The Dog Stop® In The News

The Dog Stop® is poised to open a new location in Lake Charles. Located at 3507 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605, the new facility is the brand’s fifth location in Louisiana. The doors opened for services in August with a Grand Opening Celebration set to take place in September, promising a full range of services designed to enrich every facet of a dog’s life.

To ensure the highest quality service for dogs in the community, The Dog Stop® Lake Charles will be welcoming the talented team from Ace and Chanti’s. The local grooming salon closed their doors this summer, and will be joining The Dog Stop®’s growing family and supporting the new facility. The brand-new one-stop-shop for dog care fills a niche in the market with their all-inclusive services, including holistic retail, luxury boarding accommodations, an interactive and social daycare experience, spa-like grooming, and more. With four other successful locations in Louisiana, The Dog Stop® has established themselves in the state, and is now ready to provide Lake Charles pet parents with their high-quality services.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming the incredible team from Ace and Chanti’s to The Dog Stop® community,” said Shawn Nunez, local owner of The Dog Stop® Lake Charles. “This is an amazing opportunity to maintain their expertise and uphold the sense of community they’ve built with loyal dog owners. We look forward to opening our doors to returning furry friends and new ones, and commit to upholding the high-quality care and services they have come to expect.”

Nunez, a Lake Charles local, chose to open The Dog Stop® after his community was hit by a major hurricane. Like many others, he adopted a dog during the COVID-19 pandemic, only a month before the hurricane struck. Nunez and his dog, Zeus, suffered damage to their home, and had to live out of town while it was repaired. During that time, Nunez sought to find a place that Zeus could go to while he was at work, and was introduced to dog boarding and daycare. Recognizing a need for these services in his own community, he began researching options and discovered The Dog Stop®. He was impressed by the brand’s streamlined model and commitment to excellent dog care services, and hopes to eventually open more locations in the Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas communities.

“I chose to join The Dog Stop® team to fill a gap in the dog care industry in my home town of Lake Charles,” said Nunez. “The brand’s proven business structure as an all-inclusive facility is extremely beneficial and rewarding. The ability of having a location where relationships can be built between local dog owners and The Dog Stop® team is unlike anything we have in the community, and I look forward to bringing this to Lake Charles.”

Owned and operated by dog people since 2009, The Dog Stop® understands the complex process involved in dog care and knows that there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. At The Dog Stop®, expert staff at each location stay up-to-date on the ever-changing science that applies to dog care, behavior, grooming, and nutrition. A one-stop-shop also offering pet care products and supplies, each item on its shelves is the latest and greatest in its respective category, ensuring that each dog who stops by receives the very best treatment.

“Partnering with passionate franchisees is key to our mission and expansion plans,” said Jesse Coslov, CEO and Co-Founder of The Dog Stop®. “We are thrilled to now be partnering with Shawn.”

Franchising.com

Investing in a franchise with the same solid onboarding and ongoing strategy as The Dog Stop® lets you open a business without having to start from scratch. The franchisor should provide you with all the tools and training you need to achieve success and to remain successful. 

One of the first things you can do as a franchisee is to avoid common financing mistakes that put your store at risk. 

Franchise Financing Pitfall #1: Not Exploring All of Your Options 

Always shop around for financing options. While many franchisors offer their own financing, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best rates. Franchisor-funded financing also tends to come with restrictions, such as covering only start-up costs and nothing else. 

To successfully open your own franchise store, you’ll need to cover start-up and operational costs, which usually include: 

• Real estate for store location 
• Professional services from architects and designers 
• Supplies and equipment 
• Furniture and fixtures 
• Employee hiring and training 
• Advertising 
• Working capital 
• Insurance 

As you explore financing options to cover all of these expenses, write down the pros and cons of each type. You’ll discover some financing options provide flexibility in how you can use the funds, making it simple to choose a solution that best meets your franchising needs. 

Some of the most common ways that people fund a franchise purchase include: 

• Personal loans 
• Home equity loans 
• SBA loans 
• Borrow money from friends or family 
• 401(k) rollover 
• In-house financing 

Franchise Financing Pitfall #2: Financing a Fad 

Don’t invest in a franchise that represents a fad. Fads are great when they are in, but as soon as they lose mainstream interest, they fall by the wayside, as do any franchise companies that represent the fad. Fortunately, most established franchises have tried-and-true methods of operation, but you’ll still need to do research to ensure you’re investing in a company with a track record of success. 

The Dog Stop® opened its doors in 2009 and has since delivered first-class dog daycare, boarding, training, retail products, and grooming services in a safe environment. We don’t operate in a fad industry, which has allowed us to provide peace of mind to thousands of dog owners. The Dog Stop® Difference and has helped us build a proven record of success that keeps customers coming back while attracting more and more new franchisees on a regular basis. 

Franchise Financing Pitfall #3: Not Securing Enough Financing  

To help you compare franchises, most franchisors will specify how much cash you’ll need on hand. However, the total cost of buying the franchise and getting it up and running typically far exceeds the franchisor’s estimate. 

