The Camp Bow Wow franchise is one of North America’s best-known pet care brands, specializing in dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and training. According to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the estimated initial investment ranges from $1,216,577 to $2,037,471*, which includes an initial franchise fee of $50,000–$55,500*.

Since its founding, Camp Bow Wow has expanded to more than 220 locations across North America, becoming a recognized leader in the fast-growing pet services industry. Backed by Propelled Brands, its parent company, the franchise benefits from strong operational support, national marketing, and systems designed to simplify daily management for owners.

For entrepreneurs who love dogs and want to step into the booming $100+ billion pet care market, Camp Bow Wow offers a structured pathway into an essential, high-demand industry. In this guide, we’ll break down the startup costs, daily operations, training and support, brand history, territory rights, and owner profile to help you evaluate whether this franchise is the right fit for your goals.

For those comparing different opportunities in the franchise sector, the Franchise Brokers Association offers expert resources and guidance to help you evaluate your options.

This article is sponsored by Camp Bow Wow The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.

Who Owns Camp Bow Wow and What’s the Brand Story?

Camp Bow Wow was founded in 2000 in Westminster, Colorado, with a simple mission: “Making Dogs Happy.” From the beginning, the franchise distinguished itself with a model that prioritized transparency, safety, and fun. Its signature offerings—supervised open-play dog daycare, secure overnight boarding, and live webcams so owners can check in on their pets—quickly built trust with pet parents.

By 2003, Camp Bow Wow began franchising, and the concept spread rapidly as demand for high-quality pet care surged. Over the next two decades, it expanded nationwide, becoming the largest dog daycare and boarding franchise in North America.

In 2024, Camp Bow Wow was acquired by Propelled Brands, the franchising powerhouse behind other nationally recognized brands such as FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, and MY SALON Suite®. This acquisition infused the pet care franchise with additional franchising expertise, operational resources, and strategic support—strengthening its position in the booming pet services industry.

Today, Camp Bow Wow operates with over 220 locations across North America and serves millions of dogs annually. Its franchise model blends a beloved consumer brand with a structured support system for owners, creating consistency in customer experience while allowing local entrepreneurs to serve their communities.

The result is a trusted name in the $100+ billion pet care sector, offering dog owners peace of mind and franchisees the backing of an experienced parent company with a proven track record of growth.

How Much Does a Camp Bow Wow Franchise Cost?

Opening a Camp Bow Wow franchise requires an estimated $1.2 million to $2.0 million* investment, including the $50,000–$55,500* franchise fee.

The largest expenses come from facility build-out, real estate improvements, and specialized equipment like dog cabins and webcam systems. The franchise also requires significant working capital for the first year of operations.

Startup Costs & Fees.

Category	Low Estimate*	High Estimate*
Initial Franchise Fee*	$50,000	$55,500
Travel for Initial Training*	$1,000	$2,965
Real Estate Improvements*	$824,536	$1,112,870
Equipment, Supplies & Inventory*	$71,306	$113,924
Dog Cabins & Interior Fencing*	$99,734	$227,010
Signage*	$4,846	$21,729
Webcam System*	$23,639	$29,000
Payroll (pre-opening)*	$5,592	$34,281
Rent & Utilities (pre-opening)*	$16,579	$33,231
Professional Services & Permits*	$20,910	$46,864
Marketing (Grand Opening/Launch)*	$10,435	$25,000
Financing Fees*	$10,000	$160,097
Additional Funds (12 mo.)*	$140,000	$175,000
Total Estimated Investment*	$1,216,577	$2,037,471

What Services Do Camp Bow Wow Franchises Provide?

Camp Bow Wow is a full-service pet care franchise that offers multiple service categories, giving franchise owners diverse revenue opportunities while meeting a wide range of customer needs. Its model is designed to attract repeat visits, build loyalty, and position each location as a trusted destination for dog care.

Core Services Offered.

• Doggy Daycare – Supervised open-play environments provide exercise, socialization, and enrichment for dogs, giving pet parents peace of mind while they’re at work or away for the day.
• Overnight Boarding – Climate-controlled cabins with attentive staff create a safe and comfortable overnight stay. Many owners use this service during travel or vacations.
• Grooming & Baths – Services include basic grooming, nail trims, and add-on spa-style treatments that encourage repeat visits.
• Training & Enrichment – Behavior training, obedience classes, and enrichment programs offer pet parents solutions for both basic manners and ongoing development.
• Retail Add-ons – Treats, toys, and branded merchandise create additional point-of-sale opportunities and reinforce customer loyalty.

The variety of services allows franchisees to capture multiple touchpoints with the same customer base. A single pet parent might book weekly daycare, add occasional grooming, and schedule boarding for travel—all within one trusted brand. This integrated model not only drives consistent foot traffic but also helps build long-term relationships with pet owners who value convenience, safety, and quality care.

What Training and Support Are Provided?

One of the strengths of the Camp Bow Wow franchise system is its comprehensive training and support structure. Designed for both seasoned entrepreneurs and those new to pet care, the program equips franchisees with the tools, knowledge, and resources to operate confidently and deliver consistent service.

Initial Training: Franchisees begin with a 7-day training program at Camp Bow Wow’s headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. This blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning in core areas like daily operations, animal safety, customer service, and marketing best practices.

