Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$94,881 - $117,901
Franchise Fee
$27,600
Total US Locations
41
Business Summary
Pet Butler operates a business providing pet-waste removal, pet care, and other pet-related services to homes, businesses, and commercial properties. The franchise offers these services under the "Pet Butler" brand name.
Corporate History
Pet Butler, LLC was organized in April 2017 as an Illinois limited liability company. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pet Butler Holdings, LLC, which itself is a majority-owned subsidiary of Spring-Green Enterprises, Inc. The current Pet Butler franchise system was acquired by Pet Butler Holdings, LLC from HomeTask, Inc. on June 1, 2017. HomeTask had originally started offering Pet Butler franchises in 2010 but did not operate any company-owned Pet Butler businesses. Pet Butler, LLC itself began awarding franchises as of September 1, 2017. An affiliate, Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp., has been offering lawn and tree care franchises since 1977.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$94,881 - $117,901
Franchise Fee (Low)
$27,600
Franchise Fee (High)
$46,000
Royalty %
12%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$7,298
Equipment Costs (High)
$10,418
Working Capital
$4,583
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Pet Butler, LLC's financial health appears strong, as indicated by the unqualified audit opinion on the financial statements of its guarantor, Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp. (SGLC). The auditor's report states that SGLC's financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, its financial position and results of operations. SGLC consistently reported positive net earnings from 2022 to 2024, with net earnings of $1,207,179 in 2024. The company also demonstrates healthy working capital, with current assets significantly exceeding current liabilities across the reported years. No concerns about Pet Butler, LLC's or SGLC's ability to continue as a going concern were noted by the auditors.
Financing Details
Pet Butler, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing for the initial investment or any other part of the franchise. While Pet Butler, LLC may refer franchisees to third-party lenders, it currently has no arrangements with such lenders. Pet Butler, LLC emphasizes that it has no control over financing offers from third parties and does not guarantee franchisee obligations to third-party lenders. Franchisees must arrange their own financing if needed.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
41
Franchised Units
39
Corporate Units
2
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Pet Butler, LLC has one disclosed litigation case, which involved its predecessor HomeTask, Inc. in 2013. This administrative proceeding by the Maryland Securities Commissioner concerned HomeTask's Yellow Van Handyman franchise program, not Pet Butler itself. HomeTask entered a consent order without admitting fault, agreeing to cease certain activities, register its franchise in Maryland, and offer rescission to a franchisee (which the franchisee declined). This case is several years old and does not directly involve Pet Butler, LLC's current operations or its own franchise program.
Bankruptcy History
Pet Butler, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report. The FDD explicitly states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, Pet Butler franchisees must meet several conditions. These include substantially complying with all terms of their franchise agreement, providing written notice of their intent to renew between 18 and 12 months before expiration, and allowing Pet Butler to inspect their business. Franchisees must then make any necessary modifications to bring their business in line with current standards within 90 days of notification. They are also required to sign Pet Butler's then-current franchise agreement and any related documents, which may have materially different terms and conditions, within 30 days. Additionally, franchisees and their owners must sign general releases of claims against Pet Butler, and the franchisee (or Managing Owner) and any required managers or employees must attend and successfully complete renewal or refresher training programs. While no initial or renewal franchise fee is charged, Pet Butler may charge for services rendered and expenses incurred in connection with the renewal process.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Pet Butler, LLC provides various forms of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Pet Butler offers the services of an instructor to help during the business launch and provides an initial training program for the franchisee (or Managing Owner) and proposed operating manager. They also approve the quality and quantity of equipment, inventory, and insurance coverage. Once the business is operational, Pet Butler offers periodic advice on operating procedures, purchasing, marketing programs, and financial management, disseminated through an online Operating Manual, handbooks, and other materials. Pet Butler may also set maximum or minimum prices for services. The franchisor administers a marketing fund for national, regional, and local advertising, and may establish regional marketing programs. Franchisees are required to engage in local advertising and local event marketing. Pet Butler manages and owns all online presence related to the franchise, with franchisee contributions. They mandate the use of a specific Technology System, including proprietary software like ARF Back Office and Poopnet, and designated accounting services. Pet Butler provides initial training in Plainfield, Illinois, a designated local venue, or virtually, and may require ongoing and refresher training for franchisees and their employees, as well as attendance at national and regional meetings.
Initial Training Hours
77
Training Location
Franchisor headquarters in Plainfield, Illinois, a designated local venue, or virtually
Ongoing Support
After opening, Pet Butler franchisees receive periodic advice and guidance on maintaining System Standards, purchasing, advertising and marketing programs, and administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management. This advice is provided through the online Operating Manual, handbooks, and other written or electronic materials. Pet Butler administers a marketing fund and may create regional marketing programs, overseeing how these funds are spent on advertising and promotional activities. Franchisees are required to spend on local advertising and local event marketing, and Pet Butler approves all marketing materials. The franchisor manages all official online presences (websites, social media accounts) for the brand, and franchisees must comply with guidelines for their use. Pet Butler designates and requires the use of a specific Technology System, including proprietary software, for which an Operating Software Fee and potentially a Technology Fee are charged for maintenance and support. Franchisees must also use a designated vendor for accounting services. Pet Butler may require franchisees, their employees, and managers to attend ongoing and refresher training programs, as well as national and regional meetings, for which the franchisee bears costs.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Pet Butler defines its territories based on the number of single-family dwelling units (SFDUs). A standard territory will include up to 60,000 SFDUs. Franchisees wishing to acquire a territory larger than 60,000 SFDUs, if approved, must pay an additional fee per SFDU above this limit. Territory designations also consider factors such as population density, market statistics, and competition. Pet Butler allows the franchisee an exclusive right to operate a 'Pet Butler Business' under the 'Marks' within their designated territory, but the franchisor retains the right to operate or grant rights to others for similar services under different brand names or through alternative distribution channels within the territory.
Staffing Notes
Pet Butler requires that the franchised business be under the direct, full-time supervision of either the franchisee (or their Managing Owner) or a trained and competent operations manager. This manager must successfully complete Pet Butler's initial training program. While the franchisor recommends personal participation from the owner, the full-time supervision role can be delegated to a hired operations manager. Under the Flex Start Program, franchisees can delay their full-time efforts until a specified Flex Start Date. Pet Butler may also require other supervisory employees to attend ongoing and refresher training programs at the franchisee's expense. The franchisor sets minimum qualifications for operations managers and may require non-disclosure agreements from employees with access to confidential information.