Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,987,250 - $3,696,125
Franchise Fee
$80,000
Total US Locations
3
Business Summary
GoDog operates campuses under the "GODOG®" brand that provide a comprehensive range of services for dogs, including overnight boarding, daycare facilities, dog parks, bathing, grooming, pet wellness services, and dog training. Some locations also include bar facilities for pet owners, where permitted by local law. The business aims to offer related retail products and other services for the general pet-owning public.
Corporate History
GoDog Franchising, LLC was formed on July 28, 2022, as a Delaware limited liability company. It operates primarily under its company name and the "GODOG®" trademark. While GoDog Franchising, LLC itself began operating its first GoDog Campus in Durham, North Carolina, in January 2024, its affiliate, GoDog Enterprises, LLC, has owned and operated GoDog Campuses since 2015. GoDog Franchising, LLC began offering franchises for GoDog Campuses in May 2023.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,987,250 - $3,696,125
Franchise Fee (Low)
$80,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$80,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,649,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$2,970,000
Working Capital
$30,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
GoDog's financial statements show that since its inception in July 2022, the company's operations have been funded through capital contributions from its parent company. For the year ending December 31, 2023, GoDog incurred a net loss of $4,521,241 and experienced negative cash flows from operations. The company is in a growth phase, investing in expanding its franchisee base and entering new markets. Management anticipates improving operating cash flows through franchise agreement sales. GoDog's parent company has committed to providing any necessary financial assistance to ensure GoDog can meet its funding requirements for at least one year from the date the financial statements were issued.
Financing Details
GoDog does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, GoDog does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
3
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
3
Avg Square Footage
11,750
Franchising Since
2023
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
GoDog has no litigation history that is required to be disclosed in this FDD. This means GoDog has not been involved in any material litigation or bankruptcy proceedings.
Bankruptcy History
GoDog has no bankruptcy history to report. No bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in this FDD for GoDog Franchising, LLC or its predecessors, parents, or affiliates, nor for its executives.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, GoDog franchisees must meet several conditions. They need to request and complete a business review with GoDog 6 to 9 months before their current term ends, and formally notify GoDog of their desire to renew at least 3 months beforehand. Franchisees must have substantially complied with all contractual obligations, including operating their campus in accordance with brand standards, throughout the initial term and continue to do so until renewal. They must also maintain the right to occupy their original campus site, remodel and upgrade the campus to meet current new campus standards (regardless of cost), sign GoDog's then-current franchise agreement and any required release, and pay a $5,000 successor franchise fee. The terms of the new agreement may differ, potentially including higher fees, though the Area of Protection will remain the same.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
GoDog provides substantial assistance to its franchisees both before and after their campuses open. Before opening, GoDog helps with site selection by providing guidelines, counseling, and on-site evaluations, and must approve the proposed site and lease agreements. GoDog loans sample architectural plans for franchisees to adapt, and reviews and approves initial space plans and final construction plans. GoDog also provides initial training for the Managing Owner, general managers, and assistant managers. Additionally, GoDog offers a list of required operating assets and suppliers and sends an "opening team" to the campus for at least 5 days to help prepare for opening and train supervisory employees. Franchisees also receive access to GoDog's comprehensive Operations Manual and assistance with a customizable public relations and market introduction program. After opening, GoDog continues to advise and make recommendations on campus operations, brand standards, purchasing, and marketing. They provide ongoing access to the Operations Manual and periodically inspect and monitor campus operations. Refresher training courses are offered, and GoDog reviews all franchisee-developed marketing materials. GoDog also maintains a Brand Fund for advertising, marketing, and development activities benefiting the entire system, and may operate a Member Services Center to assist with customer inquiries and scheduling.
Initial Training Hours
156
Training Location
Flagship Campus in Chattanooga, Tennessee, other affiliate locations or via online courses or video calls
Ongoing Support
After opening, GoDog provides ongoing support and guidance to its franchisees, including recommendations on campus operations, brand standards, and purchasing. Franchisees receive continuous access to the Operations Manual and periodic inspections and monitoring of their campus operations. GoDog also offers refresher training courses and reviews franchisee-developed marketing materials. The franchisor maintains a Brand Fund for advertising, marketing, and development activities and may operate a Member Services Center to assist with customer inquiries and scheduling. GoDog also provides additional or special guidance, assistance, and training upon request or as deemed necessary, though specific ongoing training, conventions, or advice can be discontinued or modified at any time. Franchisees or their approved representatives are also required to attend an annual meeting for all GoDog franchisees.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
GoDog does not explicitly provide an ideal candidate profile in terms of prior experience or personal characteristics. However, GoDog does require that the franchisee designate an individual owner to serve as the 'Managing Owner.' This Managing Owner must be pre-approved by GoDog and is responsible for the overall management of the campus. They must have sufficient authority to make decisions for the franchisee and the campus and communicate directly with GoDog on campus-related matters. The Managing Owner, along with a general manager and assistant manager, must attend and satisfactorily complete GoDog's initial training program.
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
protected
Territory Size Requirements
GoDog will define the Area of Protection for each campus after the site has been found and secured within the initially designated Site Selection Area. The minimum size of the Area of Protection will be 0.2 square miles. GoDog determines the precise boundaries of this area based on demarcation points such as streets, highways, and other markers. While GoDog will not allow other GoDog Campuses to operate within this protected area, it retains the right to offer similar or competitive services through other trademarks or distribution channels, including the Internet, inside or outside the Area of Protection.
Staffing Notes
GoDog requires that the campus always have at least two fully-trained (or 'certified') managers on staff, including an assistant manager. Franchisees must designate one of their individual owners as the 'Managing Owner,' who is responsible for the campus's overall management and decision-making. If the Managing Owner is not involved in day-to-day operations, an Operating Manager must also be designated. All Campus employees must be properly trained by the franchisee for their respective positions. GoDog may provide training tools and recommendations, but franchisees are solely responsible for all labor relations and employment practices, including employee selection, promotion, termination, wages, and benefits. Franchisees must ensure adequate staffing levels to comply with Brand Standards, which include guidelines on the appearance of personnel, courteous customer service, and conducting criminal background checks on employees (with franchisees alone making employment decisions). Employees must acknowledge in writing that the franchisee is their sole employer, not GoDog or its affiliates.