When it comes to investing in a franchise, it can be an intimidating feat. There are legal aspects to navigate, contracts to sign, and financial decisions to weigh. However, if you’re an animal person with an entrepreneurial drive, you may consider a pet-focused franchise as a great first business to own. The choices are vast when it comes to concepts to choose from and there are a great many markets out there that will support animal-centric concepts. We are going to look at five reasons that pet franchises make fantastic first investments.
Greater Market Opportunity
One of the first compelling arguments out there for pet franchise ownership is the ever-growing demand for pet-related products and services. You aren’t looking high and low for an elusive niche group; instead, you are catering to the over 66% of the population that own a pet. To put that in numbers, that is over 89.1 million households with a pet! Over the years, pets have become an integral part of our families, and people are willing to invest in their furry companions more than ever.
For example, Ruff Doodie Dog Waste Removal is applicable to both commercial and residential markets. The California-based pet waste removal business has been in business for well over 12 years. People are willing to shell out serious cash to remove unsightly and odorous packages that their pets leave behind. A few different sources cite this to be a billion dollar industry that is steadily growing, with the most recent stat saying it’s a $4 billion market.
One for the Heart
Pets hold a special place in our hearts, which makes for a fun work environment for a first time business owner. They are not just animals; they are family members for many of us. This emotional connection translates into a loyal customer base that is willing to pay a premium for products and services that enhance their pets’ lives. When you invest in a pet-focused franchise, you’re entering a business where you can genuinely connect with your customers on a personal level, which often leads to repeat business and referrals.
Not all pet businesses work directly with animals, such as a retail pet products store or the aforementioned poop pick-up concept, but several do. One such business is Calling All Dogs and Cats, a pet sitting and dog walking service business. This business is a great choice for a dog or cat lover who wants hands-on, daily time with animals.
Concept Diversity
The pet industry offers a wide array of business opportunities within the franchise sector. As you peruse the different concepts, choose one that shows viability. It should be well-established with a long track record of steady growth. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) will demonstrate strong profit and an in-depth, trustworthy company history via numbers. It is also important that you connect well and communicate with the franchisor. Since there are so many concepts out there, you will be able to work down your list and find the perfect fit. The possibilities are vast, ensuring that there’s a perfect fit for every aspiring entrepreneur.
Proven Business Models
One of the key advantages of investing in a franchise is the access to a proven business model. Do your homework and ensure that the franchise you are interested in does, in fact, have a proven model. Just like with other franchises, pet-focused franchises typically come with established systems and processes, which can significantly reduce the learning curve for new business owners. You don’t have to stress over guesswork and mistakes; instead, you can leverage the expertise and experience of the franchisor.
For example, if you are interested in a mobile grooming business, your franchisor may connect you with the vendor for your van and vehicle wrap, they will provide training for you and possibly a staff member, and the software systems and POS that work best will be noted. Marketing tools and collateral will also most likely be provided, social media methods and management strategies, and customer acquisition processes are all most likely in place as well. With pet franchises, and any franchises for that matter, the roadmap has already been drawn for you, making for a great first step into business ownership.
Work-Life Balance
Lifestyle flexibility is another attractive aspect of pet businesses. Some of them allow for true flexibility — nights, weekends, holidays, seasonal — you name it. Depending on the type of business you go with, you may have a work-from-home option. Others, such as a specialty food store, may opt for weekend-only hours. It is important to note here that pet sitting businesses often experience their peak busy times during holiday weekends or during the wintertime holiday traveling season, so you may find yourself locked in during these times of the year with an otherwise flexible calendar.
Another great aspect to consider is that pet-focused franchises can often be a family-friendly venture. If you have a passion for animals, it’s an excellent way to involve your family in your business, making it a truly rewarding and inclusive experience as a first time entrepreneur.
With a growing market demand, emotional connections with customers, diverse business opportunities, proven models, and lifestyle flexibility, the pet industry makes for a great choice for those interested in owning a business. If a business in the world of animals is calling your name, give our team a call and we will connect you with one that fits your wants and needs. Visit us at www.fmsfranchise.com, email us at info@franchisemarketingsystems.com, or call us at 800.610.0292.
Chris Conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion. Visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information