ANIMAL MAGIC

Australians of all ages love the companionship a pet brings, so it is little wonder that petcare is big business. Check out these franchise options.

Five franchises based on a passion for pets

Pets have earned a top spot in Australian households as really bona fide family members. In a national study on pet ownership last year, Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) found that 5.7 million households had at least one pet. The same study revealed that in 2016, Australians spent $12.2 billion on pets. There is certainly plenty of economic benefit to owning a pet-centric business. Here Inside Franchise Business showcases five pet-focused franchises that love what they do.

BLUE WHEELERS

Mobile dog-grooming franchise Blue Wheelers started in 1994 as HydroDog and began franchising two years later. The business was rebranded in 2012 to Blue Wheelers, Wash, Clip & Groom.

Any switched-on dog lover can get on the road from $14,990 in a used mobile salon, with a top-of-the-range option costing less than $50,000.

There are at least 180 Big Blue Dogs travelling the roads of Australia, grooming more than 7000 pets each week.

Blue Wheelers has published an ebook dealing with the health benefits of dog ownership and the advantages of working with dogs.

DOGUE

DOGUE was the first exclusive dog boutique in Australia when it launched in 1998. It set out to introduce the world of haute couture to the canine by launching the brand as a stylish way to accessorise your pet.

DOGUE franchising followed in 2014, with the 10th store about to open. Across ACT, New South Wales and Victoria, the stores specialise in offering exclusive and stylish products, high quality and tailored grooming and playtime services in an intimate environment.

“We consider dogs part of the family. They are our best friends, and our entire approach is built around this,” says DOGUE business development manager Amelia Perry. “We are active members of our local community and we are passionate about animal welfare.”

Opening a DOGUE Boutique & Spa involves an initial franchise fee of $40,000 plus GST. The set-up costs vary depending on the size and site location, but the average set-up cost is $150,000 plus GST. This includes the initial franchise fees, training, stock, lease deposit, launch, fit-out, and everything else required.

Ongoing costs include a 6 per cent franchise service fee and 2 per cent group marketing contribution fee paid monthly; 1.5 per cent of gross revenue must also be spent on local marketing.

DOGUE is seeking franchisees who are committed to offering exceptional customer service, are highly motivated, feel the magic of the brand and are truly passionate about dogs and their care, says Perry.

Further expansion is planned for this year, maybe even overseas.

HENNY PENNY HATCHING

A chick-hatching program was made available through Old Macdonald’s Travelling Farms in 2000. It was so popular it became a separate entity in 2001 as Henny Penny Hatching.

The backyard chook is a traditional part of Australian culture, and the franchise delivers hatching programs to schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and aged-care homes.

Henny Penny Hatching franchisees need to pay vehicle expenses and insurance. They also need to buy eggs for the hatching units they deliver each week. As the head office is in Queensland, franchisees in other states pay freight to have their eggs flown to their nearest airport.

The franchisor is seeking friendly, motivated individuals who enjoy connecting with people and working with animals. Franchisees need a current driving licence and also need permission to work with children in their state.

Henny Penny Hatching has 15 franchisees across the eastern seaboard.

JIM’S DOG WASH

Jim’s Dog Wash started alongside Jim’s Mowing more than 30 years ago, and there are now 4500 franchisees.

The cost of setting to setting up a Jim’s Dog Wash franchise vary from state to state, but the ongoing costs are minimal. No royalties or commissions are charged, but there is a monthly flat rate. The fees do not change if franchisees have extra trailers on the road or hire employees.

Jim’s Dog Wash franchisees come from all walks of life – nurses, policewomen, office workers, childcare workers, hairdressers and parents seeking to re-enter the workforce after having children.

There are currently 75 franchisees across Australia, apart from Northern Territory.

Jim’s Dog Wash is set to launch in the UK this year, with two new franchisees attending training in May.

LONELY PETS CLUB

Lonely Pets Club is a mobile pet-feeding business, offering pet owners an alternative to taking their pets to kennels and catteries while they travel away from home. The franchisees collect mail, do property security checks, walk dogs, feed all pets, pick up dog waste, change kitty litter and top up water bowls. They can also water plants, tend rubbish bins and administer pet medication as needed.

Franchise fees range from $9000 for new areas to $99,000 for established territories, prices determined by turnover and client numbers. Franchise royalties are 20 per cent with a 5 per cent marketing levy.

Franchisees who are pet lovers, friendly, professional, trustworthy and customer-service focused are sought. Franchising makes up 30 per cent of the business model. There are four franchisees running seven businesses in Melbourne and Perth.