Aussie Pet Mobile Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$167,325 - $208,650
Franchise Fee
$16,958
Total US Locations
105
Business Summary
Aussie Pet Mobile is a franchise that provides mobile pet grooming services directly to customers. Aussie Pet Mobile franchisees operate specially equipped Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans to offer bathing and grooming for domestic pets, including dogs and cats, within a defined service area.
Corporate History
Aussie Pet Mobile was founded as a California corporation on February 22, 1999. It began offering its mobile pet grooming franchises in October 1999. The company has always focused solely on this line of business. More recently, on November 30, 2021, Aussie Pet Mobile was acquired by Home Franchise Concepts, LLC, which is its immediate parent company.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$167,325 - $208,650
Franchise Fee (Low)
$16,958
Franchise Fee (High)
$19,950
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$132,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$150,750
Working Capital
$20,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Aussie Pet Mobile appears to be in good financial health. Their financial statements, which were reviewed by independent auditors, received an "unqualified opinion" for the years ending December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. This is the best possible audit outcome, meaning the auditors found the financial records to be presented fairly and accurately. The company also had positive working capital of over $3.1 million in 2024 and over $1.9 million in 2023, indicating that Aussie Pet Mobile has enough cash and readily available assets to cover its short-term financial obligations and operations. The auditors did not express any concerns about Aussie Pet Mobile's ability to continue operating as a going concern.
Financing Details
Aussie Pet Mobile offers direct financing to its franchisees who meet its credit standards. This financing is available for the Initial Franchise Fee and a portion of the Territory Fees, allowing franchisees to finance up to $80,000 with no down payment required. The loan term is 60 months, and it carries an interest rate of 10%. The estimated monthly payment under this arrangement is $1,705.63. Franchisees can choose to pay off this loan earlier without incurring any prepayment penalties. However, there are important conditions to understand. If a franchisee defaults on their payments, Aussie Pet Mobile has the right to terminate the franchise agreement. The franchisee would then be responsible for paying the entire unpaid balance, along with any attorney fees and other costs. By accepting this financing, franchisees also agree to waive their right to receive notice before a collection action begins and cannot assert certain legal defenses against Aussie Pet Mobile in collection efforts. Aussie Pet Mobile does not receive any payments from other parties for arranging this financing. It also holds the right to sell the promissory note to a third party at a discount, which could impact the franchisee's ability to use certain legal defenses against that third party. Aussie Pet Mobile does not provide guarantees for these notes, leases, or other financial obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
105
Franchised Units
105
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
1999
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Aussie Pet Mobile has had one reportable legal action. In 2006, while under previous ownership, Aussie Pet Mobile entered into a Consent Order with the Maryland Securities Division. This order required Aussie Pet Mobile to stop certain actions and make representations. Although no money was involved, the company had to cease offering and selling franchises in violation of Maryland law and rescind agreements with a former franchisee who hadn't received proper disclosure. Aussie Pet Mobile also had to confirm that other Maryland franchisees had received proper disclosure and that the company had put in place new procedures to comply with franchise laws. Other than this, Aussie Pet Mobile does not have any other litigation to report.
Bankruptcy History
Aussie Pet Mobile has a past bankruptcy. On March 12, 2012, while under different management, Aussie Pet Mobile filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize its business. This case was filed in a California court. The company submitted a reorganization plan in October 2012, which aimed to fully pay back secured debts with 5% interest and unsecured creditors with federal judgment interest, with payments potentially adjusted based on working capital. The plan also involved continuing vehicle and property leases and honoring existing franchise agreements. The court approved this plan on December 10, 2012, and the bankruptcy was officially discharged on January 15, 2013. The case was closed by the Bankruptcy Court on January 21, 2015. Aside from this, Aussie Pet Mobile reports no other bankruptcy history.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
Aussie Pet Mobile franchisees can extend their franchise relationship for two additional five-year terms. To do this, Aussie Pet Mobile will notify the franchisee of their agreement's expiration and provide a copy of the then-current franchise agreement and disclosure document approximately 180 days before the current term ends. The franchisee must sign and return this new agreement within 30 business days of receipt; otherwise, they will lose their renewal rights. Aussie Pet Mobile franchisees are required to pay a $5,000 renewal fee when they sign the new franchise agreement. They must also be in good standing, meaning they and their affiliates must not be in default under any agreement with Aussie Pet Mobile and must have substantially fulfilled all their obligations throughout the previous agreement's term. Additionally, by the time the current agreement expires, Aussie Pet Mobile franchisees must update their entire business and operations to fully comply with the latest standards for new franchises. This means they might need to refurbish their mobile grooming vans, update or purchase new equipment, change decor and signage, and ensure all aspects of their business, including design, software, and operational methods, meet the most current brand standards, with all these costs borne by the franchisee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Aussie Pet Mobile offers extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Aussie Pet Mobile helps designate the territory, allows the use of its brand names, assists with ordering and customizing the specialized grooming vans, and enrolls franchisees in the Van Support Program. Franchisees also receive initial training, an initial groomer kit, and proprietary information for training their staff. They get electronic access to the detailed operations manual and a tracking phone number for their website. After opening, Aussie Pet Mobile continues to provide ongoing advice and assistance, such as through phone calls, emails, its internal network, and occasional on-site visits. It protects its brand names and organizes conventions for franchisees. Aussie Pet Mobile also maintains a company website and operates a toll-free number for customer inquiries. For advertising, Aussie Pet Mobile manages a National Advertising Fund, using it for national, regional, and local campaigns, public relations, website development, and digital marketing, aiming to boost brand recognition. Franchisees also get a turn-key local marketing toolkit. Regarding technology, Aussie Pet Mobile specifies required computer systems and software, including QuickBooks for accounting, CareerPlug for recruiting, and the ProfitKeeper analytics platform. It also provides a proprietary Aussie Customer Mobile System (ACMS) for routing, dispatching, marketing, and customer management, and offers support through its Van Support Program for troubleshooting issues with the specialized grooming vans.
