Q&A: Does Dogknows Franchise in the UK?

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 11/03/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does Dogknows Franchise in the UK? — Photo © dogknows-franchise-information.jpg

Are you looking for a business opportunity offering the chance to become a dog walker? The pet franchise sector can help you realise your dream. Let’s find out whether there are any Dogknows franchise opportunities available at the moment.

Dogknows started out as a straightforward dog-walking business but has since evolved to offer pet training services as well. Specialist handlers at the company learn how to teach dogs and read their body language to provide expert care.

Does Dogknows franchise?

Yes - the Dogknows franchise package gives animal lovers the chance to launch their own walking and training business under a robust model and proven strategies.

In previous years, professional dog-walking services were mainly associated with wealthy professionals who weren’t able to give their pets the time and attention they needed. But now, people from a wide range of different backgrounds recognise the benefits of the service.

Also, around 45 percent of UK households have at least one pet, and nine million of our animal friends are dogs (PFMA). So, there’s great potential for UK entrepreneurs joining the pet industry.

If the Dogknows franchise opportunity sounds like your dream venture, keep reading to find out more about joining the company.

History of Dogknows

Dogknows has been around since 1999, when entrepreneur Bobs Broadbent decided to launch a dog care business. At the time, it was one of the first professional walking services in London, but continued to see success as the sector grew. For the past two decades, Dogknows has taken pride in its kind, force-free handling techniques designed to bring out the best in pets.

Dogknows chose to adopt the franchise model to expand in 2011 and has since appointed several high-performing franchises to help develop the network. There are currently Dogknows branches covering areas in and around London, including Greenwich, Croydon and Richmond.

The business also became the first dog care company to gain full accreditation from the Animal Behaviour & Training Council, so all the carers can now become registered animal training instructors.

Dogknows can customise its offering to individual clients, as some people just need someone to exercise their pet, while others ask the business to deliver training sessions. But no matter how much support each dog requires, every Dogknows carer incorporates an element of training into each outing.

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Starting a Dogknows franchise unit

Dogknows franchisees come from all walks of life, so you don’t need any particular experience or expertise to get started. Instead, you should have a love of dogs, and be reliable, organised and willing to work in all weathers. Plus, you’ll need the ambition and determination to make your business a success.

Becoming a Dogknows franchisee:

The Dogknows franchise team can help you set up your own business within just 10 weeks of receiving your application. The process starts with you registering your interest and filling out a form. Then, the franchise team will assess your suitability to launch a unit under the Dogknows franchise brand.

If you’re approved, you’ll be invited to a discovery meeting, where the franchisor will give a presentation and provide more detail about the investment opportunity. You’ll get the chance to find out more about the business model and mentoring programme, and ask any questions might have.

If you and the franchisor think you’ll make a good team, you will get a draft copy of the franchise agreement. At this point, you should consult a solicitor with franchising experience to review the contract for you and make sure you’re happy to proceed.

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How much you need to invest:

If you’re interested in running your own business under the Dogknows name, you’ll need to be prepared to invest around £15,000. And if you don’t already own a computer, smartphone and vehicle to safely transport pets, you should be prepared to buy them before launch day.

Once you’re established, you can grow your team, client base and profits. Within 18 months, you should have been able to develop a pool of 25 customers and generate an annual revenue of between £25,000 and £35,000.

What you get for your investment:

Your franchise fee will cover an extensive training programme and comprehensive franchise package including everything you need to get up and running as a dog carer. Plus, you’ll get a five-year license to operate as part of the brand and use its tried and tested strategies.

Before you open for business, you’ll have the chance to spend some time on the road with an existing Dogknows franchisee. This step will give you the opportunity not only to ask any remaining questions you have, but also to gain invaluable insight into your responsibilities as a future franchise partner.

Then, it’s time to sign the franchise agreement and embark on your training programme. Dogknows’ high-quality coaching scheme includes five days of one-to-one learning delivered by the founder, Bobs Broadbent. He will tell you everything you need to know about setting up and running your pet care business, and give you the dog-training skills you’ll rely on later.

Next come three days of hands-on learning, to give you a better understanding of the tasks involved in running a dog-walking business, followed by two days of personalised teaching. During this final stage, the franchise team will identify any gaps in your knowledge and make sure you have all the information and experience you need to get cracking.

Throughout the training period, the franchise team will also help you promote your new business, so no time is wasted. Then, when you’re ready to launch your unit, local pet owners will already be aware of the brand.

Running your own business under a franchise

Dogknows isn’t the only dog care franchise opportunity we have on our books. If it’s not quite right for you, why not browse some similar alternatives? Take a look at our full list of excellent pet franchises, or widen the net to all home-based ventures.