The Dog Stop Franchise Costs, Fees & Profits (2024)

The Dog Stop was founded in 2009 by Jesse Coslov and Chris Kane after they spent several years researching the pet care industry and surveying the needs of local pet owners. Their goal was to establish an all-inclusive facility that provided a fun and safe environment for dogs, where pet owners could feel confident in the care their pets were receiving.

The first location of The Dog Stop opened its doors in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of what would become a widely recognized brand in pet care. The franchise distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive range of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail products for pets.

The Dog Stop is committed to delivering a superior experience for both dogs and their owners, focusing on safety, and educational opportunities, and exceeding client expectations. Headquartered at 1140 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, The Dog Stop franchise is known for its mission to provide honest and reliable pet care solutions, enabling pet parents to fulfill their responsibilities confidently​​​​.

Number of locations

Here’s how many franchised and company-owned The Dog Stop there have been in the United States over the past few years.

Initial investment

Here’s what you can expect to spend to start a The Dog Stop franchise.

Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Franchise fees & Royalties

Here are the main ongoing fees the franchisor will ask you to pay going forward to run the franchise.

Initial Franchise Fee

The Initial Franchise Fee for a single TDS Business is $49,500. This fee is uniform, payable upon signing your Franchise Agreement, and is nonrefundable.

Royalty Fee

The Royalty Fee is 6% of Gross Sales, due weekly.

Brand Development Fund Contribution

A contribution of 2% of Gross Sales is made to a system-wide Brand Development Fund for promoting The Dog Stop brand, payable alongside the Royalty Fee.

Local Advertising Payment

In the first year of operations, 5% of Gross Sales must be spent on local advertising; this drops to 3% in the second year and subsequent years.

Technology Fee

A monthly technology fee of $500 is required, covering costs associated with software and technology used in TDS Business operations.

Transfer Fee

For transferring your TDS Business, a Transfer Fee of $10,000 is applicable, with a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit at the time of transfer application submission.

Renewal Fee

To renew your Franchise Agreement, a Renewal Fee of $5,000 is required.

Profits

Here’s how much revenue and profits you can expect to make with a The Dog Stop franchise, as indicated by the franchisor.

How to apply

Opening a The Dog Stop franchise involves several steps, designed to ensure you are a good fit for the franchise. Here are the main steps to follow to open a The Dog Stop franchise.

1. Conduct Thorough Research

• Familiarize yourself with The Dog Stop franchise by visiting their official website and reading up on their business model, services, and franchise opportunities.
• Understand the pet care industry and evaluate your local market for demand and competition.

2. Assess Your Financial Readiness

• Review the financial requirements outlined by The Dog Stop, such as the initial investment range, net worth, and liquidity requirements.
• Prepare for the financial investment, which may include the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, and working capital for the ramp-up period.

3. Submit a Franchise Inquiry

• Complete the franchise inquiry form available on The Dog Stop’s franchise opportunities page to express your interest.
• Provide detailed and accurate information to facilitate the initial review process by The Dog Stop’s franchising team.

4. Participate in Discovery Process

• Engage in discussions with The Dog Stop’s franchise development team to gain deeper insights into the franchise opportunity.
• Attend discovery days or webinars if offered, to meet the team, understand the business operations, and ask questions.

5. Review Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

• Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document provided by The Dog Stop, which includes crucial information about the franchise system, fees, legal obligations, and success rates.
• Consider consulting with a franchise attorney or advisor to better understand the FDD’s terms and implications.

6. Secure Financing

• Explore financing options if needed, which may include loans, investors, or personal savings.
• The Dog Stop may offer guidance on financing options or have partnerships with financial institutions that are familiar with their franchise model.

7. Sign Franchise Agreement

• Once you’ve decided to proceed and have been approved by The Dog Stop, you’ll sign the franchise agreement, committing to their terms and conditions for operating a franchise.
• Pay the required franchise fee to officially become a The Dog Stop franchisee.

8. Site Selection and Lease Negotiation

• Work with The Dog Stop’s real estate team to identify and secure an ideal location for your franchise, adhering to their site selection criteria.
• Negotiate lease terms with the landlord, often with support or guidance from The Dog Stop’s team.

9. Complete Training Program

• Attend and complete The Dog Stop’s comprehensive training program, which covers all aspects of running the franchise, including operations, employee management, customer service, and dog care.
• Training may be conducted at corporate locations or at your own site.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.