Scenthound was founded with a simple vision – to help people connect with their pets by removing barriers to clean, healthy dogs. As the first wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming franchise, Scenthound is disrupting an outdated industry with a shifted wellness focus and a blue ocean strategy. And, as a recession-proof and Amazon-proof business in a $99bn industry, it has continued to thrive even amidst the COVID-19 environment. With phenomenal growth in 2020 and an even better start to 2021, Scenthound is well on its way to becoming a household name with dog parents.
After many years in the grooming business, founder and CEO, Tim Vogel, spotted a gaping hole in the industry and a massively under-served market. Most dogs weren’t getting proper care since there were a lot of misconceptions about grooming. The industry was focused on stylized haircuts, leaving out the 90 per cent of breeds that don’t get regular trims. The basic care and maintenance needed to keep dogs healthy were sorely lacking. So, he set out to revolutionize the way people think about and access routine care for dogs.
The Scenthound model has unprecedented potential because it took an underserved market of 90 million dogs and designed a system to care for their Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT). It has a true blue ocean strategy with a vast and underserved market.
The concept is ideally positioned to attract both operators and larger multi-unit investors, and is actively seeking franchise partners to help expand the concept. With exclusive territories still available in key markets across the country, now is the time to join the pack. The momentum and growth potential for this exceptional brand is limitless.
How does the Scenthound franchise model work?
Scenthound offers an easy and affordable way for dog parents to get the preventative care their pups need to stay clean and healthy. Dog parents choose a membership that works for their budget and schedule to keep their dog’s health on track. The membership-based model keeps dogs healthy and clean, and fosters a community of committed dog parents.
A recent survey showed that nearly 90 per cent of pet owners are willing to spend more than $100 a month on their pets and that most of them will pay whatever it takes to ensure their pets are happy and healthy.
As dog lovers, Scenthound understands this devotion. Therefore, following each visit, it gives every dog parent a six-point evaluation that helps to keep them informed on their dog’s overall health. Scenthound’s genuine compassion for their pup results in customer loyalty.
Plus, Scenthound ‘Scenters’ are conveniently located in errand-intensive mixed-use retail areas, in close proximity to busy big box stores and restaurants. Its customers appreciate the convenience of being able to run an errand or two and check some chores off their list while their dogs are in its care. Equally, Scenthound franchisees benefit from this high-traffic visibility, which results in significant business growth potential.
Scenthound’s business model is built on a proven customer retention framework that provides an opportunity for long-term profitability. With plans to expand its service offerings and retail solutions, coupled with a pet care industry that is forecasted to top $300bn globally by 2025, Scenthound’s model is positioned to be the #nextbigthing in franchising.
What kind of franchisees is Scenthound looking for?
Scenthound’s ideal franchise partners are people who love dogs, want to make a difference in the lives of dogs and in their community, and will work to maintain the highest level of service and care at every Scenthound location.
One advantage to a franchise is the proven systems and branding that comes with it. Yet, that also means that franchisees follow Scenthound’s system in order to maintain operational efficiency and deliver a consistent customer experience. Scenthound is seeking team players who understand who they are, what makes them unique, and how they can have fun and grow together.
Scenthound is ideally positioned to attract both operators and larger multi-unit investors, and is actively seeking franchise partners to help expand the concept in the U.S. and abroad.
To have what it takes to be a Scenthound franchisee, franchisees must be dedicated to its values: Dog First – Scenthound advocate’s for the health and well-being of every dog in its care. One Pack – Scenthound is one company, one team, with one mission. Trust, respect, and support one another. Bring Love – Scenthound brings good energy to the job, and with loving intention. Seek Growth – Believe. Learn. Grow. Make a Difference – Scenthound works with purpose and are driven by a desire to make a positive impact.
Scenthound franchisees must adopt the company values, carry them out daily and help to instill them in every employee at their Scenter. Scenthound’s culture is a key tenant of its success!
With exclusive territories still available in key markets across the country, many potential franchisees are now realizing now is the time to join the Scenthound family. The momentum and growth potential for this exceptional brand is limitless.
Training and support provided by Scenthound
At Scenthound, franchisees will benefit from industry-leading franchise training and be fully immersed in the Scenthound brand experience before they open their location. The brand prepares and trains every franchisee using its proven methodologies for pet franchise ownership and specifically coaches on how to deliver outstanding Scenthound service.
“There are no lone wolves at Scenthound. We work as a team and collaborate with our franchisees on all aspects of their business to ensure smooth and successful operations,” says Scenthound franchise success manager, Justin Higgins.
