Pets are a big business, with over 380 million pets being cared for in the U.S.A. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2015, $60.28 billion was spent on pets. For 2016, an estimated $62.75 billion will be spent on pets. Roughly 65% of U.S. households own at least one pet, which equates to 79.7 million homes, of which 42.9% are cat owners and 54.4% are dog owners. Pet supply retailers like Petland, PetSmart, and Petco are recognizable names, but the franchise industry has several dozen brands and concepts for pet lovers.
Pets Plus Franchise Equals Recession-Proof Business
Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, bird, fish, or lizard—pets need to eat, be kept clean, and have a place to sleep. The pet industry is made up of products and services that keep pets healthy and happy–from food, to toys, daycare, training, medical services, and more. The most money is spent on food and veterinary bills. But, these days, pet owners are also dropping money on special services, such as boarding facilities and doggie treadmills, as well as high-tech options, like automatic feeders to pet cams, to enhance their pet’s lifestyle.
What’s more, the pet industry often is characterized as recession-proof. This is because when the Great Recession hit, Americans cut back on overall household spending, however spending on pets barely declined. More and more people view their pets as cherished members of the family.
Four Money Making Franchises for Pet Lovers
1. Pet Assist
This mobile pet care business offers 24/7 service, 365 days a year, with services including pet sitting, pet transportation, pet waste clean-up, and small animal care. The franchisor also provides an intensive five-day training program at its corporate office, as well as Red Cross Pet First Aid certification and insurance coverage. Startup costs range from $19,100 to $41,950.
2. Pet Wants
Pet Wants formulates their own, exclusive, fresh, all-natural pet food, only available through Pet Wants. It delivers food right to the customer’s door on a monthly, subscription basis. This fresh pet food delivery business offers retail storefront and mobile business models. Start-up costs range from $37,800 to $62,500.Pet Wants has relationships with third-party sources, which offers financing to cover the franchise fee, start-up costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
This fresh pet food delivery business offers retail storefront and mobile business models. Start-up costs range from $37,800 to $62,500. Additionally, Pet Wants has relationships with third-party sources that offer financing to cover the franchise fee, start-up costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
3. Wag’n Tails
Wag’n Tails offers a turn-key program that teaches you how to launch, operate, and grow a successful mobile grooming operation. Mobile grooming customers have their pets groomed every four to six weeks, at an average of $70 per transaction. With up to 10 transactions daily, revenue adds up quickly. Franchisees receive support with business planning, marketing, educational webinars, equipment, and multiple resources for training. Start-up costs range from $32,180 to $89,000.
4.Pet Passages
A national funeral and pet cremation service, Pet Passages is the name families and veterinarians turn to for professional and compassionate pet loss care. Franchisees are immersed in a rigorous training program at Pet Passages Academy and, upon completion, are recognized as certified pet funeral directors. Start-up costs range from $178,200 to $375,000.