FAQS

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How do I apply for the franchise program?

Contact us at 866-799-2275 or via email at franchiseinfo@centralbarkusa.com for more information and to begin the application process.

What do you need to know about me?

Each prospective franchisee completes an application to help us understand exactly what they want to achieve with their Central Bark Doggy Day Care business. We also talk extensively so we can make sure the relationship is a good one, and we invite you to visit an existing location to see what it is we do.

The answers in the application helps us identify your strengths and weaknesses from a market segment, operational and financial standpoint. Our conversations will let us know where you may need more assistance, and the tour will provide insight into the basics about the day-to-day operations of running this business. The Doggy Day Care business might not be right for everyone, and we want to make sure that we have the right resources to support you in reaching your goals.

When is the best time to start?

The best time to start is when you're ready. It's that simple. However, once you've made your decision, the sooner you involve us, the sooner you'll be equipped to handle the wide spectrum of challenges you'll face. We've partnered with individuals at every stage of the process, from the initial idea through pre- and post-openings. Even accomplished Dog Day Care managers have worked with us to help solve their operating dilemmas. No matter when you start, or where you are in the process, know that we're here to assist you.

What is included in the franchise fee?

1. The proprietary Central Bark Doggy Day Care Operations Manual - This incredible document is the result of years of doing business. It is a complete and comprehensive guide to the how tos of running this business and including all policies and procedures, paperwork, documentation, releases and forms used in our business.
2. Two weeks on-site training and support for you and another person at one of the current state-of-the-art Central Bark® locations.
3. One week of training and support at your site with our Doggy Day Care experts.
4. Continuous access to all of our professionally designed creative and marketing material, including website, newsletter, advertising layouts, etc.
5. Use of our unique Barkware software - This incredibly robust software package has been developed specifically for the Central Bark® business model. It provides you with a paperless system for managing your day care program with updates and enhancements provided on an ongoing basis.
6. Our ongoing availability to answer questions that may arise.

How much money do I need to start a Central Bark Doggy Day Care?

No two businesses are exactly the same when it comes to size, location, investment, etc., so there's no quick answer to this question. Rather, we'll guide you in projecting and anticipating all of your start-up costs. And we'll do so in our one-on-one consultations. We also cover this in the financial planning section of our training manual.

To give you a general idea, depending on your credit history and availability of funds from an institution, your personal cash availability will have to be a minimum of $100,000 on up to the full cost of the franchise.  Our current estimates require $300,000-$400,000 of cash outlay which includes the $40,000 franchise fee that will be required at the time you sign your Franchise Agreement.  You may be required to put down up to 30% to meet lending institutions requirements.  The following guideline breaks down the ongoing fees after signing your Franchise Agreement:

Ongoing Fees
Royalty Fees	6% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Fee	2.5% of gross sales
Renewal Fee	25% of current franchise fee

What does it take to operate a Central Bark Doggy Day Care?

It takes hard work, dedication and an uncompromising standard of excellence. It also takes a realistic view of owning a business without getting caught up in the romanticism of it all. Too many people seem willing to forego profit for passion - until the bills start rolling in and the rent needs to be paid. That's why Central Bark Doggy Day Care helps you anticipate and plan for the realities of your business. Together, we'll prepare and research how your business is going to run, and determine how much money you'll need to sustain you through the initial growth phase. And we'll provide tools, like our franchise services and training manual, to teach you how to operate your Central Bark Doggy Day Care business in the most efficient and rewarding way possible.

What background and experience do you need to start a Central Bark Doggy Day Care?

Our Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchisees come from all walks of life. While some have had direct kennel and/or pet service experience, most are coming out of the corporate world and want to try their hand at something new. If you have three or more of the following characteristics, in addition to a commitment to learn and master new skills, you could have what it takes to be a Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchisee:
 

1. Management experience including proven fiscal success
2. A sincere and absolute love of dogs
3. Retail service/management experience
4. Advertising/marketing experience
5. Creative problem-solving skills
6. Strong entrepreneurial instincts and a willingness to try new things
7. Love for serving the general public/customer service
8. An eye for detail and talent for organization
9. The ability to handle pressure and juggle many tasks at once
10. A supportive spouse/partner and family
11. The time and energy to dedicate to the growing years of your business
12. The ability—both physically and mentally—to handle the rigors of running and managing your own franchise on a day-to-day basis
13. The ability to work within and follow a system, while utilizing your creativity
14. A desire to live in and share in the growth of your community

Why buy a Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchise?

Though the reasons to be part of our franchise family are as unlimited as your talents, skills and ideas, there's one benefit that seems to resonate more than the rest. If you love dogs, there's no better place to make your passion your life's work. The pet care sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with forecasts for even greater momentum (see our Why A Pet-Related Business section). And our commitment to give our franchise partners the education and support they need every step of the way is second to none.

By joining forces with Central Bark® Doggy Day Care you will have advantages not available to anyone else in the industry. Just to name a few:

1. The proprietary Central Bark® Doggy Day Care Operations Manual - This incredible document is the result of years of doing business. It is a complete and comprehensive guide to the "how to's" of running this business and including all policies and procedures, paperwork, documentation, releases and forms used in our business.
2. Standards and operations criteria unparalleled in the industry.
3. Two weeks on-site training and support for you and another person at one of the current state-of-the-art Central Bark® locations.
4. One week of training and support at your site with our Doggy Day Care experts.
5. Continuous access to all of our professionally designed creative and marketing material, including Web site, newsletter, advertising layouts, etc.
6. The advantage of a powerful brand name and established reputation.
7. Automatic participation in our Web site and newsletter.
8. Use of our unique Barkware software - This incredibly robust software package has been developed specifically for the Central Bark® business model. It provides you with a paperless system for managing your day care program with updates and enhancements provided on an ongoing basis.
9. The commitment and dedication of our tireless staff to help you reach your goals.
10. The availability to other Central Bark® business managers in a network that offers you continuous support and access to other Doggy Day Care people.
11. The advantages of being part of a rapidly expanding network of Doggy Day Care owners.
12. Access to experience and knowledge that will take the guesswork out of running your own business.
13. Access to two nationally-known and recognized small business entrepreneurs and experts in the Doggy Day Care business.