Don’t let this unknown frustrate you. Instead, borrow more than you think you’ll need. Having more is always better than running into the headache of not having enough. For some franchisees, not having enough capital is the difference between losing their investment and keeping their business doors open. 

Franchise Financing Pitfall #4: Waiting Until the Last Minute 

Taking time to shop for funding options is key to your overall return on investment. You’re less likely to sign an unfavorable financing contract if you avoid waiting until the last minute to secure funding. 

Giving yourself plenty of time to shop for funding is also important for timing purposes. It can take months for financing paperwork to go through. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself missing out on profitable franchise opportunities. 

Additionally, having your funding in place helps ensure you pick the right franchise option. You’ll have less stress on your mind as you explore different franchises, giving you more confidence in the final choice you make. 

The Dog Stop®: Want Start Your Own Franchise?

Are you ready to open your own franchise store? We already have 24 store locations in 12 states, with 50 new stores opening soon. If you need more information, get in touch with us today. Send us your comment or question and receive a response within 48 hours. 

You are an avid dog lover; you think you’ve got what it takes and are ready to start your own doggie daycare. This is great news! You’ve done the research, are ready to start your own business, are willing to follow a proven system, and are looking forward to working closely with a franchisor with an excellent reputation and method for success. Now you might be wondering, what are the next steps, how much does it cost to start a doggie daycare, and how do I get started? You’ve come to the right place because The Dog Stop® has the answers you need.

A Doggy Daycare Franchise

If you’ve gotten this far, you already know what a dog daycare is. But to recap, here’s a reminder of what being a franchise means. A franchise is a business owned and operated by an individual, such as yourself, referred to as the franchisee, but who also uses the branding and name of a much larger company, known as the franchisor. This is especially helpful to start-up businesses as they enter a world full of competition and already established brands. We’ve all heard of Pizza Hut, UPS stores, Ace Hardware, and Hilton hotels. These are all examples of franchises. At The Dog Stop®, we work closely with our franchisees offering support and guidance every step of the way.

Benefits of Dog Daycare

People love their pets, and there is no doubt that a dog is a man’s best friend. According to The American Pet Products Association (APPA) pet statistics, nearly 70% of US households have at least one pet, with average annual expenses ranging around $1,380 per household. But people are also busier than ever, holding down several jobs, raising kids, and being involved in extracurricular activities, all leading to their beloved dogs being left at home unattended. This is where doggie daycares come in. There are tremendous benefits for both dogs and their pet owners to invest in doggie daycare. Here are a few of them. 

Separation Anxiety Relief

Many pet owners work all day, leaving their dogs at home to become bored, sad, lonely, or stressed. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may lash out by destroying furniture, chewing on the owner’s belongings, harming themselves, or bothering neighbors with constant barking and howling. Probably the biggest benefit for dogs who are enrolled in doggie daycare is that they are never alone!

Healthy Exercise

Lack of exercise and stimulation is never good for a dog’s health. Even with toys at home, dogs often need encouragement to play. At doggie daycare, staff are trained and know how to entertain and play with these furry canines. They can run around with other dogs, play fetch and go on walks. Dogs left at home for hours at a time often get into trouble, digging up holes in the yard or running circles and ruining the grass. But a doggie daycare, they’ll have plenty of equipment and activities to utilize to keep them occupied. 

Social Interaction

Dogs are social creatures, and spending time at a doggie daycare will have them making lots of new friends. They can run around and play for hours with their own kind. 

Change of Scenery

A dog’s home and family are their entire world. Going to a doggie daycare gives them a new place to explore. It offers new rooms to discover, trees and plants to sniff, and a new world of adventure. Dogs will love having a change of scenery to break up the monotony of each day. 

Doggy Daycare Benefits for Dog Owners

No Strangers in the House

Pet sitters are great and have their advantages, but who wants to let strangers in their home if they don’t have to? Utilizing a doggie daycare removes the stress and anxiety of giving someone access to a pet owner’s keys and private residence. 

Peace of Mind

Having a place to keep their furry best friend throughout the day gives pet owners peace of mind and a sense of confidence their dog is in good hands. 

Dog Grooming

Most dog daycares offer to groom. This can save a pet owner valuable time taking their pet to the groomers. Dogs can go home relaxed and stress-free with their nails clipped and their hair groomed. 

Extra Free Time

Knowing that their dog is in good hands gives pet owners the ability to work late if needed, run errands after work, or have downtime before picking up their beloved best friend. It also means no running home over lunch or between shifts to feed and walk the dog. 

Steps Involved When Starting a Dog Day Care

Now that we’ve established how important dog daycare is for everyone, let’s start a doggie daycare! Let’s begin with the following steps: 

Finding a Location

One of the most critical components of starting a dog daycare franchise is finding a location. Everything, down to the size of the facility, location to competitors, terms of the lease, and layout, are extremely crucial details. The national real estate team at the Dog Stop can help you find the perfect location and negotiate your terms of service. 

