Central Bark Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Central Bark is a prominent franchise in the dog daycare and pet care industry, founded in 2003 by Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba. Identifying an unmet need for comprehensive dog care services, they established Central Bark with the goal of creating a supportive space where dogs could play, exercise, and interact with others.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Central Bark began franchising the same year it was founded. The franchise provides a variety of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and a specialty retail boutique.
Central Bark differentiates itself by offering a well-rounded approach to pet care, grounded in canine behavioral science.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Central Bark franchise? It costs on average between $522,000 – $1,040,000 to start a Central Bark franchised store.
This includes costs for facility construction, equipment, pet care supplies, and initial operating expenses. The total investment varies based on several factors, such as the location, the size of the facility, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $280,000 – $575,000 |
| Architectural Fee | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Equipment, Fixtures | $55,000 – $130,000 |
| Store Signage | $6,500 – $12,000 |
| Security Deposits | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Initial Launch Advertising | $26,000 |
| Pre-Opening Promotional Package | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Pre-Opening Training Travel and Lodging | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Training Materials | $1,500 |
| Misc. (legal, permits) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Supplies | $13,974 – $24,974 |
| Insurance | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Computer Hardware and Software | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Microsite Fees | $4,000 |
| Lease Assignment Agreement Review Fee | $0 – $2,500 |
| Rent | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 mos.) | $40,000 – $110,000 |
| Vehicle | $0 – $22,000 |
| TOTAL | $522,474 – $1,039,974 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Central Bark franchise? A Central Bark franchised location makes on average $552,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $579,000 yearly revenue for similar pet sitting franchises. Below are a few Central Bark competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Central Bark Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Central Bark locations are there?
As of the latest data, Central Bark operates a total of 38 locations, all of which are franchised units. There are no company-owned units currently in operation.
What is the total investment required to open a Central Bark franchise?
The total investment required to open a Central Bark franchise ranges from $522,000 to $1,040,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Central Bark franchise?
The ongoing fees for a Central Bark franchise include an 8% royalty fee, which is based on the franchise’s gross revenue. Additionally, franchisees are required to contribute to a marketing fee, which is 2% of their gross revenue. These fees help support the brand’s ongoing operations and marketing efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a Central Bark franchisee?
To become a Central Bark franchisee, the minimum net worth requirement is $500,000, and the minimum liquid capital requirement is $150,000. These financial requirements ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary resources to support the initial investment and the ongoing operations of the business.
How much can a Central Bark franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Central Bark franchise are approximately $0.55 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.55 million yearly revenue can result in $83,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Central Bark?
Central Bark franchise is owned by Central Bark Franchising, LLC, which operates as the franchisor for the brand. The company was founded by Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba, who initially established the business with a vision to provide comprehensive dog care services.
Disclaimer
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