1. Dog Training Elite

   • Focus: In-home personalized training using balanced methods.

   • Investment: $173,550–$203,250.

   • Strength: Zero failure rate, wide range of services like obedience, service dog prep, and therapy dog training.

2. Zoom Room

   • Focus: Training dog owners with fun, social classes.

   • Investment: $317,600–$489,450.

   • Strength: Group classes, agility training, and rapid growth (330% leap on Franchise 500 list).

3. Always Faithful Dog Training

   • Focus: Leadership-based training, no treats or clickers.

   • Investment: $91,850–$101,300.

   • Strength: Mobile model, steady 85% annual growth, and veteran-friendly discounts.

4. Trusted Paws Dog Training Academy

   • Focus: Science-driven, in-home training with positive reinforcement.

   • Investment: Not specified.

   • Strength: Custom plans, certified trainers, and flexible tiered packages.

5. Camp Bow Wow

   • Focus: Full-service pet care (daycare, boarding, training).

   • Investment: $1,034,000–$1,769,500.

   • Strength: Multi-revenue model, over 224 locations, and strong franchisee support.

Quick Comparison

Why Now?

The pet training market is booming, with spending expected to hit $6.84 billion by 2031. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are driving this demand with 41% opting for professional training services. Whether you’re looking for low-cost entry or multi-revenue options, these franchises offer proven models to tap into this growing industry.

The Dog Training Elite - A Professional Pet Services Franchise 🐾🐩

1. Dog Training Elite

Since its launch in 2015, Dog Training Elite (DTE) has made impressive strides, expanding to 395 locations across the U.S. by 2024. With a zero failure rate over the past three years, the franchise showcases a strong business model and a commitment to supporting its franchisees.

Training Methods and Services

Dog Training Elite stands out as a leading pet training franchise, utilizing balanced training techniques that combine positive reinforcement with effective tools to address even the toughest behavioral challenges. Their range of programs is extensive and includes obedience training, puppy training, service dog preparation, aggressive behavior management, anxiety relief, therapy dog training, personal protection, off-leash training, and retired K9 training. A key component of their approach is the use of a gentle, pulse-emitting electronic collar, which mimics the sensation of a leash tug, ensuring humane and effective results. This comprehensive method has been a driving force behind the franchise’s rapid growth.

Market Reach and Expansion

DTE’s proven training methods have allowed it to achieve significant market penetration, positioning the franchise to thrive in a dog training industry projected to surpass $40 billion by 2025.

CEO Mark Mestas highlights the importance of their personalized approach:

"We found that keeping the one-on-one training was the secret. The way we found is super successful is in-home, teaching people as much as you're teaching the dog."

DTE is also making strides in rural markets. Kelley Rosequist, Director of Business and Franchise Development, shares:

"Little Rock is an exciting one, too, because it's a fast-growing area that will illustrate how Dog Training Elite can succeed in more rural areas."

With plans to expand both domestically and internationally, DTE is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for professional dog training services.

Investment Costs

Dog Training Elite offers competitive investment options designed to support franchisee success. The total initial investment ranges from $173,550 to $203,250, which includes a $110,000 franchise fee that grants access to their established business model and training systems.

Franchisees also pay ongoing fees, including an 8% royalty on gross sales, a 2% national marketing fee, a $500 monthly online advertising and SEO fee, and a $275 monthly tech fee.

Franchisee Support Programs

Dog Training Elite offers comprehensive support to its franchisees, starting with advanced training and extending to ongoing marketing and technology assistance. Their launch support package ensures new franchisees hit the ground running. Continued support includes participation in a national marketing program funded by the 2% marketing fee, access to proprietary business management tools via a monthly tech fee, and enhanced digital visibility through a dedicated online advertising and SEO program. This robust support system plays a key role in the franchise's consistent success and zero failure rate.

2. Zoom Room

Zoom Room is making waves in the pet industry by tapping into the growing demand for pet training services. Their philosophy, "We don't train dogs. We train the people who love them," sets them apart from competitors and highlights their focus on human-dog relationships. The franchise's growth has been nothing short of impressive, with a 19% year-over-year sales increase in the first half of 2024 and a 330% leap on Entrepreneur magazine's 2025 Franchise 500® list in just three years. These milestones underscore the success of their unique approach to pet training.