Facility Layout, Equipment, and Supplies

Next, you want to factor in your facility’s layout. While items can be purchased and obtained throughout the first few months after opening, there are certain types of equipment and supplies you will need on the first day. At the Dog Stop, we provide our franchisees with prototype layouts, including doggie play areas, grooming rooms, and outside play yards. We have relationships with some of the best suppliers of dog equipment and supplies, pet care management software, and anything else you need to start your business. 

Staffing

Prior to opening your dog care franchise, you will need help from staff. The Dog Stop® offers extensive training in all aspects of your operation. Our pet care management software can help keep track of all your clients and activities, saving you both time and labor costs.

Marketing and Advertising

Lastly, you will need to think about how to market and advertise your business. When you partner with The Dog Stop®, you receive full-time and marketing advertising support, including all of the following:

• Brand and website management 
• Help with budgeting, 
• Media Buying
• Event planning 
• Community relations
• Public relations
• Social media management

Financial Investment

There is a financial investment needed in starting a doggie daycare franchise. What does the dog daycare franchise cost? To get the location open and operating, the average franchise investment ranges from $400,000 to $500,000. At The Dog Stop®, we require a minimum net worth of $750,000 and at least $150,000 in liquidity to protect you and ensure you are sufficiently able to build and operate your business. Other fees include:

• A franchise fee of $49,500 and includes all mentioned support services.
• A royalty fee of 6% of gross sales paid weekly. 
• Brand development and marketing fees for promotion are 2%

Start Your Dog Daycare Franchise With the Dog Stop Today!

When you partner with The Dog Stop®, rest assured we are with you every step of the way. The Dog Stop® utilizes a franchise model that offers our franchisees the attention they deserve right from the start. We take the “business in a box” idea out of the box, provide training, and help generate revenue in many different ways. We’ve been delivering an exceptional experience to dogs, their families, and franchises for over a decade. Take the next steps in starting a doggie daycare today and contact The Dog Stop®.

The one-stop-shop for dog care grows national presence as the demand for quality care in the pet industry continues to rise

PITTSBURGH, Pa.  – The Dog Stop® – the all-inclusive and award-winning dog care brand rapidly expanding across the U.S – continues its remarkable growth and success within the dog care industry for the first half of this year. With two new locations open, 17 deals signed, the announcement of their 100^th and 101^st locations to open in the near future, and sales up by 15% YOY, the brand expects its momentum to continue as we enter the second half of the year.

In Q1 and Q2 of 2023, The Dog Stop® opened new locations in Allison Park, PA, and Kenner, LA, and is projected to open 10 more locations by the end of 2023. The Dog Stop® aims to continue their aggressive expansion plan and open locations in new markets, including Baton Rogue, LA, Orlando, FL, Dallas, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, Centerville, VA, Houston, TX, Lake Charles, LA, Tampa (Clearwater), FL, Atlanta, GA, and Knoxville, TN.

“We are thrilled to see the ongoing growth and enthusiasm surrounding The Dog Stop® brand,” said Jesse Coslov, CEO and Co-Founder of The Dog Stop®. “Our stores across the nation are flourishing, and we eagerly anticipate the introduction of numerous new facilities in the months and years ahead.”

This year, The Dog Stop® was recognized as an INC. 5000 Company, a list comprised of America’s most successful companies. The dog care brand also became the first nationwide boarding & daycare space to become Fear Free certified, continuing to challenge the norms in the boarding and daycare sector by bettering the standard level of care in the pet industry.

“The Dog Stop® is actively committed to enhancing our industry by prioritizing the prevention and alleviation of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets,” said Coslov. “We have partnered with Fear Free and are diligently working on programs like our VIP (Very Independent Players) program to ensure that our focus remains on providing care that places the physical and emotional wellbeing of our dogs at the forefront.”

Owned and operated by dog people since 2009, The Dog Stop® understands the complex process involved in dog care and knows that there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. At The Dog Stop®, expert staff at each location stay up-to-date on the ever-changing science that applies to dog care, behavior, grooming, and nutrition. Its one-stop-shop offers pet care products and supplies, with each item on its shelves the latest and greatest in its respective category, ensuring that every dog who stops by receives the very best treatment. For more information on The Dog Stop® or its franchise opportunities, visit https://thedogstop.com.

About The Dog Stop®

Founded in 2009 and franchising since 2013, The Dog Stop® has been winning over dogs and owners with their all-inclusive facility complete with spa-style grooming, year-round boarding, individualized training, playtime-focused daycare, and a natural pet retail store that carries ranked products all run by highly-qualified staff. Each component is catered to stimulate every dog’s physical and mental needs, ensuring that they leave happier and healthier. The Dog Stop® currently serves dogs and owners in all 24 locations in 12 states, with over 50 new locations coming soon. For more information, go to https://thedogstop.com/.