Four Paws Franchise Opportunity
Who is Four Paws?
We are proud to be one of the largest and fastest growing canine and pet care providers in the North West of England (UK). We offer Doggie Daycare, Boarding Kennels, Dog Grooming, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting and Pet Taxis, with a focus on excellent customer service and the highest animal welfare standards.
We are also an accredited training organisation, with our groom school producing highly skilled and motivated groomers, many of which go on to have successful grooming businesses of their own.
We believe that pets are part of the family, and that’s why Four Paws is very much a family environment. We know that owners want to be assured that their companions are being cared for by trained, qualified professionals who will love their pets as much as they do. We pride ourselves on setting the standard of care and professionalism to which others in the industry aspire.
We are continually expanding and we have a variety of new franchise opportunities right now in several locations. If you want to join with us
The Team
Fern Gresty – Director
Following a successful career in advertising and marketing, I took a risk and quit my job to provide Cheshire with the first licenced Doggie Daycare Centre in the council’s area. Four Paws opened in July 2009 and has grown to provide a range of pet services including doggie daycare, dog and cat grooming, pet taxi, dog groomer training and overnight kennels.
I am lucky to have dogs all of my life including labradors, rottweilers and mongrels! My family are currently owned by a Bull Mastiff crossbreed called Waffle who joined us from the Dogs Trust. We think Waffle is about 9 years old but it is hard to tell as she behaves like a puppy at times! I also have a 13 year old cat called Macavity, he is a tabby and white short haired moggy who likes to get several dinners a day from different neighbours houses!
We employ over 25 people across the Four Paws branded businesses and operate from several sites. I am proud that the business is growing and others are joining us as part of our expansion plans. I am very proud of all we have achieved at Four Paws.
Sarah Mackay – Regional Grooming
Manager/Director of Four Paws Groom School Following a successful career of over 15 years in HR, Quality Management and Training I decided to follow my childhood passion of working with dogs. I completed my initial dog grooming course when I was in my early twenties and continued to study dog behaviour and psychology. My passion for grooming grew and I took the big leap to join Four Paws in January 2016 and I have never looked back. My role combines both my passions of training students and grooming dogs everyday all day… what’s there not to love.
I have 2 furbabies Alfie is an 9 year black Labrador and Benji is a Labradoodle (yes I am one of those owners) but he makes a good subject and discussion in the school!!
Business Support
What do you get as a Franchisee?
Many people think of starting their own business – for the financial rewards and the opportunity to be their own boss. But with reward comes risk; Taking on a franchise within a proven operation reduces those risks substantially. By joining Four Paws, you can reduce them even more!
What kind of support can I expect from Four Paws as a Franchisee
Head Office support is essential when setting up a franchise. In the early days we will make sure you have all the support you need until you feel confortable and confident enough to take complete control. This includes:
Location assistance
We will provide advice on choosing the right location, and give guidance on issues such as rent viability,
lease agreements, planning challenges and annual fees. We will help you find independent professional advice,
and also help with on-site reviews and due diligence.
Salon fit-out and insurances
We will provide details outlining all the components that need to be ordered and assembled to build the
business as well as trusted suppliers and sources.
Marketing assistance
We will provide a standard marketing plan for your new business that covers all activity for at least the
first month of operation: social media activity, a bespoke microsite from the Four Paws Group site, general marketing materials, brand guidance and advice on promoting your business through Facebook.
Operations training
If you don’t already have the relevant qualifications or training to open up a new salon we can provide The Open College Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming at our HQ for an additional cost.
Essential skills training
If you don’t already have the relevant qualifications or training to open up a new salon we can provide The Open College Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming at our HQ for an additional cost.
As a Franchisee you buy the right to develop your business in a defined geographical area, with a guarantee from us that there will be no Four Paws competitor in that area. We want you to be able to offer your Clients the full breadth of Four Paws expertise, so you will receive our full support in all disciplines and services.
The Earnings Potential
What you can earn out of a Four Paws Franchise is, in the final analysis, up to you: Which services you offer, how hard you work and how much time you are prepared to invest. It’s no different to anything else. But you’ll be surprised at how the numbers can stack up:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
| Income | £22,155 | £44,200 | £52,600 |
| Overheads | £13,310 | £15,480 | £15,480 |
| Profits | £8,845 | £28,720 | £37,120 |
Four Paws Grooming Franchise £15,000 + VAT
It is important to emphasise that the above figures are projections provided for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be a statement, representation, warranty or guarantee of individual franchisee earnings. It is essential that (prior to entering into the franchise) you satisfy yourself of the value of the investment. you intend to make in terms of both time and money.