Training Methods and Services

What makes Zoom Room stand out is their focus on turning training into a fun, social experience. They use positive reinforcement techniques to create a welcoming environment for both dogs and their owners. Their range of offerings includes puppy socialization, group classes, private lessons, advanced agility training, and playgroups . By prioritizing human education and interactive learning, Zoom Room helps strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. This approach has earned them the highest 5-star ratings among dog training brands in the U.S.. Their commitment to personalized, engaging training is a key driver of their rapid growth.

Market Reach and Expansion

Zoom Room's expansion strategy is gaining traction across the United States, with the exception of Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska. As of August 2023, the franchise had over 60 locations open and another 80 in development, with plans to surpass 80 locations by the end of 2024 . Their growth is reflected in a 70% increase in same-store sales since 2019 and a 59% rise in gross sales in 2021, far outpacing the pet industry's overall 6% growth rate . In the first half of 2024 alone, they opened 10 new locations across six states, with 16 more in the pipeline.

CEO Mark Van Wye attributes this success to the strength of their model and the dedication of their team:

"Our mid-year achievements reflect the strength of our franchise model, the dedication of our franchisees and the loyalty of our incredible customers".

Zoom Room is also eyeing international markets, offering master franchise agreements in Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Franchisee Support Programs

For franchisees, Zoom Room provides a robust support system. Initial training includes 159 hours of classroom instruction and 41 hours of hands-on training. Beyond that, franchisees benefit from ongoing resources like co-op purchasing, newsletters, regular meetings, conventions, and a toll-free support line. Marketing assistance includes co-op advertising, national campaigns, social media management, SEO strategies, and website development. Operational support covers everything from lease negotiation and site selection to proprietary software and access to a dedicated intranet platform.

This comprehensive support structure ensures franchisees have the tools they need to succeed, contributing to Zoom Room's continued growth and success in the pet industry.

3. Always Faithful Dog Training

Always Faithful Dog Training sets itself apart with a leadership-based training approach that avoids traditional tools like treats, clickers, or shock collars. Instead, the company focuses on natural communication between owners and their dogs. This method has helped train over 60,000 dogs and fueled consistent growth - over 85% annually for four straight years. By 2023, the company expanded to 32 units, marking a 128.6% increase in just three years, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the competitive pet training industry.

Training Methods and Services

The company's Leadership Dog Training program teaches owners how to understand and communicate in their dog’s natural "language", making it suitable for dogs of any age or breed. Their services include:

• Puppy Obedience: Early training to instill respect for leadership.

• Dog Obedience: Focused on loose leash walking and responding to commands.

• Board-and-Train Programs: Dogs stay with expert trainers for intensive training.

• Specialty Training: Tailored programs for issues like anxiety and aggression. Select locations also offer therapy and service dog training.

Clients frequently rave about the effectiveness of these methods. For example, Melanie Arts shared how her reactive pit bull, Bernie, showed "massive improvements in just a few days" after working with trainer Despy. She noted that other trainers had previously refused to work with Bernie. This approach not only delivers real results for clients but also drives the rapid expansion of the franchise nationwide.

Market Reach and Expansion

With its unique training philosophy, Always Faithful Dog Training is expanding across the U.S., now accepting inquiries from all 50 states and Washington D.C.. Its mobile business model allows franchisees to operate from home, avoiding the expense of commercial real estate, which has proven particularly advantageous during uncertain times.

This adaptability shone during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Fort Worth franchisee shared their experience:

"My biggest concern was 'will this generate enough income for my family?' Let me tell you it has far surpassed our expectations for return on investment! When Covid-19 hit our business, I was concerned how it would affect our business, to my surprise my business exploded! I could hardly keep up. The Always Faithful Dog Training Franchise has been excellent!"

