Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$553,500 - $1,112,800
Franchise Fee
$54,000
Total US Locations
37
Business Summary
The Dog Stop businesses operate all-inclusive indoor/outdoor dog care facilities that offer a variety of services including daycare, boarding, grooming, enrichment programs, and obedience training for dogs. The Dog Stop also provides in-home services like dog walking and sells retail products such as premium dog food, treats, and accessories. These businesses typically operate from retail storefronts.
Corporate History
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC was formed as a Pennsylvania limited liability company in December 2012. Although the franchisor entity itself did not conduct business of this type before, its affiliates, such as The Dog Stop, LLC, began operating dog care facilities as early as May 2009. The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC began offering franchises for its dog care businesses in February 2013. The company also offered area representative franchises starting in April 2017, and has resumed offering them to qualified candidates in 2024.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$553,500 - $1,112,800
Franchise Fee (Low)
$54,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$60,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$422,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$752,300
Working Capital
$63,600
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC's auditors have noted a going concern qualification, indicating substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue operations. This concern arises from The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC having a net capital deficiency of $2,306,128 in 2024 and incurring recurring losses from operations, totaling $219,300 in 2024, $2,416,236 in 2023, and $2,788,141 in 2022. The company's management plans to address these issues through continued franchise sales, revenue growth, cost-effective operations, and raising additional capital, but there is no guarantee these plans will be successful.
Financing Details
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, the company does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
37
Franchised Units
31
Corporate Units
6
Avg Square Footage
8,000
Franchising Since
2013
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC has no litigation that is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy history that is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, The Dog Stop franchisees must provide written notice between six and nine months before the current agreement expires. They must be current on all payments, not be in default of their franchise agreement, and be in good standing. Franchisees are also required to sign a general release of claims, renovate or upgrade their The Dog Stop business if mandated by the franchisor, and pay a renewal fee of $10,000. They will also need to sign the then-current franchise agreement, which may have materially different terms and conditions, though the royalty fee will remain the same.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC provides its franchisees with comprehensive support both before and after their business opens. Before opening, The Dog Stop offers site selection guidelines, assistance with lease economics, standard design specifications for the facility's build-out, digital access to its Franchise Operations Manual, and a list of approved suppliers. Franchisees also receive an initial training program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for up to three people, along with guidance on selecting equipment and initial inventory. After opening, The Dog Stop provides ongoing advice based on franchisee reports and inspections, guidance on system standards and operating procedures, and support for advertising and marketing programs. Field consultants visit new locations at least twice in the first year and annually thereafter, and the franchisor inspects operations to ensure compliance. The Dog Stop also allows franchisees to use its confidential information and trademarks, and may offer additional on-site training (at the franchisee's expense), administer a Brand Development Fund, and hold periodic national or regional conferences.
Initial Training Hours
59
Training Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ongoing Support
After The Dog Stop businesses open, franchisees receive continuous assistance from The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC, including operational advice based on their reports and inspections. The franchisor provides guidance on system standards, operating procedures, approved purchasing, advertising and marketing strategies, employee training, and administrative tasks through its Franchise Operations Manual, bulletins, emails, phone consultations, and in-office or on-site visits. Field consultants will visit new locations at least twice in the first year and annually thereafter to inspect operations and ensure compliance. Franchisees are granted access to confidential information and the brand's trademarks, and receive ongoing advice and guidance for advertising and marketing. The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC may also offer additional on-site training (at the franchisee's expense), maintain a Brand Development Fund, and organize periodic national or regional conferences for franchisees.
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
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
The Dog Stop territories are defined by specific zip codes or geographic boundaries. Each territory is anticipated to include at least 40,000 households and/or 25,000 dogs, based on estimates from the U.S. Humane Society's Pet Ownership and Population Estimates or other designated sources.
Staffing Notes
The Dog Stop requires that its franchised businesses be managed either by the franchisee directly, or by a Designated Owner if the franchisee is an entity. This Designated Owner must be a natural person holding at least a 10% equity interest in the franchisee entity, and they are responsible for all decisions and communications with The Dog Stop Franchising, LLC regarding the business's day-to-day operations. In some cases, The Dog Stop may permit the franchisee to appoint a General Manager to oversee daily operations, and this manager does not need to have an ownership stake. Both the Designated Owner and any General Manager are required to successfully complete The Dog Stop's mandatory initial training program. If these key management personnel are replaced, their successors must also complete the training at the franchisee's expense. Beyond the management team, all other employees, such as handlers and receptionists, are required to complete The Dog Stop's online training courses and pass corresponding exams before starting employment. The Dog Stop's System Standards regulate staffing levels, employee qualifications, training, dress, and appearance to maintain consistency across all locations. Any General Manager, non-equity officers, and other employees or contractors who have access to The Dog Stop's confidential information must sign specific confidentiality and system protection agreements. Franchisees retain sole responsibility and authority for staff selection, promotion, hours, wages, and working conditions.