The pet industry has experienced significant growth over the years. From the rise in pet ownership to the humanization of pets that has shifted the way many pet parents view their furry companions, this industry continues to evolve with no signs of slowing down.

Within the industry is the billion-dollar dog daycare market, which has become a strong and fast-growing category. Many of the same forces driving growth across the broader pet industry, such as higher pet spending and the way pets are viewed as family members, are also fueling demand for quality daycare services. These trends highlight why the daycare sector continues to expand and why it can present as an excellent investment opportunity for prospective franchisees.

However, finding a franchise system that can set you up for success is key. One way to do this is by investing in one that diversifies its service offerings. In this post, we explain:

PROVIDES GREATER CONVENIENCE

Many consumers today are looking to speed up the buying journey, with 64% of those surveyed saying they like the idea of purchasing everything from one retailer. Convenience has become a major expectation, as 77% of U.S. consumers say it is a key factor in their purchasing decisions and one of the most important factors in a positive customer experience.

For dog daycare franchisees, expanding beyond a single service and offering a “one-stop shop” can be a valuable opportunity to attract more customers and provide the convenience that today’s consumers expect.

MEETS PET PARENTS’ WELLNESS NEEDS

A trend in the pet industry is the prioritization of doggie wellness, as 90% of pet parents say their dog’s health and wellness is just as important or even more important than their own. This can influence the type of care they look for and, as a result, customer needs can become more varied. For example, some want help enhancing their dog’s physical fitness, while others look for services that promote good hygiene.

As pet wellness becomes a higher priority, pet parents may seek services that offer more than just supervision and that contribute to their dog’s overall well-being.

For pet parents who are already seeking dog daycare and have a desire for doggie wellness, a daycare model that includes these additional offerings can be an effective way to meet their diverse needs. This approach can help franchisees serve a wider audience and align with modern consumer expectations, as they adapt to the trending wellness focus within the pet industry.

CREATES A MORE PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE

81% of consumers say they prefer when companies offer them a personalized experience, while 70% report that a personalized experience where employees know who they are and their history, such as past purchases and buying patterns, is important.

By offering more than just daycare, franchisees can provide a personalized experience by leveraging the information they gather about each dog over time through regular visits (e.g., a dog’s personality, pet parent preferences, grooming needs, etc.) and tailoring their services to each dog. A diverse service offering can also increase the likelihood that pet parents will make repeat visits for different needs.

For example, a dog daycare that also offers spa services can track each pup’s hygiene routine and advise the pet parent about treatments that are due. This attention to detail can be extremely valuable, as franchisees can build stronger relationships with both dogs and their pet parents, creating an experience that feels thoughtful and uniquely suited to each customer’s needs.

OFFERS MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS

Pet parents are willing to spend on their pets. A Morgan Stanley survey projects annual household spending on pets to total $1,445 per pet by 2026 and $1,733 by 2030, bringing the total industry spending to $261 billion by 2030, which is a 113% increase compared to the $122 billion in 2019.

With this increased spending comes a variety of needs. A dog daycare that expands to offer additional services like spa, boarding, training, and retail can attract a broader range of pet parents looking for multiple solutions for their dogs. This service diversification can help generate additional revenue, as 43% of consumers are willing to pay more for greater convenience and 86% for a better experience.

By offering multiple revenue channels, franchisees will not have to rely solely on daycare revenue, allowing them to maintain a steadier income than operating with just one service. As a result, franchisees can build a more resilient franchise business positioned for long-term growth.

CREATES A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

The pet industry is large and can be competitive, making it essential for businesses to find meaningful ways to stand out for long-term success. While franchisees benefit from investing in a proven business model with established brand awareness, they still need to differentiate themselves within their local markets.

Providing a range of services beyond dog daycare can help franchisees appeal to more pet owners and set themselves apart from other dog daycares in the area that may only offer a single service.

For instance, if a pet parent needs to drop off their dog for daycare during the day while they’re at work and also wants to schedule a spa service such as a bath or toenail trim, , it would be much easier to handle both services at one location instead of coordinating two separate appointments at different businesses, making the franchise more competitive within the community.

FRANCHISING WITH DOGTOPIA

Dogtopia is the world’s largest dog wellness franchise offering dog daycare, overnight stays, and spa treatments. As North America’s fastest-growing pet services franchise, we help our franchisees position themselves as leaders in this market by providing tested services and in-depth training/support necessary to succeed.

If you are interested in becoming a Dogtopia franchisee, check out our differentiators that showcase why we stand out, as well as our FAQ for information about the pet industry, Dogtopia, and your investment. Ready to move forward and meet our initial franchisee requirements? Please fill out our online inquiry form.

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