Does your passion for pets have you thinking about buying a pet sitting franchise? Discover why it may not be your best investment and explore a better option.
What to Know
Pet sitters typically need to be available during normal business hours as well as weekends and holidays to take care of animals by taking them for walks, feeding them, cleaning up after them, and keeping them company. But don’t assume that your love of animals will automatically lead to a successful pet sitting business. As with any business endeavor, you should take time to weigh the pros and cons before you jump in.
Pros of a Pet Sitting Franchise
- Relatively low startup costs. Your base of operations likely will be your home and the vehicle you use to travel to your clients, and most of your work will be done at your clients’ homes or in the public areas where you take their pets. You may be able to deduct expenses for your home office when you file your taxes. As far as franchise costs go, one example is Fetch! Pet Care, a national pet sitting and walking brand that requires an initial investment of $75,000 to $99,000.
- Great word of mouth. Even starting out with one or two clients, you can quickly build your roster by advertising your services at pet parks, pet stores, and veterinary offices. And happy clients will be more likely to recommend you to their pet parent friends.
- A healthy work/life balance. In addition to being a mobile or home-based business, franchise owners may have the option of hiring employees to take care of the pets in person while they focus on growing their business network, which doesn’t have to be like a typical 9-5 job. Some owners may even choose to cap their client roster once they’ve achieved a certain level of regular or recurring revenue that they’re satisfied with.
Cons of a Pet Sitting Franchise
- Market saturation. Bear in mind that the pet sitting industry is highly competitive, and while you may have the backing of a franchise with a proven business model and advertising dollars, there are likely countless independent owners already operating in your area with a loyal client base. It may take some time to establish a profitable business.
- You need more than a love of animals. While no formal training is specifically required, you have to have enough knowledge and experience to handle multiple pets, breeds, and animal temperaments. You also need to understand the basics of running your own business, even before you receive any kind of training or guidance from your franchisor.
- Profitability. While it’s true that pet owners love to spoil their pets and are willing to pay a premium for quality care, running a pet sitting business is not necessarily a guaranteed source of income. You’ll need to factor in overhead costs such as insurance and transportation. Franchise fees must be considered, and you’ll want to know how much you’ll pay in ongoing royalties to the franchisor. In addition, a franchise may limit your ability to make changes to your business model or expand into other areas of the pet industry.
A Better Option
A mobile dog grooming franchise like Aussie Pet Mobile is similar to pet sitting in that it allows you to bring your services directly to pet owners’ homes, eliminating the need for a physical storefront and potentially reducing overhead costs.
Aussie Pet Mobile’s fully equipped, energy-efficient grooming vans offer a comfortable, cage-free environment for all creatures to receive top-notch pampering care right in their own driveways. This also allows pet parents to reclaim their time traveling and waiting for traditional grooming appointments. It also reduces unnecessary stress and separation anxiety.
If you’re ready to get rolling with the nation’s leading mobile pet grooming franchise, inquire now.