Investment Costs

Starting an Always Faithful Dog Training franchise is relatively accessible compared to other opportunities in the pet training industry. The initial franchise fee is $49,500, with total startup costs ranging from $91,850 to $101,300. Franchisees need a minimum net worth of $100,000 and at least $40,000 in liquid capital. The franchise charges an 8% royalty fee and offers a 10% discount on the franchise fee for veterans. For added flexibility, third-party financing options are available to cover the franchise fee and initial costs.

Franchisee Support Programs

Always Faithful Dog Training provides a robust support system, even for those new to the field. Franchisees benefit from:

• 26 hours of classroom training and 10–15 hours of on-the-job training.

• Assistance with grand openings and site selection.

• Comprehensive marketing support, including co-op advertising, national campaigns, social media management, SEO, website development, and email marketing.

Additional resources include newsletters, meetings, conventions, online support, proprietary software, and a dedicated franchisee intranet. These tools equip franchisees to succeed in the booming U.S. pet industry, which generated over $99 billion last year. Combined with the company’s proven methods and customer satisfaction record, franchisees have a solid foundation for success.

4. Trusted Paws Dog Training Academy

Trusted Paws Dog Training Academy has carved a niche in the pet training world with its personalized, science-driven, in-home training approach. By focusing on one-on-one sessions, the academy ensures that every dog receives care and training tailored to their unique personality and specific needs.

Training Methods and Services

Trusted Paws emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques delivered in private, in-home settings. This approach allows certified trainers to create custom training plans that address individual behavioral challenges and goals.

"At Trusted Paws, we believe every dog is unique, and their training should be too. Our mission is to help you build a calm, confident, and well-behaved companion through one-on-one, personalized dog training provided in-home."

Their services cover a range of needs, including obedience training, socialization, and behavior modification. These offerings are structured into three service tiers, allowing clients to choose the package that best suits their dog's needs:

This tiered system ensures that pet owners can find a solution that aligns with their goals and their dog's specific requirements.

Market Reach and Expansion

The pet training market in the U.S. is thriving, with projections estimating it will surpass $820 million by 2026. This growth is fueled by the 63.5 million U.S. households that own dogs. Additionally, urban pet ownership is on the rise, with more people recognizing the value of behavioral training and the growing popularity of adopting rescue dogs, many of which require specialized support.

Franchisee Support Programs

Trusted Paws offers franchisees a comprehensive support system designed to set them up for success. New franchise owners receive hands-on training with celebrity dog trainer Joel Silverman, along with weekly Zoom coaching sessions that provide expert advice on training techniques, business strategies, and troubleshooting.

Other key support features include:

• Operational Assistance: A centralized call center manages lead follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and payment processing.

• Marketing Resources: Franchisees gain access to ready-to-use online marketing materials for local promotion and a library of training videos to stay current on best practices.

• Comprehensive Training: A 48-hour program covers both business fundamentals and dog training techniques.

• Flexible Business Model: Franchisees benefit from a home-based setup with a branded vehicle, making the business both practical and mobile.

With these resources, Trusted Paws ensures franchisees have all the tools they need to grow their businesses while delivering top-notch training services to clients.

5. Camp Bow Wow

Camp Bow Wow has established itself as a trusted name in pet care, offering a variety of services that go far beyond standard training. With over 224 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the franchise is well-known for providing top-tier boarding, daycare, grooming, and tailored training programs.

Training Methods and Services

At Camp Bow Wow, training is all about using reward-based techniques to encourage positive behavior for dogs of all ages. These programs are customized to fit each dog's unique needs, covering everything from basic commands to advanced tricks. The goal? To keep dogs mentally sharp, improve their behavior in public settings, and strengthen the connection between pets and their families.

What makes this even more effective is the flexibility offered by each location. Franchise owners can adapt their training services to meet the specific demands of their local markets. This localized approach plays a key role in Camp Bow Wow’s success.

Market Reach and Expansion

Under the leadership of Propelled Brands, Camp Bow Wow has seen consistent growth, with a 10.9% increase over three years. By early 2024, the franchise expanded into its 41st state. Mark Jameson, chief development officer of Propelled Brands, shared his excitement about the company’s trajectory:

"Camp Bow Wow is poised for significant growth, and having the opportunity to showcase our future direction at MUFC 2025 is an exciting moment for us."