Camp Bow Wow University: An online learning platform offers ongoing education modules and staff certifications. This ensures that team members stay aligned with brand standards, customer expectations, and the latest in pet care protocols.

On-Site Launch Support: Corporate field representatives provide assistance during setup and the grand opening phase. They continue to support franchisees with periodic in-market coaching, operational guidance, and performance reviews.

Marketing Assistance: Franchisees benefit from national advertising campaigns, professionally designed local marketing templates, and digital/social media guidance to attract and retain pet parents.

Technology & Systems: Camp Bow Wow provides proprietary technology tools, including a POS and reservation platform, customer-facing mobile app, and integrated webcam systems that allow pet parents to check in on their dogs remotely. These systems enhance both operations and customer experience.

Peer Network & Conferences: Owners join a collaborative franchise community with access to annual conferences, regional meetings, and online forums. This network fosters knowledge-sharing, problem-solving, and camaraderie among franchisees.

Camp Bow Wow’s layered support system helps new owners succeed even if they come from outside the pet industry. If you’d like to learn more about how franchise systems structure their training and support, the Franchise Brokers Association blog offers helpful franchise education insights.

What Are the Day-to-Day Operations Like?

Running a Camp Bow Wow franchise is both structured and rewarding, combining hands-on pet care with people and business management. A typical facility ranges from 6,000–10,000+ square feet and includes indoor and outdoor play yards, boarding cabins, grooming stations, and webcams for customer transparency.

Core Daily Activities.

Franchise owners and their teams manage a variety of responsibilities that keep the facility safe, efficient, and welcoming:

• Supervised playgroups: Staff members, known as Camp Counselors, oversee open-play daycare sessions, ensuring dog safety, socialization, and enrichment.
• Boarding operations: Handling check-ins and check-outs, preparing cabins, and monitoring dogs staying overnight.
• Service appointments: Coordinating grooming, baths, training sessions, and enrichment add-ons.
• Customer service: Greeting pet parents, scheduling services, managing billing, and answering client questions.
• Team leadership: Leading and coaching a staff of approximately 8–12 Camp Counselors, who carry out the day-to-day care.

Franchise owners can take a hands-on role in daily operations or adopt a semi-absentee model by hiring a manager to oversee staff. However, early owner involvement is highly recommended to establish strong culture, ensure quality standards, and build long-term customer trust.

The combination of recurring daycare visits, boarding stays, grooming add-ons, and training programs makes daily operations dynamic and relationship-driven. Owners spend their time balancing staff management, client interaction, and community visibility, while relying on Camp Bow Wow’s proven systems and technology to streamline scheduling, billing, and communications.

Who Is the Ideal Camp Bow Wow Owner?

Not every entrepreneur is the right match for a Camp Bow Wow franchise, but the brand tends to attract people who combine a love for animals with solid business and leadership skills. While passion for dogs is a strong motivator, successful franchisees also treat the business as a serious investment that requires management, marketing, and community engagement.

Key Traits of Successful Owners.

• Passion for pets and people: Owners who thrive genuinely enjoy working with dogs and interacting with their owners. The role blends customer service with animal care, making enthusiasm for both essential.
• Leadership and management skills: Running a facility with daycare, boarding, grooming, and training requires leading a team of Camp Counselors, setting standards for care, and ensuring consistent operations.
• Financial readiness: With startup costs exceeding $1 million, Camp Bow Wow is best suited for entrepreneurs or investors who can commit significant capital and manage the financial demands of a facility-based business.
• Community focus: Owners who get involved locally—partnering with rescues, sponsoring pet-related events, or hosting adoption days—often strengthen brand visibility and build trust with pet parents.
• Customer service mindset: Meeting the expectations of pet parents requires patience, communication, and a willingness to deliver transparency (including features like live webcams).

Camp Bow Wow attracts two common groups of franchisees:

• Career changers: Professionals seeking purpose-driven work that lets them combine business ownership with a love for animals.
• Investors: Entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators who see the resilience of the pet care industry and value the diversified revenue model.

If you want to build a business that balances passion for pets with operational discipline, Camp Bow Wow offers a structured franchise system backed by strong brand recognition, industry growth, and national support.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How much does it cost to open a Camp Bow Wow franchise?
Between $1,216,577 and $2,037,471*, including the franchise fee, facility build-out, and working capital.

What services do Camp Bow Wow locations provide?
Doggy daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, training, enrichment, and retail add-ons.

Do I need pet care experience to own a Camp Bow Wow?
No. The franchisor provides full training and support. Passion for pets and strong management skills are most important.

How long is the franchise term?
The initial agreement lasts 10 years, renewable for two additional 10-year terms with a renewal fee of 50% of the franchise fee.

Who owns Camp Bow Wow?
As of 2024, Camp Bow Wow is owned by Propelled Brands, a multi-brand franchising company.

Is Camp Bow Wow the Right Fit for You?

Camp Bow Wow stands out in the $147 billion U.S. pet care market. With a proven business model, strong support from Propelled Brands, and customer loyalty built on transparency and care, it offers a compelling opportunity for dog-loving entrepreneurs.

That said, the model requires high upfront investment, daily staff management, and regulatory compliance. It’s best suited for owners who combine financial strength with passion for pets and people.