Franchising FAQ

According to the latest statistics from the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), there are 8.2 million dogs in Canadian households. That’s a 10 per cent increase over the past 10 years. The pet industry is recession-proof, predictable, boasts good margins and is a growing market. The projected job growth in the pet industry is 11% between 2014 and 2024.

Driven by the humanization of pets, dog daycare services are here to stay. It is a scalable, easy to run business model with multiple revenue channels (daycare, boarding, training, spa, grooming, retail), with 65% of total sales coming from consistent recurring daycare revenue. Alternate revenue channels (dog walking, evening play, pick up or drop off) allow the franchisee to pursue continual sales expansion capabilities. A dog daycare business requires little inventory, keeping Cost of Goods lower than 5%.

Yes, Dogtopia is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association (www.cfa.ca). We are also members of PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) based in Ottawa.

Humanization of pets is on the rise in two key demographics: aging boomers (empty nesters) and childless couples (aging millennials), as dogs serve to satisfy the need to nurture. In these households, dogs are treated as the children who are not there.

Our spacious, modern facilities average between 4,000 and 7,000 square feet. Each location is specially designed to provide dogs and dog parents with the best experience possible by reducing odors, noise levels and the risk of illness and accidents. Our locations are equipped with live webcams to allow clients to check in on their dog throughout the day.

Currently, Dogtopia has more than 120 locations in North America, of which 14 are in Canada. Dogtopia is positioned to become the leading dog daycare franchise in Canada. The brand has launched a very aggressive growth initiative to rapidly grow its footprint to more than 50 locations in Canada over the next seven years.

Territories of emphasis for Dogtopia Eastern Canada include Ottawa, London, Kingston, Windsor, Durham Region, and Peterborough. Primary Dogtopia targets in Western Canada include Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary.

The average initial investment for a Dogtopia in Canada is $556,000, including the initial franchise fee of $49,500, which secures the right to operate a franchise in a specific territory for an initial term of 10 years. The initial franchise fee for multiple units may be discounted based on certain conditions and criteria. Dogtopia facility construction is in the $350,000 – $565,000 range and can be partially offset with a Canada Small Business Financing (CSFB) loan. Multi-unit operators are encouraged.

Monthly Dogtopia franchise owners pay a royalty fee equal to 7% of their revenue. They also contribute to the marketing fund, 2% of sales.

A background in management/business experience is helpful, but not required. An entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to follow and optimize the Dogtopia systems is preferred. Candidate’s net worth requirements are in the $1 million range.

If you meet the financial investment criteria, have transferrable skill sets and experience, and are interested in proceeding to next steps, please complete the Information Request Form