With over 220 locations in operation, Camp Bow Wow has earned a spot on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list for an impressive 16 consecutive years. This recognition highlights its consistent performance and strong market presence. The franchise is actively seeking new franchisees, particularly those with experience in managing multiple units. Currently, more than half of its locations are owned by multi-unit operators.

Franchisee Support Programs

A big part of Camp Bow Wow’s success lies in its robust support system for franchisees. From the very beginning, franchisees receive extensive training, operational guidance, and marketing assistance. This level of support has led to an impressive 96% agreement renewal rate. Franchise owners often praise the corporate team for their dedication and the collaborative spirit within the franchise network.

Frank and Tamara Wetegrove shared their experience, saying:

"We made the best choice we could have ever made in our initial decision to join the Camp Bow Wow franchise system. Our experience has been humbling and almost too good to be true."

Similarly, Jose Morillo, a former corporate executive, reflected on his career shift:

"Having been a CEO in corporate healthcare for many years, I needed a change. Camp Bow Wow offered me the peace of mind of owning my own destiny with very real financial opportunities. Best decision I have ever made."

Julie Turner, President of Camp Bow Wow, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the corporate team and franchisees:

"Our company's momentum speaks to the successful and collaborative partnership between our corporate support team and franchise owners."

This strong support system, combined with steady market growth, sets franchisees up for long-term success.

Pet Training Franchise Comparison

When choosing a pet training franchise, it's essential to consider your investment capacity, preferred operational model, and market goals.

Investment costs vary widely among franchises. For example, Dog Training Elite requires an initial investment between $173,550 and $203,250, which includes a $110,000 franchise fee. Zoom Room's investment ranges from $317,600 to $489,450, with a $49,500 franchise fee. On the higher end, Camp Bow Wow's investment ranges from $1,034,000 to $1,769,500, with a $50,000 franchise fee.

Each franchise's market presence and services further differentiate them. Dog Training Elite has a significant geographic reach, operating in over 375 markets across the U.S. as of 2024. Camp Bow Wow, with over 224 locations in the U.S. and Canada, also demonstrates strong market penetration.

The services offered reflect each franchise's unique focus:

• Dog Training Elite: Offers a wide range of training services, including obedience, service dog training, puppy training, group classes, aggression training, anxiety training, and personal protection.

• Zoom Room: Specializes in training dog owners to train their pets, emphasizing obedience and socialization through classes and events.

• Always Faithful Dog Training: Focuses on obedience training, behavior modification, and personal protection training.

• Camp Bow Wow: Operates as a full-service pet care provider, offering doggy daycare, overnight boarding, training, grooming, in-home pet care, dog walking, and even pet waste removal services.

Operational models also play a critical role. Zoom Room requires only two employees and operates out of gym-like facilities. Dog Training Elite, on the other hand, offers flexibility with both in-home and group training options.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your budget, operational preferences, and market objectives.

Get Help Choosing a Pet Training Franchise

Picking the right pet training franchise can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide simplifies the process, from your first consultation to making the final decision.

Franchise Ki makes it easier by cutting down the hours you’d spend researching. They connect aspiring franchisees with carefully vetted pet training franchise opportunities that align with their goals, skills, and budget. Their curated database ensures you’re only looking at well-evaluated options.

"We connect you with pre-vetted, profitable opportunities aligned with your goals and investment capacity - completely free of charge." - Franchise Ki

Franchise Ki follows a structured four-phase approach to help you find the right fit:

• Discovery Consultation: Consultants start by evaluating your experience, budget, and interests to identify franchises that match your profile.

• Franchise Matching: Based on your criteria, you’ll receive tailored recommendations and introductions to vetted opportunities.

• In-Depth Comparisons: You’ll get support reviewing Franchise Disclosure Documents, speaking with current franchisees, and analyzing financials to understand the investment details.

• Financing Strategies: Whether you’re looking for a lower-cost model or a large-scale franchise, consultants help you explore financing options suited to your needs.

