DailyFranchiseNews.com

DAY CAMP FOR DOGS

Today, as young couples are waiting longer to have kids and empty nesters are looking for additional companionship lost from their adult children fleeing the coup, Americans are increasingly investing in their pets. According to a recent article in the Rocky Mountain News, U.S. families housed almost 74 million dogs and spent approximately $2.7 billion on grooming and boarding for their pets last year.

A loving pet owner herself, Heidi Flammang had a genius idea to improve the basic pet-sitting services available for animal care. Flammang is the founder of Camp Bow Wow, a Boulder-based doggie day-care company. Since the sale of their first franchise in 2003, Camp Bow Wow has franchise agreements in 28 states and Canada and recently sold its 170th franchise.

Catering mostly to DINKS, or double income no kids, Camp Bow Wow is exactly what it sounds like – a day camp for your doggie. There is no tea time with biscuits, massages or pretty pink bows. A simple and fun place for your dog to eat, play and nap – Camp Bow Wow does offer to give pets a bath before going home. You can also watch your dog from a webcam to ensure that he or she is having fun and getting along with the other campers.

We have to say, we're almost a little jealous – playing outside all day with your friends, a private bunk for a nap and lunch…these puppies are living the life!

Waste Not! Franchisees Banking On Picking Up Pet Waste

The team at Dailyfranchisenews.com has many dogs, but never has anyone PAID us to pick up after them. And while it's something we do every day, many people never do it and a lot of money is being made because of it.

Take Doug Barnhart for example. He tells the Associated Press, he was so repulsed by the notion of picking up dog poop he hired someone to do it. Recognizing he was not alone, he got over his repulsion and opened a Doody Calls franchise in Virginia. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in pet spending. In fact, Americans are spending 100 percent more on their pets than they did 10 years ago. Why, you ask? Well, while the pet industry is continuing its rapid rise to the top, some are choosing to focus on the "bottom." Doody Calls is a perfect example. This company was started in 2000 by two University of Virginia graduates who picked up dog waste on weekends. Now it has more than $1 million in annual revenue and roughly 1,500 clients in seven states!