Initial Training Hours
40
Training Location
Coppell, Texas
Ongoing Support
After a business opens, Aussie Pet Mobile provides continuous support to its franchisees. This includes policing the brand's trademarks and system as needed to protect the overall business. Aussie Pet Mobile may also host annual conventions and other meetings to share information on service trends, sales techniques, performance standards, and marketing programs with franchisees. Franchisees receive ongoing advice and assistance for managing their businesses. This help can be delivered through various means, such as phone calls, emails, intranet communications, and occasional on-site visits. If a franchisee requests more detailed on-site assistance or refresher training, Aussie Pet Mobile can provide it, but the franchisee will be charged $500 per day, plus travel and living expenses for the staff providing the support. Aussie Pet Mobile helps new franchisees by coordinating a 1-2 day "ride-along" experience for their first groomer with an experienced neighboring franchisee. This helps the new groomer learn the specific "Aussie 15-Steps" for grooming and understand the mobile grooming van's setup. Aussie Pet Mobile also runs and maintains a website that features information about the brand and lists its franchisees. A toll-free telephone number is provided for all franchisees to use for customer inquiries. Furthermore, Aussie Pet Mobile might offer an electronic portal as an online resource for the operations manual, marketing materials, training, and other digital assets. For continued professional development, once a franchisee has at least three experienced groomers on staff, they can access special pricing for a virtual groomer training school. This ensures groomers are trained to be groomer techs, groomers, or pet stylists. Aussie Pet Mobile can also arrange for additional or ongoing training programs for franchisees and their staff, either upon request or if deemed necessary. These optional programs typically cost between $100 and $1,500 and cover topics like groomer certifications, specific grooming techniques, system updates, new products, and marketing strategies. Aussie Pet Mobile may require franchisees or their designated personnel to attend certain training courses, seminars, or conferences without charging a fee for the training content itself, though attendees would be responsible for their own travel, hotel, and meal costs.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Aussie Pet Mobile prefers franchisees who are actively involved in the direct operation and daily management of the business, rather than individuals seeking a passive investment. While full-time owner participation is preferred, the franchise allows owners to hire a full-time manager to oversee day-to-day operations. This manager must be approved by Aussie Pet Mobile, complete the initial training program, and dedicate their full attention to the business without other employment. Franchisees are required to establish their business as a company or corporation, and all individuals with direct or indirect control or a beneficial interest in the company, including their spouse, must sign a personal guarantee for financial obligations. Franchisees must be prepared to operate a minimum of three mobile grooming territories and acquire the specialized Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Aussie Pet Mobile grants its franchisees a protected territory, meaning Aussie Pet Mobile will not open another franchised business or a company-owned outlet selling mobile pet grooming services using its brand names within that area. However, the territory is not exclusive in all ways, as other franchisees might operate within it if they violate their agreements. Each Aussie Pet Mobile territory is defined by specific United States Postal Service ZIP Codes and is generally designed to include a minimum of 33,000 households. The exact total number of households and the specific ZIP Codes are determined solely by Aussie Pet Mobile and will not change, even if Postal Service boundaries or population figures shift.
Staffing Notes
Aussie Pet Mobile expects its franchisees to employ a sufficient number of qualified and competent personnel who maintain a professional appearance and provide efficient, courteous service while adhering to brand standards. If the franchisee chooses not to personally operate the business full-time, they must hire at least one full-time manager. This manager needs to be approved by Aussie Pet Mobile, successfully complete the initial training program, and dedicate their entire working time to managing, operating, and developing the Franchised Business without engaging in other employment. At all times, the business must be staffed with at least one individual who has completed the initial training. Aussie Pet Mobile encourages franchisees to have a 'Level 2 or 3 Trainer' on staff to provide internal groomer training. Franchisees are expected to hire at least three experienced groomers and enroll them in a virtual grooming school program to train them as groomer techs (bathers), groomers, or pet stylists. All groomers are subsequently required to attain AKC S.A.F.E. Certification. Aussie Pet Mobile clarifies that franchisees are solely responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, firing, and discipline, and that the franchisor is not considered a joint employer.