Doodycalls Services Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$76,450 - $93,850
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Min Cash Required
$22,500
Total US Locations
111
Business Summary
DOODYCALLS offers franchises for a business specializing in exterior pet waste removal and odor control services. The services are provided to a diverse customer base, including residential customers, apartment complexes, commercial properties, and Homeowner Associations. DOODYCALLS also offers other related services as specified by the franchisor.
Corporate History
DOODYCALLS was originally founded as DoodyCalls, LLC, operating a business similar to the current franchise concept starting in 2000. Its predecessor, DOODYCALLS Services LLC, began offering DOODYCALLS franchises in November 2004. In May 2021, DOODYCALLS Franchising SPE LLC became the current franchisor as part of a securitization transaction and continued offering franchises from that time. The company's ultimate majority owner is Funds advised by Apax Partners, LLP, a private equity firm.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$76,450 - $93,850
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,000
Minimum Cash Required
$22,500
Royalty %
7.5%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$5,900
Equipment Costs (High)
$10,450
Working Capital
$25,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor, DOODYCALLS Franchising SPE LLC, is a subsidiary of AB Assetco LLC, which is further owned by Authority Brands Inc. AB Assetco LLC's financial statements show total assets of $666,041,000 and member's equity of $611,628,000 as of December 31, 2024. However, AB Assetco LLC reported a net loss of $14,362,000 in 2024, compared to net income in prior years, and a very low cash balance of $51,000. This low cash balance is explained by centralized cash management and significant distributions to its parent company. Authority Brands Inc., the indirect parent, has reported consistent net losses for the past three years (totaling over $104,486,000 in 2024) and has substantial long-term debt of $551,538,000. In 2024, Authority Brands Inc. also recognized significant impairment losses of $23,240,000 related to software, abandoned businesses, and asset sales, as well as a loss on the sale of a retail operation. Although auditors state an unqualified opinion, Authority Brands Inc. is required to evaluate conditions that could raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, but no such qualification is explicitly stated in the audit opinion.
Financing Details
DOODYCALLS may, at its discretion, allow franchisees to finance up to 75% of the initial franchise fee. This financing option is not available for transactions involving brokers or other third-party referral sources. If financing is approved, the outstanding balance of the franchise fee can be paid in up to 36 monthly installments, with an annual interest rate of 12%. Franchisees can prepay the balance at any time without incurring a penalty. To secure payment, DOODYCALLS requires a security interest in the assets of the franchised business. Beyond this franchise fee financing, DOODYCALLS does not offer any other direct or indirect financing to franchisees and will not guarantee any promissory notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
111
Franchised Units
111
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2004
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
DOODYCALLS has no litigation required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means DOODYCALLS has no reported legal cases or lawsuits that would be considered material to potential franchisees.
Bankruptcy History
DOODYCALLS has no bankruptcy information to disclose in its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means that neither the franchisor nor its predecessors or key management personnel have a history of bankruptcy proceedings that are required to be reported.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their DOODYCALLS franchise agreement, franchisees must meet several conditions, including providing written notice of their desire to renew between six and twelve months before the agreement expires. Franchisees must also be in good standing, meaning they have no defaults, maintain a good record of customer service, and comply with Brand Standards. Other requirements include having no ongoing litigation with DOODYCALLS, signing the then-current franchise agreement (which may have different terms and fees), paying a renewal fee, signing a general release of claims, completing any required training, demonstrating the right to continue operating from the Approved Location for the renewal term, and undertaking any necessary remodeling, refurbishing, or updating of vehicles and computer systems to meet current Brand Standards.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
DOODYCALLS provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor offers an initial training program, assists with ordering necessary technology, signs, fixtures, inventory, and supplies from designated vendors. It also provides access to the Operations Manual and a Franchisee Portal, helps set up an account with the Sales Support Center, and provides information on required software packages. DOODYCALLS will also work with franchisees on pre-opening and grand opening marketing plans and may offer additional opening support if requested. On an ongoing basis, DOODYCALLS makes additional required and optional training programs available, develops and maintains Brand Standards, manages the Franchisee Portal, notifies franchisees of vendor specifications, manages a Brand Standards assessment program, administers the Brand Fund (including providing creative materials), reviews proposed advertising, manages social media accounts, oversees the customer warranty/satisfaction guarantee program, and manages Key Accounts. While not obligated, DOODYCALLS generally offers site selection counseling and criteria if a franchisee chooses a commercial location.
Initial Training Hours
43.25
Training Location
Chantilly, Virginia
Ongoing Support
After opening, DOODYCALLS franchisees receive ongoing support including access to additional required and optional training programs, continued development and maintenance of Brand Standards, management of the Franchisee Portal for communications and resources, and notification of updated vendor specifications. The franchisor also manages a Brand Standards assessment program, administers the Brand Fund (making creative materials available), and reviews franchisee advertising and promotional plans. DOODYCALLS manages social media accounts for the brand, oversees the customer warranty/satisfaction guarantee program, and manages Key Accounts. Franchisees are required to attend an annual convention and may attend regional conferences, for which a non-attendance fee can be charged if mandatory attendees miss the annual convention.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
DOODYCALLS seeks individuals and business entities that meet their general qualifications and are committed to the investment and effort required to own and operate a DOODYCALLS business. While specific experience or skill requirements are not detailed, the franchisor offers various discounts for military veterans and active personnel, women and minority applicants, individuals of the LGBTQ+ community, existing franchisees and affiliate franchisees, law enforcement personnel, and first responders, indicating a preference for a diverse franchisee base who meet general licensing requirements.
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
Territory Size Requirements
DOODYCALLS territories are defined by postal zip codes and typically consist of a population of approximately 100,000 to 150,000 households. The actual household population within a territory may vary based on factors such as geographic size, the ratio of single-family residences to multi-unit dwellings, and median household income. DOODYCALLS generally aims for territories with approximately 35% dog ownership, and may adjust the total number of households to account for variances if the dog ownership percentage is lower.
Staffing Notes
DOODYCALLS requires franchisees to maintain adequate staffing in their franchised business to meet Brand Standards. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, firing, scheduling, and training their employees (other than the initial training provided by DOODYCALLS). While DOODYCALLS may offer recommendations on employment matters, it does not control the wages, hours, or working conditions of franchisee employees. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring employees are adequately trained, follow policies, and may be subject to initial and periodic drug testing and background checks as part of Brand Standards.