Once you’ve zeroed in on a franchise, Franchise Ki assists with negotiations and ensures all paperwork is properly handled. They’ve successfully matched hundreds of entrepreneurs with franchises, proving their ability to guide clients through this process.

Here’s the best part: Franchise Ki’s services are completely free for entrepreneurs. They’re compensated by franchisors, so you get expert advice without dipping into your franchise investment budget.

With the pet training market valued at $2.7 billion, this step-by-step approach ensures you’re equipped to make a confident and well-informed decision.

Conclusion

The pet training franchise market in 2025 offers a range of opportunities for aspiring investors. Each of the top five franchises brings its own strengths, catering to various aspects of the growing demand for professional pet training services.

Dog Training Elite shines with its personalized, one-on-one training and mobile service model, bringing expert training directly to clients' homes. Zoom Room sets itself apart by focusing on educating dog owners alongside training their pets, creating a well-rounded experience. Always Faithful Dog Training appeals to those seeking a disciplined, structured training approach, while Trusted Paws Dog Training Academy highlights community-based learning environments. Lastly, Camp Bow Wow combines training with daycare and boarding services, offering franchisees multiple revenue streams. Together, these franchises demonstrate why they are well-positioned to succeed in a competitive and evolving market.

The timing for investing in pet training franchises couldn’t be better. In 2021, pet owners spent $3.83 billion on training services, and this figure is expected to grow to $6.84 billion by 2031. This surge is driven by changing demographics, with 41% of Gen Z pet owners now opting for professional training services.

"Gen Z is driving a remarkable shift in pet ownership, with a 43.5% increase in pet-owning households from 2023 to 2024. This generation is also leading in multi-pet ownership." – Ingrid Chu, APPA's vice president of Insights and Research

Choosing the right franchise partner is essential for long-term success. The strongest franchises provide proven business models, extensive training programs, reliable support systems, and favorable agreement terms. They also stay ahead of trends like virtual training and mobile services, enabling franchisees to keep up with changing customer needs. As highlighted earlier, these elements are key to capitalizing on the market's potential growth.

FAQs

What should I look for when selecting a pet training franchise?

When deciding on a pet training franchise, take a close look at the brand's reputation, its history of success, and the level of support provided to franchisees. This includes things like training programs and continued guidance. You’ll also want to assess the initial investment costs, the franchise's financial health, and its potential for growth.

Equally important are the franchise's safety protocols, the quality of its training services, and feedback from existing franchisees. These elements can give you a clearer picture of whether the franchise aligns with your aspirations and offers a promising path forward.

What are the typical startup and ongoing costs for a pet training franchise?

The startup cost for a pet training franchise typically falls between $66,000 and $203,000, varying based on the brand and location. This amount covers essential expenses like franchise fees - usually ranging from $50,000 to $110,000 - along with equipment, training, and setting up the facility.

On top of that, you'll need to account for ongoing costs. These often include royalty fees, which are generally 6% to 12% of your gross revenue, and sometimes additional fees for marketing or territory-related expenses. For instance, franchises like Dog Training Elite might have higher initial investments but bundle these fees into their overall support package. Be sure to thoroughly examine the franchise disclosure document (FDD) for a full breakdown of costs.

What are the advantages of joining a pet training franchise instead of starting your own independent business?

Joining a pet training franchise offers several clear advantages compared to starting a business from scratch. For one, you get the benefit of an established brand - a name that customers already recognize and trust. This can save you a lot of time and effort in building credibility and attracting clients. Plus, franchises come with a proven business model, giving you a roadmap to follow and reducing the trial-and-error that often comes with new ventures.

Franchise owners also gain access to valuable resources, including training programs, expert advice, and tools for marketing and operations. On top of that, many franchises provide bulk purchasing discounts, helping you save on supplies and services. For those new to the business world, franchising offers a more structured and secure way to enter the pet training industry, with built-in support to help you succeed.

Related posts

• 5 Most Profitable Franchise Industries in 2025

• 5 Ways to Maximize Franchise Training Benefits

• How Franchise Trends Impact Selection

• Franchise Financial Risk Trends in 2025