Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$328,099 - $549,869
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Min Cash Required
$45,000
Total US Locations
122
Business Summary
Scenthound franchised businesses, known as Scenters, specialize in providing basic hygiene and routine wellness care for dogs. The services primarily focus on five key areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth. Scenthound offers various monthly membership options, with additional services such as blow-outs, haircuts, de-shedding treatments, flea and tick treatments, facial scrubs, and nail grinding. The businesses also sell take-home retail products. A core mission of Scenthound is to educate pet owners about the importance of these services for their dog's overall health. Scenter locations typically occupy retail spaces ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet.
Corporate History
Scenthound Franchising LLC was formed on March 2, 2018, in Florida, and began offering Scenthound franchises in May 2019. The brand operates under the name Scenthound® and has never offered any other franchises. Its parent company is Scenthound Holdings, LLC, which was formed earlier on September 4, 2013. Scenthound Franchising LLC also has three affiliated companies: Scenthound Corporate Stores, LLC, which owns and operates five Scenthound retail stores; Scenthound Services LLC, which provides technological systems and services to franchisees; and Scenthound IP, LLC, which owns and licenses the brand's intellectual property.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$328,099 - $549,869
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,900
Minimum Cash Required
$45,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$197,800
Equipment Costs (High)
$367,000
Working Capital
$47,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Scenthound Franchising LLC's financial condition raises concerns regarding the brand's ability to provide services and support to its franchisees. The Franchise Disclosure Document highlights this as a special risk for potential investors.
Financing Details
Scenthound Franchising LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees and does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees are solely responsible for arranging their own funding.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
122
Franchised Units
117
Corporate Units
5
Avg Square Footage
1,273
Franchising Since
2019
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Scenthound Franchising LLC has no litigation to disclose in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Scenthound Franchising LLC has no bankruptcy history to disclose in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
Scenthound franchisees may renew their Franchise Agreement for an additional ten-year term if they have fully complied with the agreement's provisions, made necessary capital expenditures to maintain uniformity with Scenthound's System, and satisfied all monetary obligations owed to Scenthound or its affiliates and suppliers. Franchisees must not be in default of any agreement and must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 12 months and 6 months before the Franchise Agreement expires. To renew, Scenthound franchisees are also required to sign Scenthound's then-current Franchise Agreement, which may include materially different terms and conditions, comply with current franchisee qualifications and training requirements, and sign a general release of any claims against Scenthound and its affiliates. A renewal fee of 25% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, with a minimum payment of $12,500, is also required.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Scenthound provides extensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Scenthound offers an initial training program, guidance on ordering initial inventory, equipment, and signage, and general opening assistance, including sending two training team members to the Scenter. Franchisees receive a copy of the Scenthound Operations Manual, and assistance with site selection, approval of the chosen site, prototypical plans and design specifications, and information on approved products, suppliers, and recommended pricing tiers. After opening, Scenthound offers periodic assistance with marketing, management, and operations, which may include visits from field representatives who provide advice and conduct quality assurance audits. Franchisees are required to attend additional and ongoing training programs as deemed necessary and must comply with Scenthound's approval for all marketing and promotional materials. Scenthound also administers a Brand Fund for system-wide advertising and organizes mandatory periodic conferences for training and strategic discussions, for which franchisees pay a fee and cover their own travel expenses.
Initial Training Hours
72
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, online, or at the franchisee's location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Scenthound franchisees receive periodic assistance with marketing, management, and operations, which may include visits from field representatives who provide advice and conduct quality assurance audits. Scenthound also offers additional and ongoing training as deemed necessary, and franchisees are required to attend mandatory periodic conferences focused on sales techniques, personnel training, and merchandising procedures. The franchisor also administers the Brand Fund and provides updates to the Operations Manual to ensure continued compliance with System standards.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Scenthound defines the Designated Territory for each Scenter based on the specific area surrounding the approved location. The size and boundaries of this territory are determined by Scenthound, in its sole discretion, using mapping services like Buxton and Google Maps, and may vary for different franchisees based on the demographics of the area.
Staffing Notes
Scenthound requires that each Scenter is actively managed full-time by either the franchisee, an Operating Principal, or an approved full-time Manager. If the Operating Principal does not supervise full-time, a qualified full-time Manager must be hired to manage daily administrative operations. Franchisees are responsible for all aspects of employee management, including recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising staff, as well as setting pay rates and managing wages and benefits. Scenthound emphasizes that it is not a co-employer. Scenthound also provides initial staff training by sending two members of its training team to the Scenter before opening.