Bark Busters Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$77,900 - $117,000
Franchise Fee
$44,550
Total US Locations
133
Business Summary
Bark Busters North America, LLC offers franchises that allow franchisees to provide dog behavioral therapy, obedience training, and dog bonding programs, along with other related services. These services are typically delivered in customers' homes or remotely via video conferencing. Franchisees can also offer group obedience courses and puppy training at veterinary clinics, pet stores, and other approved locations. Additionally, Bark Busters franchisees sell specific pet care products and educate customers on dog psychology, agility, scent discrimination, tracking, and trick training.
Corporate History
Bark Busters North America, LLC was formed as a California Limited Liability Company on January 28, 2013. In June 2018, Carl and Heather Peterson acquired the business from its previous owners. Bark Busters North America, LLC began offering franchises within the Bark Busters system in 2013. The company does not currently operate any of the franchise businesses it offers. In December 2023, its affiliate, Bark Busters International, LLC (formed in February 2023), acquired the Bark Busters trademarks and intellectual property from the original Australian Bark Busters, becoming the master franchisor for several countries including the U.S.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$77,900 - $117,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$44,550
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
10%
Marketing %
3%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$500
Equipment Costs (High)
$3,500
Working Capital
$3,800
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Bark Busters North America, LLC appears to be in a strong financial position, as indicated by its increasing Members' Equity, significant net income in recent years, and robust current assets. The independent auditor issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, and no substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern was noted. The company's financial statements show strong liquidity with substantial short-term investments and cash, and no major debt concerns.
Financing Details
Bark Busters North America, LLC may, at its discretion and with approved credit, loan franchisees up to $30,000 to be used as a down payment on their Initial Franchise Fee. The loan is structured with 36 equal monthly payments of principal and interest. The interest rate is the Wall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 3% per year (10.50% as of April 2025). Franchisees can prepay the loan without penalty. A 6% penalty applies to payments more than five days past due, and the entire loan becomes due if no payment is made within 30 days after its due date or upon breach of other loan provisions.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
133
Franchised Units
133
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2013
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Bark Busters North America, LLC's legal history includes one administrative proceeding from 2005 involving a prior United States licensee, Dingo, Inc. d.b.a. Bark Busters. The Maryland Securities Commissioner concluded that Dingo, Inc. violated Maryland Franchise Law by inadvertently selling and offering franchises after its registration expired. In December 2005, Dingo, Inc. entered into a consent order, agreeing to cease non-compliant sales, register its franchise offering, provide compliance training to an officer and employee, and offer rescission to the affected franchisee. Bark Busters North America, LLC states that, other than this historical event related to a predecessor licensee, no other litigation is currently required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
Bark Busters North America, LLC has no bankruptcy history required to be disclosed.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, Bark Busters North America, LLC franchisees must notify the franchisor in writing between six and twelve months before their current agreement expires. Franchisees must be current on all payments to the franchisor or its affiliates, and remedy any specified breaches of the franchise agreement. They will also need to sign the franchisor's then-current Successor Franchise Agreement, which may have different terms, including potentially higher royalty and advertising contributions, and pay a $1,000 successor franchise fee. Additionally, franchisees are required to execute a general release of claims against the franchisor.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Bark Busters North America, LLC assists franchisees by designating their territory, providing a confidential Operating Manual, supplying an initial inventory of Bark Busters Products, and granting access to its Barknet International website for training resources. Initial training consists of 229 hours (a mix of remote and in-person) covering the System, dog psychology, training techniques, sales, marketing, and business management. After opening, Bark Busters North America, LLC provides ongoing advice on operating issues and new techniques, offers consultations upon request, and may hold periodic mentoring sessions and distribute newsletters. Franchisees must attend mandatory national conferences held every 12-24 months and are strongly encouraged to attend regional or local conferences. The franchisor also develops and provides advertising materials and may offer supplemental training courses.
Initial Training Hours
229
Training Location
Our training facility in Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, or other designated locations, with remote training from the franchisee's home office.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Bark Busters North America, LLC provides ongoing support to franchisees, including advising on operating issues and new techniques, and supplying information on System developments. Franchisees can receive consultations at regular intervals or upon request. The franchisor may also hold periodic individual or group mentoring sessions for operational, marketing, and advertising discussions, and may distribute newsletters. Mandatory national conferences are held every 12-24 months, where sales, new product/training developments, bookkeeping, and marketing strategies are discussed. Optional regional or local conferences may also be offered. The franchisor provides advertising materials and may offer supplemental training courses after the first year of operation. Training and marketing assistance is also available via email, Barknet International, webinars, forum advice, a Help Desk, telephone, video conferencing, and on-site assistance as needed.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Bark Busters North America, LLC seeks franchisees who are committed to a hands-on approach, requiring the principal owner to dedicate at least five days per week, on average, to the business. If the franchisee is a business entity, the individual performing direct, on-site supervision must own at least a 50% beneficial interest. Franchisees have the option to hire employees or third-party contractors to manage sales, marketing, and administrative functions, allowing the owner to focus on core operations.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
1
Territory Size Requirements
Bark Busters North America, LLC defines a standard territory by specific ZIP codes, targeting a population of approximately 100,000 to 125,000 dogs. These population estimates are based on data from Territory Solutions and projections from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). The size of the territory depends on population density, and its boundaries are not subject to adjustment due to changes in dog or human population without the franchisor's written consent. Franchisees may purchase additional zip codes to expand their territory if available.
Staffing Notes
Bark Busters North America, LLC franchisees are primarily expected to be directly involved in the operation of their business, with the principal owner dedicating at least five days per week. However, franchisees have the flexibility to hire employees or engage third-party businesses, contractors, or consultants specifically for sales, marketing, and administrative functions. These support staff members are not required to attend the initial training program.