Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,216,577 - $2,037,471
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Min Cash Required
$140,000
Total US Locations
223
Business Summary
Camp Bow Wow operates businesses that provide specialized pet care services for dogs, including dog boarding, day care, and enrichment, from fixed store locations. Camp Bow Wow also offers optional services such as grooming, dog training, and Bark 'n Ride® shuttle services. Additionally, the businesses sell pet food and merchandise.
Corporate History
Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation in 2014. It acquired D.O.G. Development LLC, which had been operating as Camp Bow Wow Branding, LLC since 2003 and changed its name in 2004. Camp Bow Wow began offering franchises in August 2014. In January 2024, Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC acquired all of Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,216,577 - $2,037,471
Franchise Fee (Low)
$25,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Minimum Cash Required
$140,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$199,525
Equipment Costs (High)
$391,663
Working Capital
$157,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc. is part of Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC, whose consolidated financial statements show an unqualified audit opinion, indicating a clean financial bill of health with no going concern qualifications. In 2024, the company saw a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, from approximately $8.0 million to $3.3 million, largely due to significant investing activities, including the acquisition of Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc. itself, which amounted to over $77 million. Net income for Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC was approximately $9.6 million in 2024, down from $12.5 million in 2023. The company has a substantial amount of goodwill and other intangible assets on its balance sheet, indicating previous acquisitions.
Financing Details
Camp Bow Wow does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees, nor does it guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own financing through third parties.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
223
Franchised Units
222
Corporate Units
1
Avg Square Footage
6,500
Franchising Since
2014
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
3
Litigation Summary
Camp Bow Wow has disclosed three litigation cases. Two historical cases involved Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc. suing former franchisees for violating post-termination obligations and restrictions. In one case, filed in 2014 and settled in 2018, the franchisee had counterclaimed for misrepresentation, and the case settled with the former franchisee paying Camp Bow Wow $12,000. In another case, filed in 2015 and concluded in 2016, an arbitrator ruled in favor of Camp Bow Wow, awarding the company approximately $129,000 in damages and attorney fees. The most recent case, filed in 2020 and settled in September 2024, was a shareholders' derivative suit against directors of Camp Bow Wow's ultimate corporate parent, Propelled Brands Holdings, Inc., and involved allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. This case resulted in an $8,000,000 settlement payment by the codefendants.
Bankruptcy History
Camp Bow Wow discloses that TGI Friday's Inc. filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024. Jennifer Rote, who is Camp Bow Wow's General Counsel, served as TGI Friday's Inc.'s Senior Vice President and General Counsel until September 2024. This case is currently pending.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
Camp Bow Wow franchisees may renew their agreement for two additional 10-year terms if they meet specific conditions. These include giving written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before the current agreement ends, or 18 months if they plan to relocate the Camp site. Franchisees must also have fulfilled all financial obligations to Camp Bow Wow and its affiliates, ensured their Camp site lease is valid for the renewal term or found an approved new location, upgraded their Camp site to meet current brand standards, and obtained all necessary operating licenses and permits. They must also complete any required training, provide financial information, and sign a new personal guarantee and a legal release of claims against Camp Bow Wow. Furthermore, the franchisee must have maintained good standing, complied with all agreement terms, supported brand initiatives, and agreed to any reasonable adjustments to their territory. Renewal is contingent on Camp Bow Wow actively offering franchises in the state of the Camp's location at the time of renewal, and the new agreement might contain different terms and fees.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Camp Bow Wow provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Camp Bow Wow offers assistance with site selection and design, reviews real estate documents, and provides lists of approved suppliers and equipment. It conducts an Initial Camp Services Training program, which includes both designated location and on-site training. Franchisees also receive access to the Operations Manual, Intranet Systems, and a branded website. During the opening week, Camp Bow Wow provides additional on-site support. After opening, ongoing assistance includes continuous communication through a representative, general guidance on operations, advertising, and management, and developing new products or services. Camp Bow Wow also maintains an Advertising Fund and conducts regular site evaluations to provide feedback on operational standards.
Initial Training Hours
80
Training Location
Headquarters, a Camp Bow Wow corporate store, and the franchisee's Camp Site. Portions may be offered remotely via webinar or online learning system.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Camp Bow Wow franchisees receive ongoing support including access to a representative via phone or email for questions. Camp Bow Wow provides general guidance through various materials and conferences on operational methods, advertising, and management techniques, and offers refresher training programs. The company also works on testing and developing new products and services for the system and maintains an Advertising Fund. Additionally, Camp Bow Wow conducts evaluations at franchisee Camp Sites, offering feedback and guidance on operational standards and practices. Franchisees can request additional on-site assistance, which may incur an extra fee.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Camp Bow Wow seeks franchisees with strong entrepreneurial abilities and a dedicated focus on customer service. While no other specific background or experience is explicitly detailed in Item 1, the success of a Camp Bow Wow business is highlighted as dependent on these personal traits.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Camp Bow Wow defines each Authorized Territory and Multi-Unit Development Area based on demographic data such as population density and average income. It also considers other characteristics of the surrounding area, natural boundaries, and the amount and size of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Camp Bow Wow does not state that each territory will have the same minimum size or population.
Staffing Notes
Camp Bow Wow emphasizes that franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, training, working conditions, and supervision of all personnel. Camp Bow Wow strongly recommends that franchisees conduct background checks on all hires and have managerial personnel sign non-disclosure and non-competition agreements. All staff must wear Camp Bow Wow-approved uniforms and maintain a clean and neat appearance. The franchisor's training provided to franchisee personnel is limited to guidance on delivering approved services in line with the System's customer standards.