“From day one, every franchisee is provided field-tested, proven systems and methodologies for success in their Scenters. We coach franchisees on how to deliver the outstanding service for which the Scenthound brand is known.”
To get started, Scenthound will welcome franchisees to its headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, and will spend time at a Scenthound-owned Scenter. This intensive program will help to familiarize franchisees with the Scenthound culture and demonstrate how it lives out its vision, mission, and values. The comprehensive training will prepare franchisees with best practices on how to market Scenthound and create a local footprint, provide ongoing customer support, and perform all the signature Scenthound services.
The Scenthound wellness philosophy and dog grooming system are rooted in five core areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth. S.C.E.N.T. training helps franchisees understand why each care area is fundamental to the overall long-term health of every dog and how Scenthound’s services ensure that these areas stay healthy. Franchisees will gain hands-on experience and master each step in the dog grooming and routine care process so that every dog that visits the Scenter center gets the care they deserve.
Plus, franchisees receive expert coaching on how to lead their employees, hit their benchmarks, manage vendor relationships, and oversee their local operations. Franchisees, arere the leader of the pack at their Scenter, and Scenthound is committed to their continued success.
Financial information and availability
The total investment ranges from $180,950 to $297,950.
Multi-unit is available and preferred! Scenthound believes in a growth model in which employees move up, from Scent Tech to Trimmer, then into management. By creating an internal training system, it promotes longevity with the company and ensures Scenthound always has experienced employees ready to serve. A multi-unit strategy is best suited for this model as it creates a growth path for strong employees to be continually promoted from within.
Scenthound’s locations are already delivering $422,643 average unit volume (AUV) and 34 per cent margin after operating expenses.
AZ, FL, CO, NV, GA, TX, NC and SC are Scenthound’s current target markets. The franchise agreement includes an initial 10-year term with an additional 10-year renewal option.
Why is Scenthound a good investment?
Founded in 2015, Scenthound has proven itself as an innovative leader in the dog grooming industry. Recently named as one of GROWFL’S Companies to Watch, there has never been a better time to join the pack.
We welcome new franchisees by providing extensive training, operational support, and the opportunity to become a part of a community that prioritizes happiness. The support system that comes along with investing in Scenthound is unlike anything available to independent business owners. Considering the experience of the executive leadership and the feedback of fellow franchisees, new Scenters will hit the ground running with a proven and tested roadmap.
The Scenthound franchise model is a smart investment choice for several reasons:
Membership-Driven: The Scenthound membership-based business model delivers recurring revenue and cultivates fierce customer loyalty. Dog parents choose a membership option that works for their budget and schedule to maintain their dog’s health and happiness. This customer retention framework provides a platform for profitable growth.
Focused on Wellness: A recent survey showed that nearly 90 per cent of pet owners are willing to spend more than $100 a month on their pets and that most of them will pay whatever it takes to ensure their pets are happy and healthy. Following each visit, Scenthound provides every dog parent a six-point evaluation (called a “Scent Check”) that helps to keep them informed on their dog’s overall wellness. It is a combination of education and Scenthound’s genuine care for their customer’s dogs that results in consumer trust and a healthy partnership.
“Scentrally” Located: Scenthound Scenters are conveniently located in errand-intensive mixed-use retail areas close to busy big box stores and restaurants. Customers value the convenience of being able to combine errands and check to-dos off their list while their dogs are in Scenthound’s care. The average service time is under 30 minutes, which keeps customers shopping in the center while they wait for their dog. Franchisees benefit from high-traffic visibility, which results in significant business growth potential.
The booming pet grooming and pet care industry has proven to be immune from pandemic effects. Scenthound quickly and effectively put new social distancing measures into place to ensure convenience and safety for both employees and customers. As a result, they never had to close their doors. Scenthound has weathered the storm of 2020 and has come out ahead, with more than 35 new franchise locations slated to open in 2021.
How in demand are Scenthound’s products and services?
The pet care industry is thriving. Research shows that the global pet care market is expected to grow to $359bn by 2027, a forecasted compound annual growth rate of six per cent. Additionally, during the last two major United States recessions in 2001 and 2008, pet spending actually grew by seven and five per cent, respectively.
In 2020, the global pandemic brought more dogs into homes than ever before. This market is primed for explosive growth and Scenthound is perfectly placed to effectively service this high-demand market with little competition.
Within the pet space, spending on dogs specifically dominates the market with most recent reports showing it holds the largest market share at more than 40 per cent. Thanks to the rising rate of dog adoptions, the increasing humanization of pets, and the proven psychological and therapeutic benefits of dog ownership, consumer spending on pets has no indication of slowing down.
Listen to our podcast with Tim Vogel, founder and CEO of Scenthound.