Testimonials
Absolutely fantastic course from start to f inish. I don’t know how she does it but Sarah always finds the time to help and advice. Brilliant atmosphere in the student studio and great to mix with Sian and the other qualif ied groomers in the next room. Wagging tails everywhere, there is nothing not to love! Thanks ladies x!
I really didn’t know what to expect when I started my 25-day course but it was the best 5 weeks I could have asked for! It was hands on from day 1 and over the weeks I felt my confidence grow. It was great to be able to work with dogs that were well behaved and those that were more challenging; you don’t just learn how to groom a dog, you learn how to read their behaviour and what to do in different situations. I was able to get experience with over 20 different breeds, which was brilliant as I finished feeling ready to start my new career. Thank you to all of the team at Four Paws, for making me feel so welcome.
Just picked up our usually scruffy and very hairy miniature labradoodle and she looks and smells amazing. Fantastic service from all the staff, really took on board our comments of leaving beardy furry character but getting a good trim and smarten up at the same time. I would heartily recommend, great job guys thank you!
What is included in the initial Franchise?
Marketing and Advertising
• Use of the company name, logo, brand
guidelines and established reputation
• An exclusive trade area (5 miles) and a wider
shared trading area (12 miles)
• 1000 leaflets
• 100 business cards
• 100 appointment cards
• 100 loyalty cards
• A website presence on the group company
website and continued search engine optimisation
• A personalised mini website for your specific
salon/service
• A personalised email address
• Set up of a Facebook page
• Set up of a Twitter account
• Franchisee Facebook group for idea sharing
and advice
• 2 x adverts for use in local press
• An opening press release and advice of salon
launch PR and marketing
• Annual representation at large events such as
Crufts, Dogfest and The Family Pet Show
Equipment
• Uniforms for 1 x full time members of staff
(extra uniforms available to order)
• Welcome hamper – including shampoos,
conditioner and cleaning products
• Discounted equipment pack, tailor made to suit your
style and need
• Rights to Four Paws product range
Business
• Advice on fitting out a grooming salon and
considerations to be made
• Membership of the British Isles Grooming
Association
• Membership of the Federation of Small Businesses
• Advice on obtaining a vehicle and fitting
it out if required
• Advice on the site plan and obtaining planning
permission for the salon
• Assessment of business essentials including
insurances, health and safety practices,
employment laws and potential issues
• Telephone and email support from all members
of the team and a back-up option of cover for
sickness and holidays
• Reduced fee on subsequent franchises
• Discounted insurance cover through Cliverton
• Franchisee operation manual
• Annual franchisee conference for idea sharing
and business building.
• Set annual subscription fee (after first year of
£3,600) – the more you work the more you earn,
no catches!
Training
• 25 days of training including OCN Qualif i cation
• Skills training of up to 10 days in a Four Paws Salon
• 5 days of business and marketing training
What do you need to be successful?
What do you need to be successful as a Four Paws Franchisee? There is just no escaping the fact that running your own business can be hard work. However, you are doing it for yourself and the rewards of a Four Paws franchise will be there for you to see from day one. If you possess the following attributes then a Four Paws franchise could be just what you have been looking for:
Motivated by Results – Focus on activity – Meet goals – Evaluate results
Big Thinker – Imagine the future – Recognise necessary tasks
Motivated – Make business happen – Care about success – Recognise efforts
Optimist – Look forward – Create solutions – Stay positive
Seatbelt Enthusiast – Like direction – Want a safety net
Resilient – Trust in the future – Keep setbacks in perspective
Calm and Collected – Stay Consistent – Keep Composure – Address Issues
People Person – Relate to customers – Succeed at networking – Be a voice in the community
If everything you’ve read so far makes sense, and you think that a Four Paws franchise is something you want to know more about, we should talk further.
For further information and contact details about this Franchise Opportunity, please fill in the form below to download a free information pack. Fields marked * are required.
Need anything else?
If you want to find out about our franchise services, or if you would like a free review of your business without cost or obligation, contact us today.