty fees include a 6% monthly rate and 1% advertising royalty. Scenthound “Scenters” are ideally suited for 1,000 to 1,200 square feet of inline retail space, and our architects perfected our store model with low cost, efficiency, and a comfortable atmosphere being top priorities.
The Scenthound Franchise Opportunity
Scenthound has experienced exponential franchise growth over the past year, proving that the concept has lasting power, even during challenging times. While 2020 saw many pet owners staying home, the need for doggie daycare and boarding was made almost obsolete just as grooming, wellness checks, and other health services remained a priority.
Although both concepts have a place within the recession-resistant pet care industry, Scenthound offers prospective franchise owners a lower-cost, lower-footprint alternative to build a business caring for animals, no matter the circumstances.
Scenthound dedicates the same level of care to franchisees as we do to our canine customers, with comprehensive training, operational and marketing support, location optimization, and ongoing assistance to help you make the most of your investment.
Even among numerous doggie day care and boarding concepts on the market, Scenthound stands apart as the country’s preeminent membership-based, wellness-driven franchise.
To learn more about franchising with Scenthound, contact us today.