Is a Dog Grooming Franchise a Solid Investment?

Are you trying to decide whether you should open a dog grooming franchise or start your own business? Here's a look at some of the costs, advantages, and risks of each.

Get into the Grooming Groove

Over 63 million American households include at least one dog, and the U.S. pet industry accounted for $103 billion in spending last year, an amount that has more than doubled in the past decade. While pet food and vet services make up the bulk of the market, the pet grooming industry is expected to reach $5.49 billion in value by 2025, according to Allied Market Research. Some 45% of American pet owners say they spend the same or more on the healthcare needs for their pets than they do on themselves.

These are just some of the figures that show the pet care industry is a booming and sustainable field, and dog grooming is an essential marketplace contender worth the attention of motivated investors.

Even amidst a bustling industry, it is important to choose your investment wisely when joining the fray. Independent ventures and franchise partnerships each have their benefits, so it’s all a matter of identifying the right opportunity to suit your goals. While you don’t need previous experience to run a successful dog grooming franchise, caring about dogs is always a good place to start.

Consider The Benefits of Joining a Franchise

Becoming a business owner is a life-changing decision and a pet franchise will see you spending your days caring for fur babies. Certainly a dream come true for most dog lovers. Many people prefer the advantages of working within a franchise rather than starting a business of their own. Franchise systems have a proven success rate while independent ventures typically face more challenges.

So, how to choose a pet franchise? Consider the brand’s reputation and image. These will help you generate sales from day one. In a startup setting, the initial few weeks can be slow, eating away at your capital. However, existing brand loyalty and a franchise with positive consumer sentiment will increase your chances at profitability through this difficult stage.

One of the reasons customers love franchises is consistency – they know they can get the same product or service regardless of which location they visit. Consistency allows franchisors to develop a cohesive service, which in turn generates consumer loyalty, something that is highly beneficial for both new and established franchisees.

Another reason is efficiency. Franchisors invest a lot of time and money into establishing the most efficient, easy to duplicate and profitable methods of operation, from developing relationships with suppliers to integrating new market innovations. Franchisees should trust that the franchisor has their foot on the gas pedal.

Invest Wisely

The cost to open a dog grooming franchise can range anywhere from $40,000 to $400,000, depending on the brand. This covers all the grooming supplies, business licensing, branding, marketing materials, and storefront space. If you need to hire personnel, you’ll have to budget an ongoing monthly price for their pay, as well as ongoing costs for employee training, utilities and products.

It is often easier for a franchisee to secure financing for their business rather than attempt to persuade lenders to provide funding for an independent venture. Having the backing of an established brand with longevity and a history of profitable outcomes allows prospective franchisees to strengthen their case for financing.

With Scenthound, the initial investment ranges from $180,950 to $297,950. Buying into a grooming franchise covers a range of features, making many of these turnkey operations ideal for investors with less experience or those who simply wish to go into business with the established success and backing of an expert-led team. Unlike stand-alone operations, franchisees benefit from ongoing support across many key areas. Your franchisor and the wider franchisee network can provide advice and information regarding all sorts of operational concerns.

Understand Your Potential ROI

The return on investment is harder to pin down for independent dog grooming businesses. No two businesses are alike, so it is difficult to establish a standard on how much money your particular location might make. Many franchises, however, provide detailed information on reported earning statistics in Item 19 of their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), although not all brands include an Item 19. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to speak with current and former franchisees to get a sense of their successes as you investigate the brand.

The franchise system is designed to get you up and running quickly and successfully. The nature of a dog grooming franchise also means that it’s unlikely to be significantly affected by regional or geographic variations, making it a model that is well suited for scalability or multi-unit ownership. Scenthound franchise locations are already showing a $422,643 average unit volume (AUV) and 34% operating margin after operating expenses.

Make Your Mark with Scenthound

Scenthound has carved out its own niche within the wider pet care sector, making it distinct from every other franchise on the market. Unlike the traditional pet grooming business, Scenthound stands out by offering a comprehensive focus on dogs’ overall wellness, giving each pup personalized care and providing pet parents with a well-rounded perspective on their fur babies’ health and happiness.

As the country’s first membership-based, wellness-focused dog grooming franchise, Scenthound presents an ideal opportunity for both franchise owners and pet parents everywhere. Scenthound franchise partners receive world-class training, operational support, and benefit from our proprietary “S.C.E.N.T.” check, which combines elevated grooming practices with a nose-to-tail assessment of pets’ health. Our membership model provides reassurance to pet owners through regular, recurring appointments while allowing franchise partners to establish ongoing relationships with their customers.

Consider a Scenthound Dog Grooming Franchise

Scenthound has established its position as an essential, recession-resistant business that prioritizes the health and happiness of dogs while allowing franchise owners to join a rapidly expanding brand. Franchise candidates need a net worth of $300,000 and liquid assets of $75,000 to qualify.

To learn more about franchising with Scenthound, contact us.