Of all the different franchise concepts available today one category continues to be a top performer. I’m talking about pet-related business opportunities. Many of my clients ask about different FranNet-verified business models some of which have landed in coveted spots on this year’s Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, a prestigious honor.
But what do I know about dogs? I never grew up around dogs. Now, it’s not that I have anything against dogs – far from it. I just lacked any experience in owning or being around one. But that all changed for me in the past year – and it’s a story worth telling.
As many other parents can relate, when your kids reach the age of eight or so – and there is no pet in the house to care for – you’re going to start hearing about it. A lot. “Mom, can we get a dog?” Uh, let’s talk about something else. “Mom, if you let me get a dog, I’ll take care of everything I’ll feed it and give it baths and treats and take it on walks—” I’m going to stop you right there, dear, as I’ve seen this movie before. Then my daughter tries a flanking maneuver and comes at me again, as if we never had this conversation before. “Mom, can we get a dog?”
Like I said before, canine-related business opportunities are booming in the franchise industry. Look at some of the statistics in the pet care industry marketplace. In the U.S., people spend over $109 billion – with a B – on their pets in 2022. The pandemic only increased the number of households that own a pet – up 20% since 2020. Here’s a statistic that will blow your hair back – in the U.S., 83% of dogs have some form of health insurance (yes, it’s a thing).
Back to the home front, where my daughter continued her intense pressure campaign – “Operation We’re Getting a Dog, No Matter What.” So, I decided to post my dilemma to Facebook – should I get my daughter a dog? I got so many replies to this thread that it was unreal – and the consensus was clear – yes, go get your daughter a dog. Today. I was giving in, so I zeroed in on a breed that seemed to check all these boxes, one with a funny name. They’re called Viszlas, pronounced VIZZ-lahs.
Flash forward several months, where I’m in my home-office working away. My new office buddy is quietly snoring in his dog bed behind me. We named him “Oslo,” and he’s my new best friend. I learned how to be a dog-person and I absolutely love it. And if you happen to get this sentiment – and you’ve got an inclination to own a pet-related franchise, reach out to me and I’d be happy to help you explore the many options that are available. Owning a canine-related franchise could be the answer you’ve been looking for to begin your entrepreneurial life.
Click here to connect with me. I’m Diana Trondsen, FranNet Market President, Franchise Consultant serving Houston and the Gulf Coast Region of Texas. To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, you can call, email or attend one of my upcoming webinars on franchise ownership. Together, we can find a perfect match for the business you were meant to own and operate.